I pride myself on my creativity and my imagination. I really do.
Even more than that, I pride myself on the fact that there is not, there simply can’t be, another girl in the whole, wide world who lusts after Henry Rollins with the fervor and intensity I do.
But boys and girls, I’ve thought about it all day, and I still can’t come up with an introduction that does justice to the following. Maybe it can be done, but I guess it takes a writer a lot more skillful (and a lot less impassioned) than I am.
With lascivious feelings in my, er, heart, I hereby admit defeat and turn the floor over to my future baby daddy, Mr. Henry Rollins.
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You’re a musician, spoken word artist, actor, radio DJ, writer and activist (among other things) who maintains a grueling tour schedule. How do you manage everything?
I multi-task as much as I can. When on tour, I get a lot of writing done for the next book project. There’s time in the day, I can get my workouts in, etc. When off the road, I can get a lot of things done. I have worked on book stuff while on film sets. The main objective is to keep stress levels low and get as much restorative sleep as possible. Those two things makes the rest of it possible. I don’t have a lot else going on either, so this is what I do.
Do you think I’m pretty?
Well, of course.
As an activist, you campaign for human rights causes all over the world. What are the most important human rights issues the world faces today?
Poverty and food distribution. We are already facing severe water problems all over the world as well. I think it will become a “real” issue when western countries start feeling it. For now it’s happening in countries that are feeling the lash of globalization and climate change.
Besides supporting you and buying books and records, what can we do to impart change?
I wouldn’t think that supporting me does any good for the world but there are many organizations out there that you might find yourself interested in giving some time to. There are things happening in your area that you can be part of. I really think that if people just looked around a little more and took the smallest amount of action, you would see a lot of change for the better. Helping others is often one of the better parts of the day.
How did you make the transition between your different careers?
I don’t. It’s all work to me. They all require dedication and focus. I am not really equipped to do any of the things I do so I just go for it as best I can and try not to get fired.
Did you make a conscious decision to pursue these things, or did the opportunities present themselves first?
For the most part, the opportunities came to me. The music lead to the film and voice over work, the talking shows have taken me to other things as well. I come from the minimum wage working world and have been extremely lucky for the opportunities that have come my way.
What advice can you give Bachelor Girl readers about being ready to take advantage of opportunities that come their way?
Be prepared to look foolish, it’s part of growth. You have to be ready to go for things that you might not be all that prepared for and most importantly, don’t take yourself too seriously. Failure is just a lesson and a temporary setback.
I’m using this opportunity to show you how great I am.
You’re doing a great job.
We enjoy reading your dispatches from the often exotic and remote places you go on tour. How do you maintain such a high level of passion and enthusiasm in less than ideal circumstances?
It’s often the more intense locations that make for a more emotional connection to the location. When I am in Africa or Asia, things are often less than good but extremely vivd and it’s hard not to be affected by it all.
What’s a bad day for you?
Not getting enough things done. I am usually on a schedule and not getting all the things done gets to me. Having to do things without enough sleep is a drag but it happens all the time for me. Past that, all my days are pretty much the same.
What’s your favorite color? Is it brown? My eyes are brown.
I guess my favorite color is brown.
As busy as you are, how do you make time for a personal life?
I don’t really see the distinction between personal life or any other kind of life. I am alive all the time, that’s as far as I think about it. If you’re asking about a relationship that’s not work oriented, that has always been a lower priority on my food chain.
Would you make time for me, Henry?
I’d have to check my schedule.
Hmph.
You’ve never been married (that we know of). In your mind, what are some of the advantages of remaining single?
I don’t have to matter to anyone if I go somewhere and get killed. I don’t have to slow down when I don’t want to. Basically, I have options, that’s key.
We don’t have to get married.
I am glad you’re a progressively-minded person.
What is the scariest situation in which you ever found yourself?
Getting shot at was pretty scary.
How did you handle it?
By standing in the right place so the bullets missed.
Would you protect me?
As best I could.
Swoon.
What are three bands we should be listening to?
The Hawnay Troof, Tinariwen [and] Marnie Stern.
Though I was born here in Shreveport, I grew up in a hick town in Nowhere, East Texas, with the closest mall being 45 minutes away. Occasionally, I prevailed upon my mom to drive me there, where I would go straight to the record store which, at that time, had several free music magazines in racks at the front of the store. When I was maybe about 13 or 14, I got one in which there was an article about you. Naturally, it mentioned Black Flag. Curious, I somehow got my hands on a Black Flag cassette, and it was, to say the least, a revelation. I hadn’t known before that music could be like that. Somehow or other, I figured out that Black Flag was part of a genre known as “punk music,” which led me to seek out other punk bands like the Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Kinks, etc. This style of music not only informed my musical tastes, it continues to influence me as a writer as well.
What is it about music that has the power to influence people so fundamentally, even across genres and mediums?
I think that music is like a dog. It’s hard not to like a dog that’s wagging its tail. Most music as a beat, all living humans have a heartbeat, I think this is a big part of it. Lyrics often speak louder than other forms for many people. There’s an emotional connection one can make with music. It’s the perfect partner, it never seeks divorce, never cheats on you, etc.
What qualities does the ideal woman possess in the year 2010?
A job would be good.
Would you be disappointed if we only had girl children?
Not at all.
And one final question…
Is it alright with you if we induct you into the Bachelor Girl Hall of Fame as an Honorary Bachelor Girl? You’ll be in the company of Gloria Steinem, Helen Gurley Brown and RuPaul. If that won’t convince you, you’re going to have to tell me what will, because I just don’t know.
It would be an honor.
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Likewise, Henry, we’re proud to count you among us. Welcome to the party!
Your lustful
Kel
