I’m a travellin’ man
Movin’ through places, space and time
Gotta lotta things i got to do
But God willin’ I’m comin’ back to you
Mos Def probably didn’t have Henry Rollins in mind when he wrote the lyrics to his ‘Travellin’ Man,’ but they still fit the writer/rocker/DJ/activist like a glove. Rollins really is the constant traveler, driven by an insatiable hunger to go out and see new places, meet new people and to find out what makes the world tick. So to name his latest, globe-trotting spoken tour, “The Frequent Flyer Tour” seems only justified. Whereas the old punk Rollins, while still playing with Black Flag, with his aggressive in your face attitude and his overbearing behavior, might not have appealed, nor was he ever meant to appeal to a wider audience, he is now one of the smartest and wittiest performers to be seen on stages all over the world and loved by many–A raconteur in its true meaning.
Maybe age mellowed him out a little, but Rollins still managed to keep that hunger to go out and see the world, to make music, to perform, to star in pretty much every movie- or TV-opportunity that presents itself and most importantly, to get a message across to his audience—An important message. Rollins is an ambassador of freedom of speech, of gay rights and open mindedness, of individuality and creativity. And while at times he might seem to be a little bit to harsh on the American people and to get carried away a little bit too much, when comparing them to the oh so educated Europeans, he always manages to get his point across: That it’s important to keep your eyes open, to be politically active, to remain critical of your government and to question your own patriotism. But the people at Rollins’ shows are probably not the ones that need to be told. So next time this man is in town, bring a friend along that has never heard of this man and a fun and entertaining night is guaranteed, cause Rollins’ is not all morals and advices how to better yourself. He’s also fun stories about RuPaul, about waving middle fingers in the faces of world leaders, about how much f un cab drivers in foreign countries are, about meeting Kurt Sutter and much more. And even those who dislike Rollins for having become what you could probably call a B- or C-class celebrity need to admit: This guy has some great stories to tell. So listen up!
Catch up with The Frequent Flyer Tour.
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PRESS RELEASE – Feb.15/10
Project of Love From the Fans of Henry Rollins
Thanks to Hank
WANTED: Personal stories from the fans, a.k.a, ‘fanatics’, of Henry Rollins. If Henry Rollins has moved you, inspired you to reach higher, helped you in some way, or just makes your life better by way of knowing he is out there, living art and inspiration, and you are willing to share your story in a future publication of Fanatic Stories of Thanks to Hank, please send your story!
The target goal is to complete the project by February of 2011, Henry’s 50th birthday. All potential proceeds will go to the charity of Henry’s choice.
Fanatic and novice writer, Angela Bennett, commented on the project, “Henry has made such a profound contribution to the lives of many thousands, perhaps even millions of people around the world. He is an inspiration to so many people regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic class. This is an opportunity for fanatics to share their stories with, and thank Henry.”
During the first month of this project, fans and media are responding from across the world; from 15 year olds to 50 year olds, from the U.S. to Australia. It’s one thing to be a fan of a band, or an actor, but often it’s about more than that when it comes to Henry. Henry moves people, he is a catalyst in people’s lives. There’s a quote from The Gift: Imagination and the Erotic Life of Property, by Lewis Hyde, that captures Henry well, “…the gift we long for, the gift that, when it comes, speaks commandingly to the soul and irresistibly moves us.”
People can contact Angela Bennett with stories, or artwork, at bennettangela@rogers.com, through the Facebook Group, Henry Rollins – Thanks to Hank Project, or http://open.salon.com/blog/angelalala. Angela does not work for, or represent Henry Rollins, other than being one of many grateful fanatics in the global neighbourhood.