Molayem ART Magazine International Art Magazine
Henry Rollins: ‘I wouldn’t go back on stage with a band for anything’
‘Doing the music was like gladiator sport. I’d lose three pounds of water every show’ … Henry Rollins. Photograph: Ross Halfin
The writer, actor and legendary punk musician answers your questions on working with William Shatner and Al Pacino, the joy of lifting weights and Leeds’ best onion bhajis
As a music obsessive, why have you stepped back from making it? The GingerNinja
I stopped processing ideas in terms of lyrics. One day, I woke up and thought: “I’m done.” My manager flipped out, but I’ve never looked back. I didn’t want to become a human jukebox playing old songs, so I filled the space the band took with films and TV and now my shows, my radio show and writing. At this point, I wouldn’t go back on stage with a band for anything.
Jingle Bells with William Shatner is a fantastic song. Are there any future music collaborations on the horizon? Shivermetimbersnow
Bill called and said: “Henry, I really want you to be on this song with me.” I said: “Bill, for you, anything.” We’d done a song before. He’s just fun to work with. It was the same with the Flaming Lips in 2009. They’re people I know, but, generally, I’ve hung up my shield and sword.
