Henry Rollins

Henry Rollins
Frank Schwichtenberg · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Henry Rollins
Birth name	Henry Lawrence Garfield
Birth date	February 13, 1961
Birth place	Washington, D.C.
Occupation	Musician, singer, songwriter, actor, writer, comedian, radio host, activist

Henry Rollins is a renowned American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as the frontman of the Hardcore punk band Black Flag and the Rollins Band. Born in Washington, D.C., Rollins grew up in the Glover Park neighborhood, where he developed an interest in Punk rock music, inspired by bands like The Ramones, The Clash, and The Sex Pistols. He attended Gonzaga College High School and later American University, where he befriended Ian MacKaye of Minor Threat and Dischord Records.

● Early Life

Rollins was born to Iris Rollins and Paul Garfield, and his early life was marked by a troubled relationship with his parents, which he has spoken about in his Spoken word performances, citing influences from William S. Burroughs and Charles Bukowski. He found solace in music, particularly Punk rock and Post-punk, listening to bands like The Damned, The Misfits, and Joy Division. Rollins' early life was also shaped by his experiences at Gonzaga College High School, where he was a classmate of Ian MacKaye, and later at American University, where he befriended Jeff Nelson of Dischord Records and The Teen Idles.

● Music Career

Rollins' music career began in the early 1980s, when he joined the Hardcore punk band State of Alert, which was part of the Dischord Records roster, alongside bands like Minor Threat and Bad Brains. In 1981, he joined Black Flag as the band's lead vocalist, replacing Ron Reyes and touring extensively with the band, sharing the stage with Hüsker Dü, The Replacements, and Sonic Youth. After Black Flag disbanded in 1986, Rollins formed the Rollins Band, which released several albums, including Life Time and Hard Volume, and toured with bands like Guns N' Roses, Jane's Addiction, and Faith No More.

● Spoken Word and Acting

In addition to his music career, Rollins has also gained recognition for his Spoken word performances, which often feature stories about his life, social commentary, and critiques of modern society, citing influences from Lenny Bruce and George Carlin. He has toured extensively with his Spoken word shows, sharing the stage with comedians like Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock, and has appeared in films like Lost Highway and Heat, alongside actors like Bill Pullman and Al Pacino. Rollins has also made guest appearances on television shows like The Simpsons and Scrubs, and has hosted his own radio show on KCRW.

● Writing and Publishing

Rollins is also a prolific writer and has published several books, including Get in the Van and Black Coffee Blues, which offer insights into his life and career, citing influences from Hunter S. Thompson and Charles Bukowski. He has written for publications like The Los Angeles Times and The Village Voice, and has been a contributor to National Public Radio and BBC Radio 1. Rollins' writing often explores themes of social justice, politics, and personal freedom, and he has been praised for his unique perspective and writing style, which has been compared to that of William S. Burroughs and J.G. Ballard.

● Personal Life

Rollins is known for his intense and disciplined lifestyle, which includes a strict vegan diet and a rigorous exercise routine, citing influences from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Lee. He has been open about his struggles with Depression and Anxiety, and has used his platform to raise awareness about mental health issues, citing the work of National Alliance on Mental Illness and American Psychological Association. Rollins has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including Amnesty International and PETA, and has supported causes like Animal rights and Environmentalism, alongside activists like Ingrid Newkirk and Ed Begley Jr..