Henry Rollins Isn't Worried About His FBI File - Soft Focus - Episode 4

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Henry Rollins and Ian Svenonius begin a week's worth of witty repartee, touching at first on government surveillance and Henry's appearance on Australia's terrorism watch list. Henry tells us about his work for the USO and recounts his migration from DC to LA. Later Rollins talks about getting labeled a "sell-out" after appearing in a few not-so-great flicks, and those silly mandates of "nonconformists". Ian talks with Henry about the self-immolation aspect of rock music, the life-changing experience of catching a Led Zeppelin show with Ian MacKaye, and his grievances with people who think music has stopped progressing.
**
Come with Soft Focus as we retreat from the world and into the woods in search of some forgotten remedy for lame stream radio pollution, hideous condominiums, and brutish power tripping police. In between walks around the lake and contemplating existence, we'll interview some of the most intriguing artists of this underground rock and roll culture we covet as our own cure for the world's square minded music industry. In Noisey's long form interview show, Soft Focus, we delve deep into the minds and hearts of some of the most influential and seminal musicians to grace the underground stage.
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[@dwightmartincampbell7973]

It’s 3 in the morning and I’m just binging Henry Rollins interviews

[@astewart9410]

Living correctly!

[@rolux4853]

I’m on a Ian McKaye binge, go there after Rollins!

[@scottjohnson1235]

yeap

[@davidmitchell2884]

You can't help but binge Henry Rollins.

[@thedropdeaddisapointments128]

We've all been there

[@chrisbyars4422]

Henry Rollins Black Flag punk rocker sho became a philanthropist... hasn't lost his anger or his intensity. You rock!

[@J_i_z_z_y]

I like the 60’s look of this interview

[@jayt7178]

He’s Ian svenovius. Was the lead singer of nation of Ulysses.

[@violetbrown2372]

He looks like a lost Gallagher brother.

[@Microtonal_Cats]

I think it's a parody of David Frost interviewing Nixon.

[@billscanlan5639]

When I saw the thumbnail I was confused. I thought it was a 60’s still frame with Hank photoshopped in

[@tommyt1971]

Fun thing about the FBI is that if you contact them and ask if they have a file on you and they don't, they open one.

[@Koettnylle]

Internet facts

[@cybersphere]

FBI File? Rollins has an entire cabinet

[@josh-rz3uq]

Oh please. He's about as mainstream as they come.

[@danielbaugher826]

cybersphere " I have a file but it's a big one " lol Peter Steele lol

[@davidlanier2290]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@xiweinx]

Hardcore shows are still being played in basements and garages. We don't even have to talk about hope. It's still there.

[@kidswillbeskeletonsgrimm2702]

Even in 2019 my friend

[@awfuldemonspit6761]

Underground never die, always was dead cause this shit is what we feel

[@transphatsmile]

Yea but even those have an army attempting to stop them. The police, noise complaints , in St. Louis..the alcoholic industry, social media, et cetera

[@transphatsmile]

I watched the hardcore and punk scene fall apart here. Not only that, I predicted it. Even Ian Svenonius, last time I saw him here, joked “what this street needs is another bar”.

[@justinmix143]

Thank you for saying this. Still true 8 years later. Just needed to be reminded today

[@austinjrb]

I respect this man's level of honesty and integrity so much. He's one of a kind and I strive to be like him.

[@sillypenta]

Starts at 2:30

[@Lastman737]

thanks

[@YuliMuly]

sillypenta thank you!!

[@coloradoexplorer3940]

hero

[@punxroxr1987tltv]

sillypenta thanks Captain!!! Don't forget to fly away!

[@kombinationkid]

Thank you son

[@sydbarrett5]

I think Ian Svenonius sold me a used car.

[@freyassagal2319]

Hahaha

[@dyr234]

hahaha that is fucking funny

[@nataliacleotatrakobrapuke8081]

this world is sad and fucked, somehow they can try to send me to war to die to keep rich people rich, yet somehow its fuckin 2014 and still where I live I cant smoke herb without fuckin hassle (I don't even like weed. shit was cool in high school...but its principle. also, not like a law gonna stop me or anyone from anything, especially exploration of awareness thru medicinal plants) rollins is a fuckin legend, and a hero to me, an a lot. and this is the sht he gits from our fuckin disgusting ass world....pathetic. mad love rollins. cheers

[@nataliacleotatrakobrapuke8081]

id be more concerned with how fuckin retarded this world is becoming, and less of any file. snitches worldwide. webs of ignorant tattletales.

[@valeniusthekat]

I've loved this man since the 80's 🔊😍😄👏💜🕪

[@nicks4802]

At the very end when henry talks about H.R. of Bad Brains falling off stage on him and grabbing him by the neck and singing at him, I can literally see that happening in my head, and its one if the gnarliest shows ever

[@dyr234]

Me too man

[@xjesusmercyx]

Nick Samuel that's exactly why we're Lifers.

[@acollectivunfair4101]

+6 L O W 6 L Y F 6 Gaaaay. Lifers are gaaaay.

[@acollectivunfair4101]

+A Collectiv Unfair? Whatever. Peace.

[@acollectivunfair4101]

+A Collectiv Unfair? Hardline Post Punk is what you are, not really Hardcore.

[@walteredstates]

This intro music is the best, I've ever heard, by far. Add to that the visual style and this thing synergises into the style stratosphere. I am impressed.

[@FallenEmpireLTD]

Rollins is a very switched on person, glad he exists

[@nickilovesdogs8137]

Super cool interview they both have a lot in common it's like a dance. Great vibes and atmosphere.

[@23lFrench]

Anarchism is quite literally, self organisation.

[@theabysshasnogender855]

Which is a "no-no" for people who wanna organize us.

[@davidlanier2290]

Every zoo is a petting zoo if you're not a pussy.

[@somewhatsomething4882]

There is no "self". Words are illusion.

[@artificialbox]

"this interviewer guy" is Ian Svenonius, he was the vocalist of The Nation of Ulysses back in the late 80s to early 90s, and has been in a number of great punk bands since then. If you're a fan of Henry and Black Flag, you'll probably like some of the stuff Ian has done.

[@Zolar_Czackl]

We all are 😃

[@CarcPazu]

Henry would be perfect in movie role where he plays a crazy general.

[@MiniLemmy]

Absolutely! He looks like a mean military guy...

[@drpibisback7680]

4 years late, but he plays the ex-military host of a survivalist reality show in the horror film Wrong Turn 2. It's pretty fucking rad.

[@zackscruggs4543]

God...Rollins was such a volcano when he was younger. Now he is more like a peaceful moutainscape with all his smiling and more chipper attitude. Don't touch my soup can!!!

[@chrisb2608]

You dont have a soup can, kid.

[@emmaduncan2991]

Henry is a true American hero.

[@benbaker-martin3627]

Check put this dudes band The Make-Up you wont be disappointed.

[@arbyscurlyfries9490]

Have you ever watched someone speak and immediately just regret your entire lifestyle?

[@schattenheim]

Unbelievable this was befor Trump - its like a forecast...

[@schattenheim]

Gus Klimt Sorry I couldn’t resist... it was so strange...we life in crazy times

[@renbecks66]

I know Henry isn’t very tall, but he doesn’t seem to fit in that chair...

[@wainedodd8055]

Nobody puts Henry in a chair,

[@davidlanier2290]

That's because he's larger than life

[@robertwilson246]

I am really shocked how many people are commenting on Ian Svenonius' interview. It is just an act, idiots. He was in Nation of Ulysses and the Make Up. He is a fucking badass. Rollins and all the other people he interviews all know him.

[@vicoilsteems9764]

Robert Wilson ,the smirk on Henry's face at the beginning of the interview is the easter egg/ hidden clue .

[@jackprice8525]

I was wondering weather it was real or not. I think it would be a lot cooler if he was actually a basement dwelling douche who finally made it through shear determination and persistence.

[@ChrisShepley]

The last big rock moment was Sinead burning the picture of the Pope. And she was absolutely right in hindsight.

[@ioxnicoxoi]

and what can be more punk rock than having the balls to do what you love...in spite of the hoards of people too afraid to act on thier own behalf...in spite of the masses spitting disdain on you accomplishments.

[@MikeZdravkovski]

What a great interview,Rollins is a legend

[@herefordmsv]

We need more people like Henry out there. And that not anything to do with him being who he is, it just simply that I think more people need to know the reality out there

[@Squidward_Tikiland]

haha i love the jelous people who come to these vid's to insult the interviewer and the musicians. interviewer is fucking comedy gold by the way.

[@Squidward_Tikiland]

his humor is a sublte kind of satire of alot of things in rock culture

[@userer4579]

"I'm going to give [democracry] mouth-to-mouth until I die", Henry Rollins

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

The US has never been a Democracy, so he's anti-American just like the FBI... which is why he doesn't have to worry.

[@Noisey]

You're welcome, kind viewer! Check back next Sunday for another episode of Soft Focus! And you can check out our Noisey Meets playlists for even more interviews.

[@David-dv2lb]

Is there any possibility of reuploading all the Soft Focus videos to KZbin?

[@ChoopaEverywhere]

I love the section where he talks about the restrictions on someone helps them get creative. I've always thought of limitations as new ways to find what you want to say, even if you can't be direct.

[@johnnyguitar7921]

guy was in the FBI since his black flag days, lol

[@Richard1979hush]

i love listening to Henry! He inspires me. He's definitely someone to learn from

[@stephenroach1992]

I love Henry Rollins such a cool fucking intelligent dude

[@zer0953]

plot twist Henry is the FBI

[@MiniLemmy]

Henry’s look and intensity makes Vinny Jones look like Ned Flanders!

[@matthewcohen7488]

this is just another Rollins performance, he's doin what he always does: yammer on and on about himself, with some topical points mixed. Svenonius can't get a word in edge wise.

[@jmpsthrufyre]

Why all the edits? Clever edits but edits nonetheless. And thanks Ian. I am now getting bombarded by ads and strange recommendations. From Angel soft toilet paper to soft tacos and soft machines.

[@crispee1978]

quite obviiouslly you dont get irony or sarcasm. hes acting out a caricature of those straight backed talk show hosts of the 80's.

[@tammichenard1024]

...more like the 60's, but I agree with your assessment otherwise.

[@davidlanier2290]

Sigh.... B o o k... He wrote many... Enjoy.

[@davidlanier2290]

Wait? What is sarcasam? I must have missed that day of school... I apologize most wholeheartedly. Please, Could you explain this sarcasm But you small words like you were talking to a child or a golden retriever.... 😇 Agreed. Hope example helps others learn the absolute beauty of sarcasam. 👍

[@binkymagnus]

always struck me as a William F. Buckley impression

[@StoicMonk666]

I know all about the big mouth getting me in trouble. I'm working on it. Henry Rollins has to be an interviewers heaven on earth. This guy is such a good interview it touches the soul.

[@Noisey]

You noticed ::blushes::

[@godtoHrD]

Henry Rollins should play Henry Rollins in a movie about Henry Rollins called Henry Rollins

[@jigrodrigues]

Best comment

[@michaelh4614]

how does Ian look younger now than he did in the 80s?

[@davidward3394]

"Im going to give democracy mouth to mouth until i die" I love Henry Rollins.

[@bob733333]

Ya, bring back mob-rule. With the mob being fully 'tarded.

[@salazarich]

The Make Up is a fantastic band.

[@daevidharvey7113]

Rollins Band late 80,s 90’s the later version were some of the best Rock n Roll ever Those 4 shows I saw first a small North Tonawanda club to Toronto’s Concert Hall & Opera House blew them all away hugely , massive ... Do It Do It Do It Do It Man It’s Rock n Roll and the Message is DO IT !! Maybe the greatest cover ever Pink Fairies on a Power Trip ... 100% King

[@ntc612]

strong, honest, stirring, sharp-seeing, disciplined, humoruos, confident, fearless person. he shows how the human being should go through it's being. well, plus-minus.

[@escaton74]

he's not fearless or confident though ! the fear is the motivation for all the other things you said he is.. he even mentions it here at 15:15, he consciously uses his lack of confidence and fear of failure to succeed

[@ntc612]

i see your point. and i agree - maybe he intentionally makes himself act super-confidently to overcome fear and stuff. and i suppose you don't really define him as a woosy ("he's not fearless or confident")- he's got balls to deal with things he takes as his weaknesses, so..

[@j_freed]

Action trumps all talking and theory, and the man takes action. Fuck armchair theorizing and whining.

[@TraceyAllen]

One of the few interviewers that can actually keep up with Henry.

[@donh1851]

Never realised how much I loved Henry but I truly must if I sat through that intro

[@OFR]

This show is WAY too self-important with their fake introduction and titles. Good interviews come once you ENDURE the nonsense phony character this guy pretends to be. WHY?

[@Zopf-international]

Great programme Soft Focus. Wish it was on National Tele. At least there would be something good on. Everybody who is involved. Thank you very much.

[@queuesnake704]

Smart, down to earth guy, that Rollins.

[@EclecticSceptic]

Oh man, I didn't want that to end.

[@deanpd3402]

Anyone who thinks that rock music had any genuine value or sincerity to it should read David McGowan's 'Weird Scenes Inside the Canyon' for a rethink on the whole history of rock.

[@NudeRockENT]

Rollins killin' it as always

[@kennyjohnston5345]

The Interviewer looks like a full grown Peter Dinklage

[@EAP7708]

.....but with nasty teeth.

[@eddiegalon3714]

more like Elliot Easton from The Cars

[@davisdavis468]

@Grinderman those exist?

[@Noisey]

We're talking about it! We want one too!

[@markowhisper]

i think the song "we don't need freedom" is another kind of form of punk criticism to what "freedom" in the modern America means, i mean free competition, freedom to establish not the actual meaning for what the actual freedom is supposed" to be, I see Ian's point, as Henry's, both might be incorrect to express themselves, but are correct to my ethical points of view and both points get along in the end; this aside from my love for both of their music, both are geniouses to me, maybe one more misunderstood than the other.

[@regortex3364]

Rollins, the most interesting man alive, according to Rollins.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

Well, that's kinda the idea, you should be the most interesting person in your own life at least.

[@DaveFurgess]

I met Henry Rollins in 1981 or so and all I remember was he was rambling on about Jimmy Pursey and he needed a bath really bad!

[@eddiegalon3714]

and to think this interview was in the pre-Trump salad days.

[@evansellars8728]

@R. M he's done more to curb our rights than the Obama administration

[@bluespiritrecords1709]

@R. M Brainwashed? And you're a moronic yes man

[@Zettel9016]

R. M The Right always accuses the other party of its own sins in order to deflect criticism of its policies and crimes. Trump is nothing at this point and praise of him is either a deliberate attempt to troll someone on some message board somewhere or just whistling in the graveyard in order to not see the approaching ghouls.

[@tammichenard1024]

@R. M Still have this opinion post-COVID 19? IF so, you are in the minority. Irony at its finest.

[@gwkiv1458]

@R. M en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anarchist_communism

[@distination0]

Rollins rules!

[@venividivici47BCE]

GG Allin embodied a set of ideals that I believe many people could not agree with - even some of rock's most 'dangerous' acts. In my opinion that dude just took things to an unnecessary extreme, for example his condoning of rape at shows. What the fuck GG? I do respect his authenticity as a person though and I will never hope to say that he shouldn't have had the right to perform or anything. Danger is good, I like it, it's cool, but like I've said, GG Allin just took it to unnecessary extremes.

[@markrago7217]

Equality is a farce. We can all have equal opportunity, but we are individuals, choices we make in life separate us from others. Inequality is tantamount to existence.

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Henry is like the rock n roll Travis Bickle.

[@666kinski]

Shorten the intro!!!!!!!!

[@TheCcmarine]

100fuckin% cut it in half!!

[@memphisashes3713]

damnnnnn henry ran this interview

[@majorThreatNOW]

u just love the interviewer on this show, seems like such a wicked dude, lol

[@mingo4631]

i love how this ends with an abrupt “thank you very much”... after all that lol

[@MFTMSS]

I hope everyone knows who "Ian Svenonius" (aka the interviewer) is. If you don't, rush to the search bar and check out "Nation Of Ulysses"!

[@j-haint3188]

MUSICMUSICMUSIC is he in Chain and the Gang also?

[@runnersdialzero1244]

2:30 if you prefer to skip the intro. I prefer to skip the intro.

[@crypttonite]

not worried because he is an Intel Asset as is Ian, Ian wrote up a little diddy about meeting with CIA or maybe is was Secret Service, how could it be CIA when they do not operate in the US.... makes no dif, Ian was meeting with his handler/ contact.

[@clicheguevara5282]

Bro we ALL have FBI files at this point. Lol

[@davidward3394]

Bud, when a F.B.I. agent knocks on your front door and flashes that unmistakable badge, wants to question you in a case..., its very real. I know i have a file, while probably very thin, i have a file.

[@gchampi2]

Henry Rollins For President!!!

[@Torrment]

Hahahah. Maybe it's the editing, but it sounds like Rollins doesn't leave much breathing room. Delightfully long winded.

[@Ezekielion]

that ian guy looks like dracula

[@MiniLemmy]

I thought he looked like a young Phil Spector!

[@Ezekielion]

@@MiniLemmy damn I forgot I even commented on this video. Must've been high..I have no recollection lol

[@cosmicdrifter287]

whip smart.

[@abra1513]

cosmicdrifter287 q

[@johnnyscifi]

Svenonius is my jam

[@CreativeMcWritold]

Really....one of the better Rollins interviews. Ian svenonious did nothing erroneous.

[@SoldStudios]

This was very interesting presentation. Where's the uncut version 🤔

[@phise1]

this legit felt like a 5 min video

[@Reprodestruxion]

Its the centurions And the legionaires are the ones that commit the human rights abuses

[@RedroomStudios]

this looks like it's a 1980's community access cable channel!

[@Bikewithlove]

You're awesome Henry. Put that in my file.

[@copheart]

Sweet Tascam TRS8

[@ussehopoh]

He's a republican, he worked for Bush family plus Stalin had awesome moustache.

[@mathewerven9]

19:50 "Freedom has it's pitfalls. I don't think it's that good." Sounds like a short cut to thinking. I hope he was trying to be funny if not I hope people can see through this tool!

[@PAULLONDEN]

Oh my....this Ian guy is yer typical piece of New York soft focus slime , who *far* from has an "fbi file" , even if he has an "fbi file" , it might be as a "favourite file" . The great Henri perfectly managed to hide his contempt for this curly boy......

[@dyr234]

Ian is a badass front man, he was like an early cedric from at the drive in and rollins is just the fucking man with the plan.

[@lennyrose5852]

Cedric from At The Drive In? You mean Cedric from The Mars Volta? That Cedric?

[@dyr234]

@@lennyrose5852 yes the very so, and I mean in his stage performances

[@chrisbond7324]

Why should he worry about an FBI file the guy is a square he doesn't break the law

[@yellopearls07]

I automatically feel sorry for anyone that takes on the challenge of interviewing Rollins. First of all, good luck getting anything other than your first question in, because he's going to take that and run non-stop with it into whatever topic he wants to. This putz is completely thrown off his game. Rollins' intensity was too much for this guy before they even sat down. Ben Stein did a pretty good interview with him, but even he had to fall back on cheap laughs just to keep from getting railroaded.

[@RobertDeBateman]

Will do!

[@WindmillStalker]

Did they fish the interviewer straight from the 70s?

[@colinpsykes]

My best friends of ten years happen to be the only son and daughter of the USO's president. He thinks the world of Henry Rollins now, which couldn't be more incongruous and ironic and amusing coming from him-in Sixties parlance, he's easily the biggest square I know, totally bourgeois, right out of the Eisenhower years. Ha ha! But Rollins really gave a lot of his time to that organization, which is lovely. Generally only country signers, classic rock stars, and the odd pop starlet or mainstream rapper get involved.

[@fawn277]

And that chick from JAG.. She does a lot of tours for the USO lol.

[@christopherrowe2928]

Colin Sykes has

[@LSDISGOOD4U]

would be better if this guy could pronounce the letter S.

[@lindleland]

You are a saint.

[@violetbrown2372]

Henry's an American treasure.

[@LatEd25]

Fuck every word this guy says hits you in the soul

[@s1rShAnKsAl0t11]

The people who disliked this should be put in a work camp until they wake up damm it

[@stanczykfrowns6501]

That's a little rough don't you think?

[@s1rShAnKsAl0t11]

it a joke...

[@stanczykfrowns6501]

I know, I was just messing with you XD. But I agree with you! Very interesting interview.

[@s1rShAnKsAl0t11]

it was indeed lol for a seccond there i thought you would have to be sent to a work camp jkjk

[@stanczykfrowns6501]

XD Good to see some nice funny people on these kind of videos for once, respect to you Pogar!