Henry Rollins
Friday night me and sweet had the pleasure of seeing one of my inspirations, Henry Rollins. We were lucky enough to be a stop on Henry's latest Spoken Word tour. We were both anticipating the night since we bought the tickets. He played Amos's, and while it wasn't packed, a good number of people showed up.
For those of you that don't know, Henry Rollins was in a punk band called Black Flag. He was at the forefront of DC's hardcore scene for years. Befriending many a musician. He has books out describing the early scene, as well as many topics that range from music to politics. He conducts Spoken Word tours all over the world. In recent years he switched to tv shows, where he conducts some of the most thought provoking interviews, to his radio shows. He's a world traveler and an advocate on issues ranging from the war to the death penalty. He visits the troops in the battlefield as well as in the infirmary. Passing on good chear and laughter when he can. Needless to say I admire the man greatly.
Henry went on to speak for three hours. Yes, you read that right three hours. Most people may have lost you some where along the way but Rollins kept your interest with his travalogue of stories. I loved the enthusiastic way he described the honour it was to be asked to sing for a one night reunion show fo the British Punk band the Ruts . It was a benefit concert to raise money for Paul Fox the guitarist. He has been battling cancer. The thing about Henry that really jumped out at me, beyond someone who really wants to help the world, is that he wasn't that far removed from us. Even after all these years and all the people he's met. He is still a Fanboy. He talked about owning all the different pressings of the Ruts singles. The German version. The Spanish version...etc. The only difference was a small, made in the different countries label. hahaa He talked about what it was like to walk into a room meeting some of his idols. Touching the guitars that actually recorded those legendary albums. And the strange looks the rest of the band gave him. :-) He was truly like a kid in a candy store.
Youtube it. The show looked to be a blast. If the reunion of the Ruts wasn't enough UK Subs and the Damned were also some of the bands that where there too. I can't imagine what it must be like to play on stage with a band that inspired you in your youth. If that wasn't enough to warrent my jealousy, Henry talked about singing back up with Nick Cave's side project Grinderman. OMG!!! How cool is that?!!
He went on to touch on many topics throughout the three hours. Everything ranging from the war, homosexuality to traveling to Syria and Iran. He ended with a plea to the audience of the importance of voting. It was truly a unique night. One we won't soon forget. Henry came off as a creative and humble individual and I thank him greatly for promoting awareness through out the world. We definitely need more people like him.
Who would of thought listening to Black Flag all those years ago, that the singer would go on to be such an important voice in the world. Just goes to show you, we all have a voice so we should use it to be heard. I know I definitely want to.
Peace,
Herc
