In describing Henry Rollins, the tendency is to try to squeeze as many labels as possible into a single sentence. "Rollins is many things," says the Washington Post, "diatribist, confessor, provocateur, humorist, even motivational speaker…his is an enthusiastic and engaging chatter." Entertainment Weekly's list includes "Punk-rock icon. Spoken word poet. Actor. Author. DJ. Is there anything this guy can't do?" TV Guide has more concisely called him a "Renaissance Man" – but if Henry Rollins could be reduced to a single word that word would undoubtedly be "workaholic."
For better than a quarter century, Rollins has toured the world as a spoken word artist, as front-man for both Rollins Band and Black Flag and – without a microphone – as a solitary traveler with insatiable curiosity bypassing the resorts in favor of places like Siberia, Senegal, Burma and Bangladesh.
When he's not living out of a backpack, Rollins is constantly at work as an actor, radio DJ, author of more than 25 books, and running his publishing company and record label 2.13.61. Henry currently hosts a weekly radio show on LA's renowned NPR affiliate KCRW, is a regular columnist for LA Weekly and Rolling Stone Australia. In recent years has hosted several TV shows for National Geographic, including 2012's three-part series Animal Underworld with Henry Rollins.
Henry Rollins on KCRW
More from KCRW
2024 Breakthrough Artist: Mermaid Chunky
MusicMilkmaid serenity and improvised chaos combine for fearless, euphoric thrills unlike anything else out there. No wonder they’re LCD Soundsystem’s go-to opener.
KCRW Broadcast 828
MusicFanatic, we have a tremendous show for you tonight. Perhaps you notice we are starting and ending with the peerless music of Ennio Morricone.
Guest Mix: Kassie Krut mechanical head trip
MusicThe NYC-based indie trio’s thrilling mix of leftfield pop, techno, and industrial mixed with dub fill the band’s work with a distinct intensity. Keep your eyes on ‘em in 2025.
Celebrate 38th anniversary of U2 filming rock video atop DTLA building
MusicIrish rock band U2 held an impromptu performance on a rooftop in Downtown Los Angeles 38 years ago.
KCRW’s Top 30: The South Hill Experiment, Tunde Adebimpe, Black Country New Road
KCRW's Top 30 ChartThe South Hill Experiment's "Open Ocean" hits the no. 1 spot, reminding us that summer days aren't so far away.
Guitar goddess Nilüfer Yanya brings the yearning of ‘My Method Actor’ to HQ
ArtsUK guitar goddess Nilüfer Yanya translates the yearning ache of 2024’s “My Method Actor” into a seriously sultry world live at the KCRW studio.
KCRW Broadcast 825
MusicFanatic! I hope you had a great week and had a chance to listen to some music.
Best of 2024: KCRW DJ + Staff Picks
MusicLet's get personal: Dig into the favorites of 2024 from KCRW Music’s DJs, curators, and tastemakers.
KCRW Broadcast 826
MusicFanatic! I hope you had a great week and as busy as I’m sure you were, made time to listen to music.