Henry Rollins embodies the spirit of a true music enthusiast. While many recognize him as the iconic former frontman of Black Flag and the Rollins Band, what truly defines him is his deep-rooted passion for music and his endless quest to collect albums and musical memorabilia. This dedication to music has shaped his identity and continues to fuel his creativity.

“It’s what keeps me, at my old age, still enthusiastic about Record Store Day and platforms like eBay and Discogs. Maintaining a want list and visiting record stores before sound checks, regardless of the country I’m in, is thrilling because you never know what treasures await,” he shares during an engaging conversation on the UCR Podcast. “The thrill of discovery keeps growing as I age, and I would be devastated if that enthusiasm faded. It’s my eternal happy place, a feeling that began when I first entered a record store with purpose at age 18. Every weekend, I’m still on the hunt for punk rock records.”

Channeling his unwavering enthusiasm into a series of books titled Stay Fanatic!, Rollins aims to connect with fellow music lovers. The exclamation point signifies the excitement that accompanies every new find. “I just scored a Belgian pressing of this, Fanatic! It’s insane! I hope the reader can relate and say, ‘Oh wow, I love that record,’” Rollins expresses. “I began writing in this passionate manner. Living alone and working solo has made me a solitary figure, akin to a fanzine where enthusiasm reigns supreme.”

“I’m so enamored with this band that I’ll dedicate 33 pages to Billy Idol. It’s reminiscent of a 15-year-old girl who obsessively writes love letters about her crush on Duran Duran,” he elaborates. “These writings are essentially love letters to music. I started this journey years ago, and after two years of relentless writing, I mustered the courage to read my work. To my surprise, I thought, ‘This could actually work!’ However, it needed an array of images to bring it to life, prompting me to invest in a scanner. Thus, the series began, with the writing kicking off in 2013 and continuing to this day.”

The latest installment, Stay Fanatic!!! Vol. 4, is a substantial volume with the subtitle “Lessons in Possession and Confessions of Obsession.” This edition boasts over 700 images and a staggering “punishing 165,000-word count,” showcasing the passionate exploration and analysis Rollins has become known for in his speaking engagements. For those who have enjoyed his musical insights, Stay Fanatic!!! provides a treasure trove of content, including discussions on rare records, flyers, test pressings, acetates, set lists, record stores, coffee shops, and the intimate backstage areas that define the music scene.

In his conversations, Rollins is never short of opinions. In the following excerpt, he reveals some of his favorite musical influences. You can listen to the full interview below, also available on Apple, Spotify, and your favorite podcast platforms.

Essential Starting Points for Exploring Hawkwind
Begin with Doremi Fasol Latido and Space Ritual – those two are indispensable. Any album featuring Lemmy is a must-listen. One of my last interactions with him involved a screenplay I wrote for a film he starred in. The director asked me to pick him up and make sure he stayed for the shoot. Lemmy was known for leaving after just one take. On our way to the set, I mentioned, ‘I listened to Fasol Latido today; it’s a perfect record.’ He responded, ‘Too much acoustic! You want Hall of the Mountain Grill!’ I replied, ‘Well, Lem, I enjoy that one too!’ My introduction to Hawkwind came from Dez Cadena of Black Flag, who had a fantastic taste in music. His father, the legendary producer Ozzie Cadena, worked on projects with greats like Charlie Parker and Lightnin’ Hopkins, running the iconic Lighthouse Jazz Club. Dez played Space Ritual one day in 1981, and it blew my mind. I had heard of Hawkwind, the band that Lemmy was in before Motörhead, but hearing their music changed everything for me. When Dez played ‘Orgone Accumulator,’ I was hooked, and I’ve been a fan ever since.”

READ MORE: Discover How Motörhead Redefined Rock with ‘Ace of Spades’

Listen to Hawkwind’s ‘Orgone Accumulator’

Identifying the Ultimate Led Zeppelin Album
For me, it’s Houses of the Holy. I once believed Led Zeppelin IV was the pinnacle when I was 15. After school every Friday, I had 48 hours away from the daily grind. The first thing I would do before heading to work was put on that record while changing clothes for my shifts at the pet shop or movie theater. Those brief moments always revolved around Zeppelin, as their music was undeniably exhilarating. As I matured, my best friend Ian MacKaye from Fugazi and Minor Threat, a talented musician, and I began dissecting records together. We questioned what elements made a record truly great. We attended screenings of The Song Remains the Same, a classic midnight movie that served as a cheap concert experience. Together, we explored what makes Zeppelin truly special. Yes, all four members are phenomenal, but John Bonham’s mastery stands out. The way he plays, and sometimes what he doesn’t play, reveals so much. Ian has a collection of bootlegs highlighting just the drum tracks, allowing us to appreciate Bonham’s unique style. The fluidity of Jimmy Page’s guitar riffs on Houses of the Holy is mesmerizing, while Robert Plant’s vocals soar. The entire band’s synergy creates a beautiful soundscape. There’s no Led Zeppelin record I dislike; they were a band that didn’t miss.

READ MORE: The Stories Behind Every Song on Led Zeppelin’s ‘Houses of the Holy’

Listen to Led Zeppelin’s ‘No Quarter’

Exploring the Impact of Black Sabbath on Music
What is it that makes Black Sabbath so iconic? During my time in Black Flag, we prioritized live performance and aimed to leave our audiences in awe. Greg Ginn, our guitarist, understood music profoundly. He emphasized that without a solid rhythm section, the rest of the music falls flat. A great guitarist can’t shine if the drummer and bassist aren’t locked in. This insight prompted me to listen to Black Sabbath differently. Bill Ward, their drummer, plays behind the beat, which adds a unique feel to their music. Ba-boom! You can be on, behind, or ahead of the beat, and it all contributes to the overall sound. Geezer Butler’s bass playing is equally impressive; it flows like mercury, creating an elastic quality. The combination of these two makes for an incredible rhythm section. When you listen closely, you realize that the magic of Black Sabbath arises from the interplay between Bill Ward and Geezer Butler. While Tony Iommi, Ozzy Osbourne, or Ronnie James Dio may take the spotlight, the true power emanates from the rhythm section, which is the backbone of their sound.

Listen to Black Sabbath’s ‘Sabbra Cadabra’

Discovering a New Perspective on Music Appreciation
Years ago, while touring with a band filled with exceptional musicians, we spent countless hours in a van discussing music. These conversations resembled debates on ESPN, filled with playful banter without any real conflict. We’d passionately argue about who the better guitarist was: Eric Clapton or Jimmy Page. One day, Andrew Weiss, the bassist in Rollins Band, made an astute observation: “Have you ever listened to a Beatles record and focused on Paul McCartney?” My initial response was, “Yes, he’s a great singer.” But Andrew urged me to listen to his bass playing. It was a revelation; I had never considered the Beatles from a rhythm section perspective. McCartney’s bass skills are phenomenal, and it completely changed how I perceive their music. Ringo Starr, too, deserves more credit as a drummer. His contributions are often overlooked, but he is an integral part of the band’s sound.

During another listening session, we explored Bob Marley’s music, and Andrew encouraged me to pay attention to Marley’s guitar work. Until then, I had always focused on the lyrics and the message. But hearing his guitar playing was a game-changer; it was so relaxed and cool. The point I’m making is that there is often much more happening in a record than one realizes. Musicians have always understood this, but many listeners spend their lives unaware of the brilliance behind the Stax rhythm section in Al Green’s records. Once you focus on the snare, you realize that it’s often the hook. The rest of the band is incredible, but the groove comes from the rhythm section. Being surrounded by musicians who dissect music has profoundly influenced how I listen. Though I can’t play any instruments, I enjoy deconstructing music emotionally. With iconic bands like Zeppelin or Sabbath, I’m compelled to understand what makes their sound resonate so deeply. This exploration has been incredibly rewarding; after countless listens, I can perceive the music in entirely new ways.

Listen to The Beatles’ ‘Taxman’

Listen to Henry Rollins on the ‘UCR Podcast’