You joined your first band S.O.A in 1980 and have been involved in music/bands since. How do you find it singing/writing lyrics. Is it something that came naturally or do you feel you have progressed over the years?

I always felt natural onstage and with a band or on my own. That being the case, that doesn’t necessarily make me a “natural”. I don’t know how I came off to people. I always went by what felt like the right thing to do. However that came out, that’s what it was. I think it’s up to the audience to see whether it connects or not. I have tried, over the years; to be more clear to any audience I am in front of. I think I have gotten better at that.

You joined Black Flag in 1981. How do you feel about Black Flag now? Do you still enjoy the music? Do you have a favorite period of being in that band?

I honestly don’t feel anything about the band or being in it. It was a long time ago and after the band was over, I had written my first solo song within an hour of the band’s demise. I really don’t wait around, hang around or rest on previous achievements. I occasionally play one of their songs on the radio but never anything with me singing. Several years ago, we utilized Black Flag songs to raise money for the West Memphis Three’s defence fund and it was interesting to go back and sing those songs again live. They are good songs but they are old and living in the past isn’t interesting to me. I have no favourite period. I do think that the most powerful line up was the 1984 tour line up with Kira and Bill.

How do you feel about the continuing popularity of Black Flag?

The same way I feel about the continuing popularity of Jimi Hendrix’s music. It’s cool that the music has meaning to someone who perhaps wasn’t around when it was first generated. It’s good that the music has some longevity. So, in an altruistic sense, I am glad that I am part of something that is of use. Past that, I don’t feel anything about it. I guess one of the things that makes it hard to think of those times with much fondness is that Greg Ginn has been so awful to all the bands on SST. He literally doesn’t pay royalties or send statements of sales to any band members of any SST bands. For instance, I have never received a royalty check or sales statement ever. I have no idea what I am owed. I am fortunate in that I have done very well for myself and don’t care about Ginn and his corrupt, immoral, weak, cowardly and illegal conduct. However, some other members of Black Flag are facing some challenges in these turbulent times and an accurate and honest accounting to them would be nice, if not the least he could do.

After Black Flag you formed the Rollins Band. The Rollins Band was musically different from you’re previous bands. Was this a planned decision to try something new or a result of the combination of people involved in the band?

It was the latter. We got together and what came out of it was what you heard.

How did it feel to achieve commercial success with the Rollins Band?

It gave us more opportunity to play more shows, which was all it ever was about for me, to do the thing, as it were. It wasn’t about how much money was to be made. You might be surprised to find out how little bands care about the money compared to how much they care about making good music, playing good shows and having a great audience. Beyond that, I was always too busy working on the next thing to think about success. The shows and the level of commitment involved with being a true international act took up most of the waking hours.    

Do you have a favourite period of the Rollins Band?

I think the band peaked in 1991-1992.

Is the Rollins Band now defunct or is there a possibility you may revive it one day?

No.

Asides from music you also occasionally act. What was your last role and do you have any upcoming roles?

I did an episode in a TV show that got cancelled. It was the guy from Mad About You. I am forgetting his name at the moment (*Paul Reiser). Nice guy. I did it because they offered and the studio was down the street from my house. That was about a year ago. I have been doing documentary work for National Geographic lately. I have no other acting jobs planned.

You also have your own publishing company 2 13 61. What has been happening with that recently? And are there any current future plans?

My new book just came out. It’s called Occupants and it’s a book of photographs and writing from all over the world. The next book will be out in about a year. It will be journals and travel writing from the years 2009 and 2010.

What happened to The Henry Rollins show? Will it ever come back?

IFC took their money and went elsewhere. That’s what happens when it’s not your money. I thought we did good work on that. It was a good four years. No plans to do it again although I would like to.

What have you been doing recently with your spoken word/talking shows? Are any UK shows planned?

I did about 50 of those this year. Next year will be about 180. Tour starts in UK, tickets on sale now.

What’s next for Henry Rollins?

2012 - 2013 Long March Tour.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Don’t waste time.