Henry Rollins returns to music after more than twenty years

After having been the frontman of historical hardcore and punk groups such as State of Alert, Black Flag and Rollins Band, decades ago Henry Rollins decided to concentrate his energies in fields other than music, pursuing a career as an actor, television and radio host, as well as a writer. Now, after more than twenty years, Rollins has announced his return to music.

The 64-year-old former leader of the “Rise above” lineup has joined forces with Ian MacKaye for a new musical project, recently recording four songs in the studio. In an update posted on his website in recent days, Rollins revealed that he and MacKaye, of Minor Threat and Fugazi fame, have reunitedfound a few weeks ago at Inner Ear Studios in Washington, DC. In the announcement, where however no precise details regarding the project were provided, we read:

“Weeks ago I returned to Washington to work on an amazing project. Ian MacKaye and I went to Inner Ear Studios, where we recorded our first records decades ago, and mixed a four-song session with the great Don Zientara at the console. It’s the same studio where Teen Idles, Minor Threat, Bad Brains and many others recorded. It was amazing to be back there with Ian and Don. Halfway through the mix we were joined by none other than Eddie Janney – member of bands like The Untouchables, Rites of Spring, One Last Wish, Happy Go Licky, Skewbald and other great bands he made a huge contribution to the session. As for the songs, I had them mastered a few days ago and now I’m working on the layout and design of the album. I’ll let you know.

Regarding his previous decision to no longer make music, Henry Rollins said last year: “I’m smart enough not to come back.” For his part, MacKaye continued to maintain some musical activity even after the indefinite suspension of the Fugazi in 2003, despite having kept more to the side in recent years. Over the last twenty years he has released several records together with his groups Evens And Coriky.