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Staff IconHenry Rollins - The Portable Henry Rollins (Cover Artwork)

Henry Rollins

The Portable Henry Rollins (1998)
Henry Rollins

Reviewer Rating:


Contributed by: Aubin
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Published on March 30th 2001


Just saying 'Rollins' is like walking into a fight. He's everything to everyone, isn't he. Some old hardcore kids make him synonymous with names like Ian MacKaye, while others accuse him of compromising his integrity, selling out, and generally of being a bad, bad man.

Upon reading the first few pages of this book, I thought only of one thing. Chixdiggit were bang on. Henry Rollins is a lot of things. He's a talented writer, an emotionally disturbed poet, and a powerful voice of dissent. But he isn't any fun. Of course, if you wanted something funny, you'll read Douglas Adams, Calvin and Hobbes, or maybe MRR.

Not to say that the book isn't an engrossing read, as it is. Though Mr.Rollins tends to go off on tangents about cockroaches, heating, and Guns'n'Roses. Of course, these little diatribes are occaisonally welcome, as they relieve a little of the tension. Nevertheless, taking this trip into Henry Rollins soul makes you want to take a shower.

Once again, I'm not criticizing. The kind of book that makes you feel somewhat sick, somewhat relieved, and selfishly happy to not have to go through what Henry did, is definitely a good one, albeit a little disturbing.

The book itself is a cross-section of Henry's writings, and as such, is a little smoother to read than some of his more disjointed stuff. Personally, I think he excels when he's telling stories, less so when he's indulging in his poetic side. And that's where this book fails for me. Because of the scrapbook style, it's hard to read it cover to cover, and while a sick attraction to his misery keeps you coming back, it's impossible to read it for any extended period of time.

So Henry's book is both good and bad, and I suppose that addresses what everyone has to say about him.






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    Anonymous (April 4, 2002)

    You're an idiot due, Henry Rollins rules. His storys are basically what the real world has become- violent, mean, dark, and full of lies. I can completely understand his tense anger and I feel the same things myself very often, this world is a sick, sick place. If only there were some young guys nowadays that could even come close to Henry's musical intensity, today everbody is a pussy compared to him. Rollins Era Black Flag blows the shit out of anything and everything ever made. Listen to Damaged and by the end of the album you've either torn your room to bits or worked out like yopu never have before.

    Anonymous (March 6, 2002)

    yeah really, rollins tells some fuckin hilarious stories. haven't read this book yet so i'm guessing it's more on his serious side.

    Anonymous (July 1, 2001)

    Yeah! I agree! I think Henry is misunderstood. I think he can be absolutely hilarious! I think of him as a stand up comic, really. The difference is, he can be serious if he wants to.

    Anonymous (March 31, 2001)

    no way

    rollins is hilarious

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