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Henry Rollins: The One Decision that Changed My Life Forever | Big Think

Big Think | March 29, 2026



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Henry Rollins is an American singer-songwriter, spoken word artist, writer, comedian,publisher, actor, and radio DJ. After performing for the short-lived Washington D.C.-based band State of Alert in 1980, Rollins fronted the California hardcore punk band Black Flag from August 1981 until mid-1986. Following the band’s breakup, Rollins soon established the record label and publishing company 2.13.61 to release his spoken word albums, as well as forming the Rollins Band, which toured with a number of lineups from 1987 until 2003, and during 2006. Since Black Flag, Rollins has embarked on projects covering a variety of media. He has hosted numerous radio shows, such as Harmony in My Head on Indie 103, and television shows such as The Henry Rollins Show, MTV’s 120 Minutes, and Jackass. He had a recurring dramatic role in the second season of Sons of Anarchy and has also had roles in several films. Rollins has also campaigned for various political causes in the United States, including promoting LGBT rights, World Hunger Relief, and an end to war in particular, and tours overseas with the United Service Organizations to entertain American troops.
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OVERVIEW:

More or less anybody who has ever done anything newsworthy can cite, as Henry Rollins can, some turning point at which they made a risky decision that paid off, and a lifelong sense of mission not easily derailed by minor failures.
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Comments

This post currently has 43 comments.

  3. @TheTheratfarmer

    March 29, 2026 at 10:52 am

    Henry Rollins had an epiphany. He stated it, when a gun is pointed at my face. He had all of those strange feelings. I am ex. United States Navy. Fear makes you better to understand. Hate, I hate the Congrees, lol.

  5. @MichaelCampbell-z5z

    March 29, 2026 at 10:52 am

    Henry is definitely on the spectrum!
    I mean that in the most kindest flattering way possible.
    He has a brilliance that I feel is rarely seen in people NOT on the spectrum.
    Henry needs to be extensively studied.
    His intellect, intelligence, humility, and unconventional way of philosophizing (is that a word?) is off the charts in my book.
    Henry Rollins is a true gentleman and scholar.
    Rollins for President.
    I wish I could meet him just so I could shake his hand and tell him that. And a big thank you.

  13. @gabriellacombe8816

    March 29, 2026 at 10:52 am

    I cried for an hour after watching this. I know i won't have that luck. I don't have the tenacity or discipline. I can barely hold it together after coming back from rehab in South Africa for a nasty crack addiction. My life feels like a dead end. Purpose is missing, Unrepresented on the milk carton. Inexistant from the ones that once loved me. I dug myself a hole that prevents me from seeing the horizon. They say the sky is the limit but i can only see it, intermittently, from the opening of a small hole between the waves of gray clouds.

  14. @mikelaughlin270

    March 29, 2026 at 10:52 am

    Here is an interesting part of Henry's history. In 2001 in an interview with Howard Stern. He said he thought Donald Trump would be a good president. The video is on Youtube, specifically at the 11:40 time stamp.

  28. @Nick-yq6tj

    March 29, 2026 at 10:52 am

    I have no talent and due to adhd have little focus and dedication I have tenacity, loyalty and passion – with a minor intellect. This combo also works for those who fall out of the Rollins category. I’ve done ok. And punk rock is still my identity and my base of integrity. We’ll be ok

  34. @robertmurphy6772

    March 29, 2026 at 10:52 am

    "The last American band to get played on the radio…"

    –X

    The fact that most people have never heard of Black Flag is an attestation to how corporatized American McRock is.

  36. @matthewmoore5698

    March 29, 2026 at 10:52 am

    This guy believe me not the sharpest tool met him on a train he asked my mate what he did he said I’m at collage doing woodwork he says I know some woodwork terminology , and seriously said hammer , saw , etc , face palm moment

  37. @gjm7952

    March 29, 2026 at 10:52 am

    He's such an inspiring person. I saw him live in Glasgow back in the early 90's when the Henry Rollins band were supporting the Chilli's on their Blood Sugar Sex Magic tour. Chilli's were great but it was Rollins that impressed me most. Such energy and presence. Total commitment to the cause. Young people today need voices like his to give them hope and self belief in a world that increasingly doesn't give a shit about them or anyone else unless you can make them money.

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