Henry Rollins

Early Life

Henry Lawrence Garfield, known professionally as Henry Rollins, was born on February 13, 1961, in Washington, D.C. He was raised by his mother, Iris, after his parents divorced when he was just three years old. Rollins faced significant challenges in his early life, including sexual assault and struggles with depression and low self-esteem. Diagnosed with hyperactivity in fourth grade, he was prescribed Ritalin to help him focus. Rollins attended The Bullis School, where he developed a strong work ethic and began writing. After a brief stint at American University, he dropped out and took on various minimum-wage jobs, including a courier position at the National Institutes of Health.

Music Career

Rollins's music career began in the late 1970s when he joined the hardcore punk band State of Alert (S.O.A.) as their frontman. The band recorded their sole EP, "No Policy," in 1981. Following S.O.A.'s disbandment, Rollins became the lead singer of the influential band Black Flag from 1981 to 1986. After Black Flag's breakup, he founded the Rollins Band and established his own record label, 2.13.61, to release his spoken word albums. The Rollins Band toured extensively from 1987 to 2003 and again in 2006, showcasing Rollins's dynamic vocal style and intense stage presence.

Activism and Media Work

Beyond music, Rollins is known for his activism, particularly in support of gay rights and human rights. His experiences with bullying in high school motivated him to speak out against homophobia. He has toured with the United Service Organizations to entertain troops while expressing his anti-war views. Rollins has also made a name for himself in television, hosting shows like "The Henry Rollins Show" and appearing in various programs, including "Unsolved Mysteries" and "Batman Beyond." His multifaceted career reflects his commitment to art, activism, and social justice.