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Henry Rollins
8 p.m. Saturday, October 20. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Boulevard.
By Jaime Lees
Published: October 17, 2007

Henry Rollins started as the howling, robust frontman of legendary punk band Black Flag. Those who are familiar with Rollins’ vitality and exuberance won’t be disappointed in his spoken-word show. Deceivingly billed as “quintessentially American opinionated editorializing and storytelling,” the show is mostly smart stand-up comedy. The “spoken word” classification often implies a snooze-y presentation of pre-planned, carefully worded poetry, but Rollins’ show couldn’t be more different. He stalks the stage with the same energy and aggression once used for winding up jaded punkers, exploding on the audience with entertaining (and often hilarious) personal stories and tirades. The show is also political: Rollins doesn’t miss any opportunity to express his views and his convincing rants are not without intelligent points — “Dubya” supporters beware.

• article link
• Henry Rollins - website

X / Rollins Band
7 p.m. Monday, August 7. Pop’s (1403 Mississippi Avenue, Sauget, Illinois).
By Jaime Lees
Published: August 02, 2006

Fronted by feminist hero Exene Cervenka, X have been playing their own style of shaky punk rock since the late ’70s. While their lyrics describe horrors such as rape, abuse and Los Angeles, their surprisingly thick and melodic song structures are ripe with riffs that honor our rock & roll daddy, Chuck Berry. Henry Rollins will take a break from his main gig as witty cultural commentator to once again lead the Rollins Band in displays of sweating, gritty speed-rock. Don’t let his new status as a man of words and wisdom fool you, though — on stage he’s still the same blasting force we first encountered in Black Flag. Get to the east side early to catch Texas’ the Riverboat Gamblers and The Lou’s own 7 Shot Screamers.

• article link
• X - website
• Henry Rollins - website