He's A Liar

 Henry Rollins has led a somewhat chameleon-like existence. First, back in the old days he was a regular punk--pissed-off, getting in fights, playing in whatever bands he could. Then he became the singer for his favorite band, Black Flag, moved to California and became Henry Rollins. By that I don't just mean he changed his name, but he created the persona that he is associated with today--the black shorts, the pumped physique, the over-the-top rage. Still, all along, there have been other Rollins--funny Rollins, insightful Rollins, crusading Rollins, even fan-boy Rollins. In his spoken-word records and tours, he manages to engage audiences with his personal stories and insights, told in a sardonic but hilarity-filled tone. In his books of poems and observations, he supplies the reader with theories and insights sparked by his experiences and his deepest thoughts. With his activism, he has spoken out strong and unfailingly for everything from the West Memphis Three to gay marriage. On his radio show, Harmony in My Head, and on The Henry Rollins Show, he has expressed unadulterated admiration for the artists he is presenting or interviewing. And on top of all that, he is a top-notch Twitterer! What's not to like? Rollins rages on 9 p.m. Saturday at the Lakewood Theater. Tickets are $28. Call 214-821-7469 or ticketmaster.com.
Sat., Oct. 4, 9 p.m., 2008