Henry Rollins is ruggedly optimistic because of YOU. For 45 unbroken minutes, Rollins stood alone on the Hitchcock Theater stage, tattoos flashing, and riffed on life, the world, and how to claim a place on the planet. Former singer for the punk band Black Flag, current spoken word artist and world traveler, Rollins enthralled his audience with tales from his life. Revved up by manic energy and his need for independence, Rollins has spent his time driving forward with the gas pedal flat down. From touring the world as a musician to telling stories for money; from auditioning for a movie by lunch with Al Pacino to hopping all over the world with a smile and a camera: Rollins has done more than most in his life. He has no intention of slowing down.
Rollins has few rules in his life, but he shared them with the Cate students: Read more than you text. Remember that you have more options than you think. Know that people are generous and kind everywhere. Rollins thinks this century is going to end better than it started because “You!” he shouted out to the audience, “will be voting and rejecting the misogyny, racism, and homophobia of previous generations.” He has high hopes for what he calls “my beautiful America” and even higher hopes for students. As Rollins announced in conclusion, “You can do whatever you want. That’s what I do every damn day.”
