The loud-mouth antics of celebrity Henry Rollins arrive in Baton Rouge tonight at the Varsity with his “Shock and Awe My Ass Tour,” his latest spoken-word tour.
Rollins is no stranger to the capitol city and is excited to pass through once again.
“I’m 43, and I’ve been everywhere in America 50 times unlike our President,” said Rollins in a phone interview last week. “I’m a rude and emotionally shutdown misanthrope.”
Rollins uses his life experiences like performing in hardcore bands, Black Flag and The Rollins Band, to bash celebrities, and he speaks up about his political views in his performances.
“I just talk about where I’ve been and what I’ve seen and throw in my unorthodox take on the news, which leads to laughs, insights and some good conversations after the show,” Rollins said.
The monologist tried to convince people to take a chance on Tuesday night and go to his show. Rollins said, “It will be worth the two hours of your 24 hours in the day. Don’t worry, Hooters will still be open and all the beer will still be pouring after the show.”
Rollins plans to arrive in Baton Rouge this afternoon, and he will be hanging out at The Varsity a few hours before the show.
This is not Rollins’ first appearance in Baton Rouge. His performances in the city date back to 1982 when he toured with seminal punk band Black Flag.
“I have an affinity for Louisiana,” Rollins said. “I have friends here. It’s a good place with nice people.”
Last February, Rollins made an appearance at The Varsity in Baton Rouge with his spoken-word tour, and he is a veteran of writing and recording his monologues.
Publicist Heidi May of 2.13.61 Publishing said he’s been performing and writing for 20 years.
He released his first of 11 spoken-word discs and audio books in 1987, according to his publishing company’s Web site, www.21361.com, and won a Grammy in 1994 for his spoken-word disc, “Get in the Van.”
Along with making music and taking his rants and raves on the road, Rollins is known for his writing and acting. He’s appeared in movies the movies “Heat,” “Johnny Mnemonic” and “Bad Boyz II.”
Although Rollins is taking a break from touring with The Rollins Band, May ensures that they are still together.
“He loves both the band and his solo stuff,” May said. “He’s extremely passionate about all the art he does.”
Tickets for tonight’s spoken-word performance are $20. The doors open at 7 p.m., and Rollins will take the stage at 8:30 p.m.
Die-hard fans can catch the show a second time Jan. 21 in New Orleans at the House of Blues.