Henry Rollins on Books: In 25 Words or Less
August 5, 2010 in Music & Books
When I first had the idea to speak to Musicians about books, I didn’t figure I would kick it off with Henry Rollins. When I told Synde about my weird idea, we tossed names around, sent out some emails thinking we wouldn’t get many (if any) replies. Within hours of Synde emailing Henry, he responded and stunned was the apt word for Synde and I. I’m still in a bit of shock and sincerely want to thank Henry for agreeing.
For those of you who aren’t aware, in 1981 he became the lead singer of Black Flag and went on to form the Rollins Band. On top of that, Henry does spoken word tours, has acted in several movies/ TV shows as well as being a published author of several books. Henry is also an activist, campagining to free the “West Memphis Three” and visiting the troops in Iraq.
In High School, the first book I read other than school related was See A Grown Man Cry, Now Watch Him Die by Henry Rollins. I think a friend recommended it to me and it’s a book I don’t think I will ever forget. It was the first book I ever bought myself and you all know what happened after that.
It is my pleasure to have Henry Rollins here & I also want to thank Synde for indulging my little idea & helping me out so much! As you can see Henry isn’t a man to mince words 
-Natasha
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What books influenced you as a child?
My Side Of The Mountain was the first book I ever read twice.
Do you read a certain genre? Have a favorite author?
Genre wise, I guess I have read a lot of literature. Favorite authors include Henry Miller, Hubert Selby Jr., F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Wolfe.
What are you reading now?
The Teeth May Smile but the Heart Does Not Forget: Murder and Memory in Uganda
What five authors would you like to sit down and have dinner with? (living or dead)
Henry Miller, Mark Twain, Alfred Jarry, Daniil Kharms, Franz Kafka.
Will you be writing any more? Spoken word tours? What’s next for Henry Rollins?
Working on three books and finishing a 142 show tour this month.
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You can find Henry on his website: 21361
Synde’s Jewellery Line: Cemetery Cat Designs
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I’m in a bit of fangirl shock right now. I told you ladies hubby #1 looked like Henry, but he was nowhere near as well rounded! This was amazing. Taking an inside look at one of the leading men of music, one of the people who directly influenced the bands I listen to and love today, may have made my day. Thank you!
Oh what a cool idea! I loved My Side of the Mountain the two times I’ve read it as well (the movie sucked though)
I’m a big Kafka fan, Henry Miller as well. I read THE TURN of the SCREW when I was in middle school and I carried that copy around with me for the whole year. I did that when I first read DRACULA too, but I scribbled “Denn Die Toten Reiten Schnell” all over all of my notebooks–yeah, I’m still a goofy fan girl. *g*
I love Henry’s poetry. It’s visceral and stark, real. It’s not pretentious like many modern poets.
It would be lovely if one of those spoken word tours would stop in Kansas City or Lawrence. *hint hint*
All the best to Henry, it was so cool of him to stop by!!
First, let me start by saying I’ve had a huge crush on Henry Rollins for as long as I can remember so – OMG can’t believe you “talked” to him!
I had no idea he’d written books so I’m going to have to go check that out. As for the book he’s reading now – Uganda holds a special place in my heart so I will definitely be looking for this one.
That was awesome! Very cool! This is a great idea, and I can’t wait to read more!!
Very nicely done. I have been a huge Rollins fan for 15+ years now, and seen his spoken word 4 or 5 times. He came through Boulder a few months ago. Still a big fan of how unabashedly real he is.
I saw his Spoken Word tour in Boulder too as a matter of fact, but it was in 1996
SQUEEEEEE!!!!!! It’s, it’s…Henry Rollins. *thud* What a complete hottie. Fab post.
Holy shite! Henry motherfriggin Rollins!! I’d have a huge crush on him if I wasn’t so intimidated by him. He’s definitely the poster child for telling it like it is. I bow down Pix. Love that you came up with this post idea. Looking forward to future ones.
Kafka and Twain, sigh, be still my heart!! I saw Rollins Band in 1992 and saw Henry on his Spoken Word Tour in 1996 – I remember it was right after the lead singer of Blind Melon had just died of an OD and Henry had so many moving things to say on the matter. He is truly an Enigma.
Absolutely awesome interview, Ladies.
OMG, what a brilliant idea. You rock. Both of you and Synde. Now I feel this need to come up with some kind of cool idea for my blog. I hate you. Really though, I love this feature! I hope more artists respond:) Wow, Hentry is into some deep shit.
How awesome that he replied to your e-mail
omg, I must check out not only his books but the ones he’s mentioned
[...] case you’ve missed the previous interviews (Clem of White Cowbell Oklahoma, Henry Rollins, Klayton of Celldweller) click for the direct link to each of [...]