Quotes By Henry Rollins

I can't remember that I ever had just a minute of stage fright.

There is no way you are going to be forgiven for blowing up a village and killing a bunch of people.

I am an optimist because I want to change things for the better and I know that blood has to be spilled and disharmony and cruelty are necessary to do that.

I think about the meaning of pain. Pain is personal. It really belongs to the one feeling it. Probably the only thing that is your own. I like mine.

I get angry about stuff, I get very emotionally intense about stuff and that's how I get it out - with books, with the band, on my own onstage, but it's always kind of a wail.

Giving a good performance, giving it all is what it's all about. I love to perform.

I forged myself out of a vacuum. I crawl along the highway on hacked off stumps year after year. Some wonder how and why. I never do.

But I have a good life. I enjoy what I do. I am married to work.

The world's a better place since I chose music.

I think more tolerance, more people having more access to a chance to be literate, and a chance to stay healthy makes for a more peaceful planet.

The only difference between me and others is that they think they can change something with cute little poems, nice cards or embracing trees and being nice to little lapdogs.

Hope is the last thing a person does before they are defeated.

I'm most in my element on tour, with a gig that day, like today. I'm on the road where I am supposed to be. I will be where I'm supposed to be at nighttime, on stage, in front of people, doing my thing.

Everyone who knows me knows that I'm a hopeless romantic who listens to love ballads and doo-wop songs all the time.

I don't want to pass through life like a smooth plane ride.

Being an artist is dragging your innermost feelings out, giving a piece of yourself, no matter in which art form, in which medium.

When people hold you in high esteem, it's very delicate relationship. When they meet you they're putting all their chips up. It's make or break.

Yes, I guess you could say I am a loner, but I feel more lonely in a crowed room with boring people than I feel on my own.

I just get things done instead of talking about getting them done. I don't go out and party. I don't smoke, drink or do drugs and I'm not married, that leaves a lot of time for my work.

There's no rule that you have to like Henry Rollins the musician or the actor.

I can only write about personal stuff, about my point of view.

Why do you think the old stories tell of men who set out on great journeys to impress the gods? Because trying to impress people just isn't worth the time and effort.

After I left D.C. to join Black Flag, I felt I was in a band.

Sometimes the truth hurts. And sometimes it feels real good.

Scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue. Realize the strength, move on.

If I had to perform in a comedy club I would bomb; I would be trying too hard.

Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better.

My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud.

Every summer, around late July and into August, I find myself in Europe, performing at any festival that will have me.

Keep your blood clean, your body lean, and your mind sharp.