Before even getting to the disk, if you ever get the chance to see Henry Rollins in a spoken word performance, do it, you will not be disappointed. I had the opportunity to see him on 1/31/04, early in the Shock & Awe tour. It was an incredible show, he talked for almost three hours, without a break, and was entertaining the entire time.
I was first introduced to Henry's spoken word when I picked up The Boxed Life something like ten years ago. I don't even know why I picked it up, spoken word wasn't really my thing back then. But what I found was a well spoken, hilarious guy who knew how to tell a story. But enough of this, let's get to the disk itself.
The show was filmed in March of 2004 in Seattle, WA, in a theater which looks amazingly like the one at which I saw him. I kept looking to see if I could see myself! One of the things I noticed was that it seemed as if it was cut in portions, which wouldn't surprise me, as he can go on and on, they probably excised the lesser material for the disk.
Now, I can't just go and give away the tales that he relates, but I can tell you what some of them are, and also tell you that Henry is in top form. Many of the tales he relays are the same as he told at the show that I attended, not necessarily the same way, but easily recognizable.
For those who are unfamiliar with his performances, they are sort of like story telling sessions, that often resembles stand up comedy. He is a very funny, well spoken guy who has experienced a lot in his lifetime, besides soaking up all the news and television that he can. He admits to being a lonely guy who often does not have anything to do but cruise Ebay and watch Fox News.
Article comments
1 - RJ
You know, I've been told I look a little like Mr. Rollins... ;-)
2 - Chris Beaumont
You have a build and a lot of ink? Or the surly attitude? :)
3 - MCH
"You know, I've been told I look a little like Mr. Rollins...;-)"
- R.J. (Bobby) Elliott
You mean Henry Rollins looks like a spoiled momma's boy, too...?
4 - Jim Carruthers
I'll bet the bit of Rollins RJ gets told he looks like is Hank's anus, at least how he interprets what he is told.
5 - Nick Jones
I'd like to get the video where he talks about going to a Thai sex show with his bandmates. Help, anybody?
And hey, let's ease up. I don't much like RJ or his opinions either (as much as I can say about someone I've never met), but let's jettison the puerile kindergarten comments. Okay?
6 - RJ
"You have a build and a lot of ink? Or the surly attitude? :)"
No ink, and I need to work out.
But we DO have the same haircut! :)
7 - RJ
You don't like me, Nick?
This momma's boy is hurt... :-(
8 - Chris Beaumont
Must be the attitude then ;)