One of punk’s key statesmen chats about Trump, the Alt-right, anger management and the state of modern music.

Someone I know once described Rollins’ spoken word as “stand up comedy with a thesis statement”. At his shows, Rollins takes the things he knows intimately (music and the music industry, travelling, politics) and turns them into uproariously funny, oft infuriating war tales. On stage, Henry’s austere, to-the-point approach becomes almost a punk Sasha Fierce. His stories about KISS, Joe Strummer, Joey Ramone and George W Bush (to name a few) have the intergenerational appeal of a Simpsons episode, where  at 16, 26 and 36, I could (in his words) really identify with him – so much.

When I started writing about music, I put this interview up as something of a high watermark. I figured I’d have to be more established, more connected, but it turns out I was wrong. In a moment of “what’s the worst that could happen”, I wrote to a Contact Us link on Henry’s website asking for an interview, and then at 3am, two days later, he wrote back. He agreed to answer some of my questions if I emailed them. I was astonished. I think this speaks to the kind of rock star Henry Rollins is. He refuses the labels so many like him get. “icon”, “legend”. In his words and his actions, the titles ultimately mean nothing to him, but interfacing with the people he influences (and is influenced by) seems to mean everything. I guess that’s why this interview happened.

You’ve been a singer, producer, spoken word artist, writer and radio/TV host. Which of those roles have challenged you most? Which one altered your perspective most?

The most challenging is the talking shows. It’s just me up there and there is no backbeat. I like doing those shows but they are not easy. The one that altered my perspective has been working in Hollywood. It is very tricky and quite political.

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In the past, anger was always such a key element in your art. How do you unpack your anger today compared to when you first started doing spoken word shows? How do you unpack it today compared to your earliest days in the punk scene?

I think I have a more intellectual approach than I had when I was younger. I try to deconstruct that which angers me in an effort to not let it control me. I think that would be the biggest difference in how I deal with anger.

In the liner notes for your album Think Tank, you wrote “Rejoice, for we will defeat racism in our lifetime.” What do you feel was the climate at the time that led you to write that statement? How do you feel when you hear that statement today?

The climate was what I think is one of the most illogical and regrettable points of view imaginable. It’s nothing I can shut up about or say, “That’s just the way it is.” I think generationally, things are getting better. I don’t see why we can’t get rid of such a bad idea.

The 80s punk scene was rife with skinheads and neo-nazis. What parts of those groups do you see in the Alt-right today? How has the nature of hate changed?

I can’t tell you much about the “Alt-right.” I am guessing that they would be modern day white power movements? If that’s the case, what has changed is like any other group, they are able to take advantage of the internet to spread their message.

What do you believe people can do to fight back against the pervasiveness of the alt-right?

I don’t think it would be possible to educated and still find the ultra conservative point of view viable. If it were me, I would use education to push back against them. Otherwise it’s some kind of pitched battle, which I don’t see has any good part.

You’re a voracious traveler. Over the past few years (particularly during this election cycle), how have your discussions with citizens of other countries changed?

Somewhat. I am curious about their country, how their government is performing, what’s happening, so I ask those kind of questions. The most reoccurring question I get from the people I meet is how can Donald Trump get as far as he did. They find him to be repellent. It’s interesting to hear what people outside of the USA say about it. They often see things quite differently.

How do you believe history will frame this election, the candidates involved, and the involvement of the media?

I think it will be difficult for the Republican Party to walk this one off unless they just embrace Trump, admit that things went sideways and get onto the next thing. The more they say nothing, the worse they look. Some people say that Trump will be the end of the GOP. He won’t, but he will make them have to look at themselves and hopefully, make some changes.

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It’s been almost a decade since the Rollins Band took a hiatus. Since then, which voices in music do you believe have become the most powerful?

It’s not really a hiatus as I have no plans on going back to music. Honestly, I don’t think about music having anything to do with power these days. There are bands I like but I don’t hear any commanding voices like Chuck D. It’s not like they aren’t out there. Perhaps it’s not what I’m looking for in music. It could just be an age thing with me. I am looking more for innovation and something different.

In what ways has the music industry changed for the better over the past 9 years? How has it changed for the worse?

As far as independent music, I think it’s in a great place. What has changed is a lot of bands are producing their own music and running their own labels. There were so many great albums out this year. Things are not so good for major labels. They’re more boring than ever. What I think is less than great is royalties on streaming songs as far as bands getting paid fairly.

Henry Rollins performs at the Danforth Music Hall on Saturday Nov. 5th. Tickets here.