18
September
2009
If you’re curious about the title of this post, YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN HENRY ROLLINS LAST NIGHT! I went in not expecting too much, as I don’t trust sixteen year old Tara’s judgement in books/writers. Well, I think sixteen year old Tara may have redeemed herself, because Henry was brilliant! He was intelligent, passionate, and inspiring (and not to mention dead sexy!). Henry (yes, we’re on a first name basis) has that wonderful talent of being able to tell stories that go from point A to point W, to point Q, and then wrap it back around to point A. Most people that try to do that end up being confusing and annoying, but Henry does it seamlessly. He talked about everything from first amendment rights to his travels to the Middle East, and everything in between. The best part was actually watching everyone leave after the show was over with starry eyes full of inspiration.
Posted: Entertainment
16
September
2009
“If I lose the light of the sun, I will write by candlelight, moonlight, no light. If I lose paper and ink, I will write in blood on forgotten walls. I will write always. I will capture nights all over the world and bring them to you.” -Henry Rollins
Okay, so, confession. I had a weird fascination with Henry Rollins when I was in high school. I thought he was such a badass. I read all of his books. Seriously. Who reads Henry Rollins? Ha! I loved them though! I probably shouldn’t have been reading them actually. They were far too dark for a young, impressionable, and somewhat troubled teenager like me. But I loved them. Especially because they were filled with profanity and naughtiness. I also watched his spoken word special that was on Comedy Central. I LOVED it, and watched it over and over. In my junior year of English we had to read a biography or autobiography, and then dress up as the person and act like him/her while being interviewed by the class. So, yeah, I was Henry Rollins! I’m certain my English teacher had no clue who he was! I basically just dressed up like a boy. But I totally channeled him while I was being questioned. I remember doing a way better job on that project than I did on others.
Oddly enough, I never really got into Black Flag or the Rollins Band. But I adored his writing, passion, and overall badassness. Oh, and I have proof that he is universally known as a badass. Kyle’s work has a motto: “Get things the fuck done.” And for no apparent reason whatsoever, that motto is accompanied by a picture of Henry Rollins. It’s as if having Henry associated with the motto imbues it with more authority.
Anyway, I really think reading him write so passionately about writing itself probably got me more interested in reading and writing. And look at me today, the little English grad student I am. I guess I owe it all to Henry!
In all honesty, once I got out of high school I stopped following his career. Sorry Henry! Don’t punch me! It wasn’t that I didn’t like his work anymore – I just started getting interested in other writers. No offense! God Henry, I love you, but I’m afraid of you too!
So, um, why am I talking about Henry again? Oh yeah, HE’S SPEAKING AT SAC STATE TOMORROW FOR FREE! Oh my god. SO. EXCITED. Who knows, I may go and think, “why did I ever like this guy?” But who cares. It’s Henry Bleeping Rollins!
Posted: Entertainment, Life