THE BR00TAL TR00TH - HENRY ROLLINS

That’s right- HENRY ROLLINS. And yes, he’s still angry. Fortunately he wasn’t too angry to take some time from his VERY busy schedule to answer a few questions for Reign in Blonde. I’ll be at his performance at The Westcott in Syracuse on the 27th, but perhaps you see him when he comes to your town. Or don’t go, cause it ain’t gonna hurt his feelings. Here’s what the legend had to say:

Do you ever read the comments on your Vanity Fair articles?  Or do you try to keep away from internet trolls?

I have not read them. I send them writing now and then. Whatever anyone posts about what I post is protected speech and long may it wave.

Do you have any thoughts on Andrew W.K., who also started in music and now does motivational speaking?

I don’t know anything about the guy really. I have heard some of songs of his many years ago but don’t know anything about him. 

How is performing for our troops different from performing in front of regular civilians?

It’s not. They are cool and happy to have something different in front of them than the usual. 

How do you define patriotism? Is there anyone in the hard rock/metal community that fits your definition? If not, who are some people that fit your qualifications?

For me, patriotism is abiding by the Constitution as best you understand that and looking out for your fellow Americans. I don’t know who does that, I don’t look at people that way. I don’t like calling someone’s patiotism into question unless they do mine. When they do, I am more than happy to analyze theirs. I don’t like Ms. Palin excluding me from what being a “real American” {is} but it’s for her to say, it is protected speech under the First Amendment of the Constitution. 

While many artists, rock and otherwise, write lyrics about their dissatisfaction with the US government and our military industrial complex, it seems to me that more often than not, it’s all lot of talk and very little action. Do you agree? How have you managed to break this mold?

Who says I have? What is a mere mortal to do against a multibillion dollar industry? If good songs could stop wars, Dylan and Marley would have stopped them. 

Peanut butter: Crunchy or creamy?

Crunchy

-Julia