“As a teen, I heard the second Velvet Underground album, 'White Light/White Heat,' and it was too much for my limited scope of appreciation. It was intense, but I didn't get it.”

American singer, writer, spoken word artist, actor, comedian, and presenter

Henry Rollins is the professional name of Henry Lawrence Garfield, an American singer, writer, spoken word artist, actor, comedian, and presenter. Born in the United States, he became known in the hardcore punk scene in the 1980s, first with State of Alert and then as the frontman of Black Flag from 1981 to 1986. After Black Flag broke up, he founded 2.13.61, a record label and publishing company, to issue his spoken word albums. He later formed the Rollins Band, which toured with several lineups from 1987 to 2003 and again in 2006. His work spans music, performance, and writing.