Henry Rollins Sits Down With Pharrell Williams | ARTST TLK™ Ep. 5A Full | Reserve Channel

Henry Rollins, lead singer of Black Flag, joins Pharrell Williams to talk about everything from personal anger to his musical influences. Rollins tells the story of how he became the lead singer of Black Flag and what has led him to writing and spoken word. He talks about rebelling against close-minded, authoritarian punk crowds and his decision not to use drugs or alcohol. And he explains the rush of holding an crowd's attention and his respect and love for his audience.
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ARTST TLK w/ Pharrell Williams
A new take on the talk show format hosted by award winning producer, artist, designer, and businessman Pharrell Williams. Each episode will feature two special guests at different career stages to discuss their work, motivations, inspirations, and philosophies.
RESERVE CHANNEL and RSRV are registered trademarks, and ACROSS THE BOARD, ARTST TLK, BE WELL WEEK, BE WELL WEEKEND, CAPTURE, EX-PATS, HOOKED-UP, and ON THE TABLE are trademarks of Uncommon Content Partners LLC.

[@ianbyrne465]

Henry Rollins was such a punk rocker that he rebelled against the punk rockers

[@JMarinelli]

Exactly - Black Flag growing their hair out and playing slow, heavy music completely flew in the face of LA punk orthodoxy.

[@nintendogamer5472]

@@JMarinelli this hit close to me, in my punk phase I thought anything not punk or skateboard related was stupid. I went to an Anti-Flag show where thrice opened for them and was talking crap about thrice and years later my taste in music mellowed out and I got hooked and bands like Afi, thrice, Sparta, at the drive in, etc. Now I can't even listen to most of the punk I used to think was good. My punk and skateboard friends use to make fun of me cause I started getting into weight lifting, then dropped skating for Brazilian jiu-jitsu and they called me a meat head. Flash forward and most of those guys are now hipsters into crossfit and riding Harleys. Henry Rollins just evolved ahead of those other bands at that time and that why he is still relevant today.

[@derekosley7890]

Rollins clearly very bright, but also Pharrell is a better interviewer than 99% of the ones we have to endure on TV.

[@hazyperspective]

+Derek Osley I thought a second to reply, but honestly I couldn't have said it better than you did.

[@gremlinaftermidnight4493]

+Derek Osley I enjoyed Pharrell better as an interviewer than as an artist. Some people at CNN and Fox News could take a tip or two from Pharrell, embracing the interview and asking honest questions, discard the cue cards.

[@abeardwithtattoos]

A good interviewer would have known Black Flag existed before Rollins joined.

[@VENGEFULHEXX]

Pharrell understands another true artist.

[@JMarinelli]

Yeah - he’s great. He asks great open-ended questions and allows the subject to fully answer them.

[@MarioDiLeonardo]

3 minutes in and I appreciate my anger much more than I ever did.

[@tonsot1104]

+Mario Kluser Reminds me of John Lydon's motto "Anger is an energy"

[@gc8972b]

i feel ya. one must not deny anger. currently reading "anger, madness and the daimonic" by stephen diamond (rollo may's disciple) and also totally in tune with rollins. it's intrguing how sometimes things from multiple sources just blend beautifully

[@michaelmcfadden4397]

I've been to 3 Henry Rollins spoken word concerts in London and I believe him when he says that he feels the need for the audience more than they need him. He lays it all on the line with humility and passion. If you ever have the chance to listen to him speak live, take it.

[@TheRoboBeepBoop]

Moral of the story: Anger isn't just destructive, it can be constructive too.

[@duck1858]

Don't think I've ever seen Henry so relaxed during an interview. Also I have never seen him smile so much. Ace interview

[@OwlAtHome0]

Okay, i just gotta say this. I think Henry is a good egg, and although i haven't felt compelled to listen to his music for a while, there was a time when his work with Black Flag and Rollins Band was a real life-saver. As a f*cked-up, near-suicidal, drug-addled eighteen-year-old, back in those fabled pre-internet days, tunes like "Gun In Mouth Blues" or "Armageddon Man" were a mind-blowing revelation which truly helped me get my sh*t together. I respect that Henry has tried to expand his creative outlets as he's aged, and although his output has been uneven over the years, his heart is always in the right place.

[@HotStrange]

OwlAtHome0 Same. I don’t listen to punk nearly as often as I used to, but I still love it and it holds a special place in my heart. Black Flag, being one of my all time favorites.

[@Pirate7X]

Where are the Pharrell haters? Ahh they realize he is a damn good interviewer, thank you for your time. One of the best Rollins interviews I've seen, no ego & complete transparency.

[@DavidEitle]

Pharrell is a great interviewer, wow.

[@gremlinaftermidnight4493]

I never muched cared for HR as a singer, yet mad respect for Henry Garfield Rollins and his perspective. Glad to see how modest he is. The go away message is, "stay focused, go in full throttle, when things begin to happen for you harvest it and plow forward!"

[@ryan_alexander]

This is the most relaxed that I've ever seen Henry Rollins

[@CarlScripter]

"It's like trying to wrestle a marlin back to your boat .. with dental floss. You can do it -- but you have to be really artful." Holy shit.

[@katec8796]

Henry Rollins is just one of my favorite people on the planet. There's very few people in music that I have as much respect for as I do him :)

[@johnnyholliday8784]

2 of my favorite people having a conversation. great stuff.

[@danscalco]

Interesting to see two legends of their genre sit down and talk. Very insightful interview.

[@timvisterin]

This is an absolute brilliant interview. Respect for both Mr Rollins And Mr Williams. I saw Henry Rollins once with the Henry Rollins Band and 2 times Spoken Word performances. I indeed sat there thinking it only lasted 30 minutes while in fact the show lasted 3 hours. Great performer and core to the bone. Next time he comes around I am taking my book he wrote: Get in The Van, and will try to get it signed. On to the Daniel Lanois int. Great show, glad I found you guys. Tim Antwerp-Belgium

[@HandsUpDK]

There is a difference between taking a song and replaying it with your band, and taking a vocal from a song, re-write the melodies, program synths, programming the instruments, making the beats, programming the beats, re-doing the arrangement, doing automations, balancing, eq'ing, compressing, limiting, distorting and saturating, reverbs and delays for hours and hours.

[@ZachyStugotz]

I can't get enough of these interviews. One of my personal heroes and another individual whom I have tremendous respect for as a musician and person.

[@ChaoticGoodDeeds]

This is such a dream interview combo. So good!!!

[@aciddevil]

Just hearing Henry go "Wooooo...Wooo" I have nothing but love for this dude. Sincere, honest and not afraid to show just the right amount of humility

[@almightymat]

“Music was always a very important thing to me. Because I’m not big enough to be on the team. I’m not making friends very easily. So, records don’t hit back, records don’t make fun of you… I liked records because they didn’t judge you, you could put them on and take them off.”

[@LunaLoveBad6969]

interesting colab... henry is so intense and just wow. He's has so much to say.. very stimulating watching this.

[@lucky112]

i think this is the best inter view between any two people i have ever seen ..pharells eye contact and henry explinations are perfect

[@NotEvenRelevant]

Music never judges us..;)

[@MrKadidle51]

Awesome interview. Two worlds collide. Big fan of pharrel and rollins both. Smart guys.

[@billyalarie2841]

pharrell is a real dude. he'll call rollins out and be like "why are you down on yourself?"

[@Amybayme]

Ugh so fucking true. So many punk fans are so pretentious about punk.

[@DubVT-wvt]

I literally feel the power while watching this...as an artist things like this is food! Thank you IAmOther for helping mold me into who I will become....

[@Deepstarr7020]

Great interview. Henry Rollins is the best representation of punk music. BTW, the top comments are stupid.

[@198krydstogt]

Clever and inspirational man. Loads of respect!

[@yellingelk]

Damn right.... Henry was pretty hard to take... but I'm really glad he's pulled it together.

[@clarkpalace]

I was not into punk, and i was there. Henry Rollins is the best for speaking his truth

[@Dreampoetry21]

I like how humble he is.really nice man.

[@ronobst4810]

I e always thought Henry was a cool dude with a good outlook. And he’s funny AF too. I’m older now so I appreciate his stand up/ spoken word. Although I don’t actively listen to black flag anymore (that tempo gets my anxiety up) I still hold a lot of respect for them. I still recommend them especially to the younger generation. He is stuff for all generations at this point. How many ppl have that? None that come to mind. This dude is great.

[@JoshStreeter]

Best Rollins interview I've ever seen. You're good, man. Interviews are tough, and you nailed it!

[@JunkyardGod89]

Brilliant interview. Pharrell is great at interviewing and definitely gets Henry.

[@ThDirtyCurfDrummer]

It's eerie how similar of backgrounds me and Rollins have. Records were my best friends too and I found true solace in them as well. I guess it goes to show as well that humans are more similar than different, so maybe not so eerie as it seems. Rollins may not think much of himself, but that's okay since it seems to keep him grounded to the earth. Men like Rollins keeps men like me inspired to do all that I can to make a change in my life and others. Long live Henry Rollins! : )

[@CyborgSlayerNila]

I saw Henry speak at Wacken '12 and it was one of the best performances I've ever seen

[@FurredTurgeson]

Some kid "Dude I just bought my Sun Ra record!" that was me, but it was because of Madlib hahahahaha gotta love it man

[@mixtermike]

Another great interview, thanks RSRV and Pharrell for interesting insight into some great/talented artists

[@AliceinNirvanagarden]

15:45 Literally just bought Sun Ra's Jazz in Silhouette because if this video \,,/

[@thomasmulligan1511]

I know so little about either of these guys beyond the pop culture references to them, but they just strike me as two very honest guys who connect over the things they love and see art everywhere - even in the differences between themselves... and between the rest of us in the audience.

[@jenniferw6192]

The best interview I have seen. I learned so much.

[@michaelyuscavage3110]

Pharrell goes from "Henry WHO?" to "I've met my soulmate" at 5:06

[@gb4double]

P you're good at this... very good view... 7-cities native too... salute! thanks Mr. Rollins.

[@jonathanleong01]

Thank you for this, I think I've found my new favourite channel on youtube!

[@rcheung135]

21:08 Trying to wrestle a marlin with dental floss. This guy's a true modern-day poet.

[@RunningP123456]

love these 2 guys, real artists

[@song4568]

Pharrell, best interview yet. You're very relaxed.

[@tovmusic]

Excellent interview.

[@GlennWDavisII]

New found respect for Henry. Stand up guy

[@gocharger1969]

Awesome interview !!

[@KefPunxAsperen]

I remember in 2008 i was a angry 18 year old hyperactive lil punk could not concentrate on anything and henry was on a festival with his spoken word i walked on to the stage by accident he started talking. and for the frist time in my life on a festival i sat down and listend to him tell about his life for an our with my full concentration i always loved Black flag but that day he became my role model.

[@Aleph1022]

Very intriguing interview

[@Htressa12]

Love this! Great job

[@CraftsmanBJJ]

Rollin and I have very similar upbringings.

[@wefoughtazoo]

great interview, glad i gound this he looks to have some interesting guests.

[@rhysrox15]

awesome interview.

[@atrinayazi4201]

God bless your mother Rollins, she had a very good taste in music

[@ReecieBaybiTv]

Hated him in Sons of anarchy, never new his was a music artist and activist. He seems like a good guy. He played the hell out of his role on soa

[@pierre1050]

Grrreat interview!

[@otolos]

I like this guy.

[@MrCraiggyc1]

Love these

[@TBoneDM]

20:30 - 22:18 I've seen you four times Henry, and I hope for more, and you've achieved that each and every time.

[@gbog0588]

great work

[@TheJpz3000]

henry rollins is my hero so as pharrell

[@FinsaneLorist]

now THIS IS WHAT I WANT from KZbin to RECOMMEND TO ME

[@weedrunkglasgowman]

Respect.

[@CatmanJimbo]

Wow, using Ben Allison as the intro background music, nice choice. Respect!

[@Rumahakustik]

i have to say, the offline editor did a good job on this one.

[@typewritertv]

excellent

[@portraitphenomenon]

yeah! me too!!

[@ciararavenblaze]

"If I was gay, there would be no closet, you would never see the closet I came out of. Why? I would have burned it for kindling by the time I was 12. Because I know with all certainty in my mind, there is nothing wrong with being gay, and you know it." -- Henry Rollins

[@peterjohn2473]

On both sides great interview!

[@DuncanCrichtonDrums]

This is amazing

[@AliceinNirvanagarden]

11:25 that is classic

[@EctInc]

"It's pretty bitchin." That's the happiest I've ever seen the guy.

[@Hklfilmsofficial]

Rollins is smarter and kinder than you will ever be.

[@Fredescu]

"Records don't judge you" - except for Henry Rollins records.

[@dudeatx]

Have you noticed how often henry mentions his age? I only saw him live once and he mentioned his age then too!

[@molloyzer1]

I like Henry Rollins.

[@eddyturner3]

Hell yeah!

[@JeremiahYearick]

Henry Rollins for President

[@PhilR720]

Pharrell... Heard the name, knew he makes music and such... Can honestly say, I'm a fan of his. Not of his music (that I know of) but definitely of him.

[@ZachyStugotz]

9:30 Club. Love it.

[@homegirlshy]

9:22 I've seen this photo a billion times but goddamn Henry was HELLA fine back in the day! ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

[@waynesteffen8459]

Pharrell’s side look when Rollins says he wanted to be a Pip.

[@RealOBE]

would love to see a comedian being interviewed on ARTST TLK next.

[@Gabriel-lm7jw]

Punk Rock and Hip Hop are the only two music genres that make serious political statements in the last 50 years!

[@tigerstyle4505]

Facts. I'm from the hood and grew up mostly on R&B, Hip Hop and Gospel. And in any city ya find some squatter punks and/or house punks in every other neighborhood lol Luckily around my home base in BK and my second home in the city especially in LES had punks and ghetto bastards on the same blocks, sometimes even together. The punks really helped politicize me and put me on to punk, crust etc. My 1st tattoo was a stick and poke Black Flag logo and the 2nd was a stick and poke Wu Tang Clan logo 😂 Not enough of us in the lane I been in since. Part hip hop, part punk, 100% street and 100% political 👊✊✌🌐

[@gremlinaftermidnight4493]

Love that metaphor, Entertaining an audience is like fishing and "Wrestling a marlin in with dental floss"

[@AP-ik2tl]

930. Club. great place seen slayer there many times

[@kingtouchdis]

Should do a David Lachapelle ep!!!! Pharrell is a great interviewer!

[@AusPhilOutsourcing]

9:23........pretty sure thats John Macias

[@juliankenzo]

part two of this interview is on noisey's youtube channel if i'm not mistaken.

[@ruiserrazina7727]

Pharrell could and should replace every talk show host or interviewer in America

[@Owlute]

Would love if they collab'd

[@slaballinmytrunk]

@GabrielMynd He has stated in at least one other interview that he was the manager at the Haagen Das. He probably meant to say the pay was good.

[@Vespasal1901]

Even better than his Spoken word talks

[@HannesPowerLoad]

Hey .. does anyone know whom Henry is referring to at 4:33 . I just dont understand the woman/band he's talking about! Thanks for any answer.

[@saintsandpoets]

+Johannes LaSerda He is talking about Dionne Warwick: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dionne_Warwick

[@SchoolofRockNRoll]

Rollins basically answered all Black Flag related questions in Get in the van...