Yeah, he’s a big old punk dude, but Henry Rollins just wants us all to get along. Photos by .
As if I needed someone to fuel my crazy left-wing bonfire anymore, there was . I was still riding high from Obama’s victory, and Rollins’ performance at the on Saturday night only added to my burning heap of bleeding-heart liberal timber and ash, Rollins regaling a packed house with ideas on solving world hunger, improving relations with the Middle East and what it feels like to have the blue-gloved hand of Homeland Security shoved up your ass. Literally.
To say that Rollins is as far left a nut-job as myself, or that he was just in town to wave a proud flag for the Democratic party, would be unfair; much like our President-elect, Rollins was realistic, optimistic and open to all topics concerning Americans in his two-hour-plus engagement.
He spoke on the passing of the backward and archaic notion that is Proposition 8, and his idea that if Bootsy Collins, George Clinton and the rest of Parliament / Funkadelic would just do a spaceship tour of the world and spread love, things would be alright.
He cracked some snide jokes at the Republican party’s recent bid, but in typical Rollins style, retained an air of empathy (never cynicism) toward John McCain, speaking briefly on McCain’s own visible apprehension toward his below-the-belt jabs at Obama as the election had come to a close. He wondered aloud about George W. Bush’s life once his term was up, setting a scene of the desolate Texas plains rancher and his wife settling into a life of boredom in the aftermath of his last eight terrible years.
Rollins moved to talking about he and close friend Ian Mackaye’s (founding member of Fugazi, Minor Threat and owner/founder of label Dischord) first foray into life-changing music, a tale involving a homemade fake ID and a defining moment at a Dammed/Bad Brains show in the late ’70s where Rollins realized his calling as a singer. He talked about his long-standing relationship as a friend and fan of the Brains, and the impact the band had on his life and career in music.
These parts of his performance were the most powerful for me as a music-obsessed individual, hanging on every word about his Black Flag days and the unreal stories about the Brains, but Rollins spoke to many current topics, weaving them together into one seamless story.
When Rollins speaks, there is never a break between subjects; tales of watching Monday Night Football with William Shatner slide perfectly next to his strong declarations on the desire to give Bangkok prostitutes a speech on self-esteem.
Henry spends his time traveling the world with the sole purpose of meeting every kind of person, bringing to light how differences make us who we are as a human race. He is famous for a booming voice and intimidating manner, but underneath his drill sergeant façade, the message remains simple and clear: have empathy for your neighbor, and live the best life possible.
Closing the evening, Rollins shared a great story about a Laotian tour guide he met, and how the man became accidental guru to him simply by asking, “Henry? What is your life?”
I left Boulder wondering the same thing. Thank you, Henry, for totally ruling.
is a Denver writer and regular Reverb contributor. Check out her and .
is a Denver freelance photographer and regular Reverb contributor.
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