Real Conversations, No. 1

by Henry Rollins, Jello Biafra, Lawrence Ferlinghetti

First in a series of in-depth interviews by pop culture icon V. Four leading figures in social movements discuss the state of Western culture and what led to its demise, with firsthand accounts of their own experiences, including subjects that concern every creative artist and The Internet and social change; why everyone must paint(!); mind control, marketing, branding and consumerism; corporate chain stores and the problem of Amazon; punk rock history; the rise of Do-It-Yourself (D-I-Y) culture production; fame and its downside; sex and relationships.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, Punk

180 pages, Paperback

First published April 2, 2001

About the author

Henry Rollins (born Henry Lawrence Garfield; often referred to simply as Rollins) is an American singer-songwriter, spoken word artist, author, actor and publisher.

After joining the short-lived Washington, D.C. band State of Alert in 1980, Rollins fronted the Californian 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 The Henry Rollins Show and Harmony In My Head, and 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.

Reviews

[Rod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interviews with some cool, intelligent, thoughtful people, and Jello Biafra. Obviously it's geared towards the countah-cultchah folks, being a Re/Search publication and all. After each interview it lists books/movies, etc., recommended by the interviewee, which is always a nice way to get turned on to stuff. If I had to rank the reviews from best to worst, it would go:

1. Billy Childish - The guy's freakin' awesome. Impeccable taste as well.
2. Lawrence Ferlinghetti - 'Nuff said.
3. Henry Rollins - Hey, it's Rollins. Surprisingly good taste in books.
4. Jello Biafra - He just needs to shut up already. Even when I agree with him I hate him. And his taste is for shit.

P.S. Great book to keep in the john.

[Devowasright · Rating 5 out of 5]

interviews with four of the old school, on staying true to what you believe, persevering, and the various levels and meanings of "success". a must read.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice approach to interviews, and after all this time it is interesting to look back at what was veing said then in light of the way things are now.

[Seth Arnopole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Provocative, thoughtful conversations. The conversation with Billy Childish turns out to be the most powerful one, though all are worth reading. I took one star off only because I wanted Vale to go deeper with Ferlinghetti and get him to say more about his work.

[Raf Verbeke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean come on I love this so much

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty interesting if you're into it.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great interviews. Lots of fun.