Henry Rollins - 9/25 @ Variety Playhouse
This was one of Henry Rollins' spoken word tours, which falling on an election year makes you wonder just what the main topic would be? Hmmmmm...don't think too hard now.
Then again, I can't say how much of his monologue was actually centered around the election and the Bush administration, as I missed the majority of the performance. I wanted to take Rikki with me, as she's a big Hank fan. But since she was working until 9, we didn't get there until 2 hours well into his rant. Damn him for starting promptly. Luckily the guy can talk quite a spell, so we still got to hear about a good 1/2 hour to 45 minutes of his spoken word performance. And in that amount of time, he still touched on the upcoming election, the economy, the Bush administration, world famine, war and his travels across the globe. So in essence, we got the abridged version of the show by arriving late and catching his summation.
And having seen a few of his spoken word tours in the past, the guy is as entertaining, informative and amusing as ever. He's a really funny and charming guy. I can easily see Henry Rollins as the perfect dinner party guest. And though I don't totally buy into some of his self depreciatory comments (I'm supposed to believe this guy can't get tail? For reals?), I let it slide as it fits in with his "regular guy" demeanor. Of course not all regular guys spend vacation time in Southeast Asia or get asked to narrate documentaries on global hunger. But that's what makes the guy unique. And personally, I enjoy his spoken word so much more than what he does with his band. I know there are people who quite enjoy both (i.e. Rikki) or just his music, but I'll just stick with the monologues. Unless of course, Black Flag ever reunites and does a full tour and then I'd probably go check that out.
As we got there very late, Rikki and I ended up standing by the back of the room (granted we still probably would've been there had we arrived earlier). And as we waited around for the crowds to depart, we ran into Matt, Amber and Cliff & Jeremy as they were leaving. Hung out with those guys for a little while and then we decided to make our way out as well. Also spotted Niki and Liz as we were walking out. Thinking there's a good chance I missed a bunch of other folks, but again didn't get there early enough to properly mingle.
All in all it was a very good night, albeit a brief one. But considering how long he can go on and on, maybe it worked out for the best.
Then again, I can't say how much of his monologue was actually centered around the election and the Bush administration, as I missed the majority of the performance. I wanted to take Rikki with me, as she's a big Hank fan. But since she was working until 9, we didn't get there until 2 hours well into his rant. Damn him for starting promptly. Luckily the guy can talk quite a spell, so we still got to hear about a good 1/2 hour to 45 minutes of his spoken word performance. And in that amount of time, he still touched on the upcoming election, the economy, the Bush administration, world famine, war and his travels across the globe. So in essence, we got the abridged version of the show by arriving late and catching his summation.
And having seen a few of his spoken word tours in the past, the guy is as entertaining, informative and amusing as ever. He's a really funny and charming guy. I can easily see Henry Rollins as the perfect dinner party guest. And though I don't totally buy into some of his self depreciatory comments (I'm supposed to believe this guy can't get tail? For reals?), I let it slide as it fits in with his "regular guy" demeanor. Of course not all regular guys spend vacation time in Southeast Asia or get asked to narrate documentaries on global hunger. But that's what makes the guy unique. And personally, I enjoy his spoken word so much more than what he does with his band. I know there are people who quite enjoy both (i.e. Rikki) or just his music, but I'll just stick with the monologues. Unless of course, Black Flag ever reunites and does a full tour and then I'd probably go check that out.
As we got there very late, Rikki and I ended up standing by the back of the room (granted we still probably would've been there had we arrived earlier). And as we waited around for the crowds to depart, we ran into Matt, Amber and Cliff & Jeremy as they were leaving. Hung out with those guys for a little while and then we decided to make our way out as well. Also spotted Niki and Liz as we were walking out. Thinking there's a good chance I missed a bunch of other folks, but again didn't get there early enough to properly mingle.
All in all it was a very good night, albeit a brief one. But considering how long he can go on and on, maybe it worked out for the best.