Henry Rollins

March 24, 2010 in Random Thoughts 6

I’m debating writing this post. Some of you will appreciate what I’m about to say, while others may not be very happy with it. In fact, I wont be surprised if I lose a few followers after this post. But, if I’m going to keep this blog honest and real, then I need to be honest and real with this particular post.

I’ve just spent three hours with an incredibly interesting individual. To be honest, I didn’t expect to enjoy it anywhere near as much as I did. To me, Henry Rollins was a punk rocker and a small time actor. Nothing more. Most recently, he played the part of a white supremacist on my favourite television show, Sons of Anarchy.

The last thing I expected was the depth of intelligence that I heard tonight. His humour, passion, and range of experience made every story he told come to life. I was on the edge of my seat for almost the entire evening. He spoke for three hours. Not once did he take a drink of water (or anything else). He never paused for more than a few seconds. As a public speaker, I was amazed that he still had a voice at the end of the evening, and yet he did.

I didn’t agree with everything he said, but I loved how he presented his thoughts. I kept thinking back to my last post, on opinions, and Rollins was exactly the kind of guy I would love to sit with and just discuss whatever. I thought of what I wrote on my “About Page” only a few days ago. Rollins is one of those I thought I had him figured out, but I was wrong kind of guys.

I wish I could remember some of the best quotes of the night, but it’s late and I’m drawing a blank. I think I need a few days to decipher all he said. I know I’ll be reading up on more about Henry Rollins. I’d encourage you to check out his tour and take in an evening with him if you can. Now, some of you wont enjoy his opinions. Some will strongly disagree with some of his views (as I do). But all will be challenged to think deeper after hearing him speak.

Again, some of you will be offended that I am saying such positive things about someone who uses colourful language at times. His music is hardcore, and his views on some subjects go against the traditional biblical view. I don’t think you have to agree with everything he says in order to be challenged with his passion to discover and learn from the world.

One thing Rollins did say over and over was “never lose your curiosity.” He challenged people to always be learners. That’s something I can shout a loud “AMEN” to.

  • Vixyn

    He is good. I don’t know if u know but he has a tv show called the Henry Rallins Show. Its a talk/political based show w/a rock twist. Its on one of the music channels I believe. U like him u should take a look at Dee Snider too. Infact I think u’d be surprised at how many musicians actually take an active interest like Rallins.

    ~Vixyn~

  • http://www.robdale.ca Rob

    I think Rollins show was cancelled. And yes, I’ve heard Snyder speak and he does have a lot to say as well.

  • Chantal

    Dee Snyder has a radio show now. I think it is on Sunday nights, and he plays the classic 80’s hairband metal. As for Rollins, it’s funny simply because he is a man you love to hate. He plays the part so well, but when you go deeper, you see that he is someone with so many sides. I wonder how many people are willing to dig deeper to discover the whole man. Until recently, and your post, I would not have given him a second thought. He has however, always been a great conversation piece.

  • http://www.robdale.ca Rob

    I’m not a big fan of Snyder’s radio show, but I heard him on A&E’s Breakfast With The Arts one time and was surprised by him.
    As for Rollins, it’s interesting that neither paper gave him a single mention (the focus was all on Ann Coulter). I’m guessing none of the mainstream media was even in attendance at the show.
    I think most of us can be guilty of writing off people based on their appearance and fail to discover who they really are.

  • Simon

    I saw Henry Rollins in Kingston, Ontario and I will put it in the perspective that I believe it need be. Henry communicated a message that many young people ought to hear: that being to learn, travel, experience life first hand and broaden the mind to combat alot of right wing propaganda and anti-tolerance.

    Not a new message by any means but the fact of the matter is that in order for any change we need many more speakers with the same ” live and learn and don’t give in to hate of other peoples ” message. Henry is at least more engaging and respectful than many speakers. Other people in the media forget that many people are in fact intelligent and caring individuals and should be approached in that manner. Not always easy in this age.

  • http://www.robdale.ca Rob

    Thanks for the comments, Simon. I agree … not always easy in this age, but I’ll do my part in keeping an open mind and not judging a book by its cover!