Henry Rollins (original) (raw)

Henry Rollins (born February 13, 1961) is an American rock music performer, storyteller, author, actor and poet.

Born Henry Garfield in Washington D.C, he was enrolled in a prep school. He became involved in the punk scene through his close friend Ian MacKaye (who would later head Minor Threat and Fugazi). He then joined State of Alert, which would release one EP before disbanding. In 1981, his friend Mitch Parker gave him a copy of Black Flag's Nervous Breakdown EP; Garfield soon became a huge fan of them and went to see them in New York City. At an impromptu show in a bar, he jumped up on stage to sing the song "Clocked In." As vocalist Dez Cadena was going to switch to guitar, the band invited Garfield to practice with the band. They invited him to become their permanent vocalist, and despite some doubts, he accepted. He adopted his nickname, Rollins, as his last name. His large, muscular figure and intense personality made him a perfect fit as their frontman.

Rollins toured and recorded with Black Flag from 1981 until their breakup in 1986. He released a solo album and an ep Chris Haskett. Soon, he added former Gone members Andrew Weiss and Sim Cain, calling the new group the Rollins Band. They gained popularity through the strength of albums like The End of Silence (1992) and Weight (1994). He also gained roles in movies and television shows (particularly as a VJ on MTV). Rollins is also a successful independent publisher, having been so since he had been with Black Flag, using his own company, Two Thirteen Sixty One.

Throughout the 1990s, he toured as a spoken-word artist, focusing mostly on social topics, as well as recounting his life experiences. His blend of self-conscious humor and serious discussion of important social issues has gained him great popularity. He has released nine spoken word albums through his 2.13.61 publishing company, which has also released books by Rollins, Joe Cole, Nick Cave, and Michael Gira, as well as albums by Rollins Band, Exene Cervenka, The Birthday Party, and Gun Club.

Rollins is an avowed free jazz fan, having released albums by Matthew Shipp and Roscoe Mitchell on his 2.13.61 label. In 1990, Rollins guest hosted a Los Angeles, California college radio program devoted to Albert Ayler.

Rollins is also a co-host of the television program Full Metal Challenge on The Learning Channel.

Discography - Musical Releases

Discography - Spoken Word Releases

Discography - Rollins Band Releases

Books

partial list

Film and Video

Rollins's official site