Henry Rollins is a US rock musician best known as the frontman of the Black Flag and Rollins Band. Today he is better known for his performances in the spoken word genre, acting (there are more than 60 films and TV series in his filmography), as well as books (the most popular of which is called "Iron").
early years
Henry Rollins was born on February 13, 1961 in the American capital - Washington. When he was only three years old, his parents filed for divorce and he stayed with his mother.
During his school years, Henry suffered from depression and low self-esteem. His other problem at the time was terrible behavior. Because of this, he was even forced to transfer from one educational institution to another. According to Rollins, it was during his school years that he accumulated a fair amount of anger towards others.
Then Henry became a student at the American University of Washington, but studied here for only one semester - until December 1979.
Musical career
Rollins became interested in punk rock after his friend Ian McKay let him listen to the plastic of the legendary Ramones. Ian McKay by that time already had his own rock ensemble, The Teen Idles, and it was there that Henry gained his first experience as a musician: when vocalist Nathan Stredgesek did not come to rehearsals, Henry took his place.
In 1980, Rollins managed to become the frontman of the Minor Threat group, which was soon renamed S. O. A. At that time, Henry was working as an ice cream seller for Häagen-Dazs. Having this job allowed him to raise money to record his debut album. It was titled "No Policy" and was released in 1981 via Dischord Records.
But in the end, the group did not last long. After playing just over ten concerts, S. O. A disbanded.
In 1980, Rollins became acquainted with the album of the California band Black Flag "Nervous Breakdown". He really liked the album, he became a fan of Black Flag and began to correspond with the band's bassist Chuck Dukovski.
At some point, the group needed a new vocalist, and according to the results of the audition, it was Henry who was taken to this position. After that, he quit his job at Häagen-Dazs, moved to Los Angeles and got the Black Flag insignia on his left bicep.
Rollins quickly managed to create his own unique image: he usually appeared on stage with a naked torso, wearing only black shorts. In general, during concerts, he behaved very aggressively and sometimes even got into fights with the audience.
In 1984, Black Flag's music began to noticeably shift from punk to heavy metal, which alienated some of the former audience from the guys.
In the summer of 1986, the group ceased to exist. However, a year later Rollins assembled a new team - the Rollins Band. In 1989 the first disc of this group was released - "Life Time", and in 1989 the second one - "Hard Volume". However, the albums "The End of Silence" (1992) and "Weight" (1994) are considered to be the pinnacle of Rollins Band's creativity. Thanks to them, the group became famous not only in the United States, but also in other countries. Soon, Rollins Band songs began to be played on MTV and musicians led by Henry were able to give concerts even at large venues.
The Rollins Band continued its activities until 2003, after which Henry decided to end his career as a rock musician.
Rollins as a spoken word artist
Back in the second half of the eighties, Rollins began performing in the spoken word genre (as in the United States they call artistic recitation to the public). There is humor in his speeches, but the emphasis is not on him, but on interesting stories, subtle observations and deep and reflections on life. After 2003, these performances are actually Rollins' main activity.
Henry publishes his recordings in this genre on his own independent label "2.13.61". It should be noted that this label also publishes works by other rockers - Joe Cole, Nick Cave, Michael Gira, etc.
Rollins on TV and in the movies
In 1994, Rollins appeared as the overconfident cop Dobbs in The Chase. Hollywood appreciated the musician's charisma, and he began to get invitations to the roles of tough silent guys quite often. In 1995 he starred in the role of Spider in the fantastic action movie Johnny Mnemonic, in 1996 he played in the movie Lost Highway, in 1998 in the family comedy Jack Frost, in 2001 in the crime drama The only way out , etc.
And his most striking work as an actor - the role of the leader of the Nazi gang AJ Weston in the second season of the series "Sons of Anarchy", as well as the main role in the black crime comedy "He Never Died" (2015).
Some facts about personal life
Rollins considers himself a lonely person, he does not have many close friends. Among them are the already mentioned musician Ian McKay (Henry met him when he was still a child) and actor William Shatner.
In addition, the rocker says that after thirty he had no long-term romantic relationship. Rollins has no children either. In an interview, the musician said that he adheres to the ideology of childfree.
Rollins is also a pescetarian (eats fish, but does not eat meat from warm-blooded animals).
The rock musician devotes quite a lot of time to sports. Twice a day (morning and evening), Henry visits the gym, where he pulls "iron". He does not neglect these activities even when he is on the road.
