Henry Rollins (born February 13, 1961 as
Henry Lawrence Garfield) is an
American
singer-songwriter,
spoken word artist,
stand-up comedian,
author,
actor,
activist and
publisher.
After joining the short-lived
Washington, D.C. band
State of Alert in 1980, Rollins fronted the
California hardcore punk band
Black Flag from 1981 until 1986. Following the band's breakup, Rollins soon established the
record label and publishing company
2.13.61 to release his spoken word albums, as well as forming the
Rollins Band, which toured with a number of lineups until 2003 and during 2006.
Since Black Flag, Rollins has embarked on projects covering a variety of media. He has hosted numerous radio shows, such as
Harmony In My Head, television shows, such as
MTV's
120 Minutes and
Jackass, along with roles in several films. Rollins has also campaigned for
human rights in the United States, promoting
gay rights in particular, and tours overseas with the
United Service Organizations to entertain American troops.