Newspapers / Q-notes (Charlotte, N.C.) / June 7, 2003, edition 1 / Page 31
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JUNE 7 . 2003 • Q-NOTES Q-Culture 31 Loud mouth with a soft heart: Henry Rollins Legendary rocker, intellectual and friend to the LGBT community to perform at Tremont by David Moore Favored music in the LGBT community usually borders somewhere between good ol’ American pop and folk music to R&B and dance. There’s not usually too much room left for hard rock or punk. Truth be known, the latter hasn't always, been so friendly to queer fans. But there arc excep tions, of course. Henry Rollins is one of them. “I've never on any level had a prob lem with it,” says Rollins, in an exclu sive interview with Q-Nofes. “To me your sex ual orientation is really a boring topic. If you’re gay, great, you’re bi, whatever, you’re straight, so? It’s about as interesting to me as your astro logical sign. I don’t care. You like to be naked with a guy, well go get one. I don’t care.” Rollins is legendary for his sharp tongue and willingness to speak his mind bluntly about subjects that hold an interest for him. Despite a history of homophobia from rockers of similar ilk (Axl Rose, for example), Rollins is Rollins Band upfront about his opinions on gay sexuality. “I’m heterosexual and gay men hit on me,” he pauses for a moment, as if he’s searching to find the right words. “Well, maybe not as much as they used to,” he laughs. “Like when I was in my 20s and my cheekbones were still all pointy. Now that my hair is grey I don’t get hit on as much as I used to...but I used to! “So it never bugged me. I mean a guy thinks I’m hot. Is that offensive to me? “No, not in the least. I’ve never had a problem with homosexuality because I think it’s as solid a sexuality as heterosexuality.” Rollins began his career in 1981 with the band Black Flag. A huge fan of the punk band prior to join ing, he and friend Ian MacKaye drove to New York City to see Black Flag perform at the Peppermint Lounge. Later that evening they played at a small club nearby and Rollins jumped on stage and took the mike for a turn. A few days later, he was called back to New York to audi tion for the band. Rollins spent the next six years riding in vans, sleeping on the run and getting beaten to a punk pulp on stage while he fronted one of the most notable punk bands of the era. Since 1986 Rollins has fronted his own band (The Rollins Band) and appeared as an actor in a number of TV shovys and films. He’s also penned a handful of books, includ ing his autobiography. Get In The Van. These white rabbit MQBooR Sale! Hardcovers cheaper than paperbacks! Paperbacks cheaper than the internet! New titles arriving each week! Go to WhiteRabbitBooks.com for titles and prices Charlotte: 1401 Central Ave, 28205 (704) 377-4067 Raleigh: 309 W. Martin St. 27601 (919) 856-1429 GLBT Charlotte Business Guild Meeting Date: Tutisday, June 17, 2003 Program: Politically Out; A Panel Discussion with Gay Politicians Holiday Inn, College and 7th St. Social 5:30 pm - Dinner & Program 6;30 pm ToReseiye: Cost $20 Call 704-565-5075 by 12:00 pm Mondayjune 16, 2003 charlottebusinessguild.com days he’s probably just about as well known for his poetry and acting as he is his music. His current tour (he plays Charlotte’s Tremont Lounge |une II) and new CD fea tures solely the music of Black Flag. What’s more — all of the proceeds will go to help the West Memphis Three. What's tfuiU You ask. West Memphis Three? In a nutshell, here’s the story; Three teenage boys — Damien Echols, lason Baldwin and )essic Misskelley — were con victed in the murders of three eight-year-old boys — Michael Moore, Chris Myers and Steve Branch. HBO produced two documentaries about the case — Paradise Lost and West Memphis Three.‘which explored the extreme lack of evidence used to convict Echols, Baldwin and Misskelley. Currently Echols sits on death row await ing death by lethal ihjection, while Baldwin and Misskelley will spend — for all intents and purposes — the rest of their natural lives behind bars. A look at Paradise Lost will provide some distinct insight into the story or a visit to the web site at www.wm3.org. Rollins is much like the average viewer when it comes to the topic of West Memphis Three (WM3). “I saw it on television, and it really raised some red flags and some questions in my mind," he explains. "I felt like these guys were convicted with a supreme lack of evidence.” After numerous dead ends on appeals, with new evidence some possible light may be appearing at the end of the tunnel for WM3. Henry Rollins Residual DNA material from underneath the fingernails of the murdered boys, never before tested, stands to offer new light Into the case if it is found that it docs not match any of the convicted. Rollins is cnthusiatic, but realistic. "It may show everything or nothing.” he says matter-of-factly. But the government refuses to pay for the testing, so 1 decided I would. It’s very expen sive — hence the CD and the concert tour. “I don’t know if they’re guilty or innocent,” he professes. "But 1 do want to sec justice done here. This may answer some questions." info: The Rollins Bond performs at: Tremont Music Noll 400 West Tremont Ave.. Chorlotte, 704-343-9494 www.tremontmusichQll.com NC Stunning!” Charlotte Theatre Magazine FIRST FRIDAYS are lesbian & gay nights atthe Repl Purchase a First Friday subscription and join cast members and Rep staff for post-show receptions at the Lesbian and Gay Community Center. Order your subscription TODAY! Readers’ Pick: Best Theatre Company Creative l.oat’mg ■rep repertory theolre«-V 704.333.8587 x111 www.charlotterep.org I J«rth«riO(»r i; An Of th« Retell*, All tha Tima p-:: r ; : : 0m■■ ■■ ■ ;■ Hamlat ' BafafootinthaRark I Sooth Piayhoufie. NC SlumenUial Performing Arts Center Seeing is believing
Q-notes (Charlotte, N.C.)
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June 7, 2003, edition 1
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