Henry Rollins Discusses Why he Loves Records

Henry Rollins has always been an opinionated force musically and through his many spoken word endeavours. While he has been very keen to discuss social and political issues, Rollins has also proven to have the ability to romantically communicate his love for music.

In a recent column for LA Weekly – titled ‘Confessions of a Fanboy’ – Rollins opened up about his appreciation for records and how they better his life.

“I have never thought that anyone would be impressed by the records I owned,” wrote Rollins. “Quite the opposite. I figured the thousands of discs would only strengthen their pity.

“Since I was young, records have been the best possible friends. A lyric from The Damned’s misunderstood sophomore masterpiece, Music for Pleasure, contained in the song ‘Problem Child,’ perfectly summed up my attitude: ‘I love my records/Alright, and I’m gonna play ’em!’

“The opportunity to do that as much as possible has never lost its appeal to me,” he continued. “Every time I get a record, I count it as a tool with which I can enhance time, make it infinitely better by filling it with music. Records are insurance against the existential grind of life and its myriad disappointments.”

Concluded Rollins: “I think humans are so highly functioning, their brains processing so quickly on multiple levels, that they seek to medicate or in some way deal with their condition — being alive. For me, music has been the best way to make sense of the world.”