Henry Rollins: Keep Talking, Pal

Rollins (real name: Henry Lawrence Garfield) has been around for decades and seems to have done everything at some point. Starting as a punk rocker in the 1980's and '90's, he quickly branched out in every aspect of media and has been the owner of a record label (Black Flag), a radio and TV host, TV and movie actor (he has appeared in over 30 movies and countless TV shows), voice-over artist, and the author of half a dozen books... there seems to be nothing in media Rollins can't do. He hasn't had a relationship since he was in his 20's, by choice, He is voluntarily childless. Fronting the Henry Rollins Band, to me he was most memorable some 20 odd years ago as a video on Beavis and Butthead performing the oddly creepy/funny song "Liar" (while B & B provide the narration). When you hear the song you can't help but think of somebody you've met who fit the lyrics to a T - and who can forget them?

Cause I'm a liar, yeah, I'm a liar I'll tear your mind out, I'll burn your soul I'll turn you into me, I'll turn you into me 'Cause I'm a liar, a liar, a liar, a liar, a liar.. (Maniacal laughter)

Despite having been around on the fringes of, well, everything for over 30 years, Rollins has not lost any of the steam that made him relevant - and if anything he seems to be gathering momentum yet again. Other recent appearances ("Portlandia") highlight Rollins' chameleon-like ability to create his own niche nearly effortlessly and this show is one more example. In this one-man show/documentary/comedy special/? we hear Henry's sometimes startling stories and observations on his life, his music, his opinions, strange experiences he has had and plenty more. Henry is the rare kind of musician that defies categorization; but if you're familiar with Rollins - and especially if you're not - this Showtime documentary is probably worth a look. It's a peek into the mind of one of the most amazing, prolific, and yet little-known personalities in show business.

Wow. I would've never predicted it.

Always an edgy character who pushes the emotional envelope, frontman for leading 80s hardcore punk group Henry Rollins has finally maxed out, lost his way over the hill.Without giving away too much- he suggests that we should replace men with women in jobs, 75/25 ratio- where 'killing sprees may be necessary.' He justifies almost every aspect manifest in the far left right now- quite sad to see such a strong figure in the fight for free expression tuck his tail, caving in for smug hipsters and self-deprecating academics. Of course I expected him to rage against Trump, and the establishment- I just didn't expect him to kneel to the intellectual half of it, especially the half who's done the most recently to restrict free speech and alter due process.

One of those moments where it makes sense for some folks to just go back and get normal jobs after their careers in entertainment have peaked- otherwise what they do for attention ends up being mind-numbingly hypocritical and pathetic. There is dignity in being just like anyone else, but being able to mantain your dignity.

I watched this again recently, and was impressed again by how smart, and open this guy is. He's a pleasure to listen to, and entertaining, and says some surprising things.

He's so entertaining, that the time passes quickly while listening to him.

Looking at him, and knowing that he. Started as a punk rocker, I might have simply assumed that he was a meathead - but he seems intelligent, and might even be a better speaker than Kevin Smith.

It's funny to read the outraged reviews written by dumb conservatives who are made to feel so uncomfortable by his 'liberal' opinions. And I don't think I'm betraying any spoilers to describe the delight he takes in replying to homophobes who assume that he is gay because he was seen out with RuPaul. He describes how he toys with the bigots and rocks their world by shocking them with witty replies that he knows they won't be able to handle.

Sorry "Just Johnny" but stick to music or your one line acting career. You're not funny in any way, you have no comedic talent. Stay in your own lane, pal.

Henry's delivery and structure is truly incredible but he's clearly a product of his generation and the media supplying its ideas. It's quite a shame.