CityLife

Interview: Henry Rollins

Henry Rollins

HENRY Rollins confesses: “I don’t think I am all that funny.” Well, that’s something you don’t often hear from someone featured in our comedy section.

Most interviewees here are pretty confident in their ability to make people laugh... only teasing, guys and gals.

Though that said you have to be pretty sure about your ability to tickle the funny bone if you’re going to attempt stand up and Rollins isn’t, so that’s why he doesn’t call what he does comedy.

“I just go up on stage and talk. I call them talking shows. Isn’t stand up endless humour? I don’t have that kind of ammunition. I think it’s a rare talent and I don’t believe I possess it. As far as something I said as being funny, sometimes it just happens.”

But plenty, judging by his audiences, would beg to differ on his ability to make people laugh and that’s why he’s here. And we’re proud to have him. The ‘talking shows’ are Rollins’ latest method of expressing himself but originally it was through his music and angry stage performances that he vented and consequently became well known.

Back in 1981, after a short period spent in Washington DC band State of Alert, he joined Black Flag, the legendary punk outfit, where he honed his intense stage presence. Though he formed The Henry Rollins Band in 1986 after Black Flag split, at the present time he feels music’s not the outlet for him. “I have no music plans. I’ve done a lot of that and don’t feel the need to go running back to it any time soon. Perhaps some time though.”

Over the last few years he’s become a familiar face on the TV and big screen too taking on plenty of acting roles. The last was one he particularly enjoyed.

“The last acting job was a TV show called Sons Of Anarchy. That was last year. It was the most memorable because it was so involved. It was episodic television, so it took months to complete. Acting wise, it’s an employment opportunity so I am not all that picky. Also, I’m not very good, so I’m smart to take what small things come my way.”

Meanwhile it’s the talking shows that pique his interest. Previous routines have ranged widely from dating hates (a pet peeve is potential girlfriends who are non-readers, or worse – Harry Potter readers) through modern rock music to President Bush. He wasn’t a fan. The latest show will no doubt have a whole new host of topics ready to be given the Rollins treatment.

Anti-war

“The shows will deal with all the places I have been since I last toured, which have been many, and whatever else I have gotten up to since I was last out. This is what I usually do.”

No doubt there will be some material on the state of his nation, though of course as many comedians have noted the lack of President Bush has meant less comedy fodder. But Rollins instead is in optimistic mood about the new, young president.

“I think the president walked into a wrecked room. Bad economy, two wars, etc. If a year on, the place still looks like a tornado hit it, I am not surprised and am patient. I think he’s a good man working hard to make things better.

“I don’t agree with all the things he’s been doing, Afghanistan, for instance, but overall, I think he’s doing great.”

He may not agree politically with the war in Afghanistan but he believes whole-heartedly in the support of the soldiers.

He’s a principled guy and Rollins has spent time entertaining the American troops in various places such as Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Soldiers are very cool to me. I haven’t done any of those visits for some time though. I think the United Service Organisations is over me or doesn’t like what I think of war. I had some amazing experiences all over the world with the soldiers. Them I like, war, I don’t like.”

So there are no trips to war zones on the horizon, what has Rollins got planned?

“I will be on the road all of this year. I don’t know what will happen next year. Perhaps I’ll start doing stand up...” he muses. Maybe he already is…

Henry Rollins is at the Lowry on January 16, 2010. 8pm, £18.50.