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Rollins Band
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Rollins Band was an American rock band formed in Van Nuys, California. The band was active from 1987 to 2006 and was led by former Black Flag vocalist Henry Rollins. They are best known for the songs "Low Self Opinion" and "Liar", both of which garnered heavy airplay on MTV in the early-mid 1990s.

Key Information

Critic Steve Huey describes their music as "uncompromising, intense, cathartic fusions of funk, post-punk, noise, and jazz experimentalism, with Rollins shouting angry, biting self-examinations and accusations over the grind."[1]

In 2000, Rollins Band was included on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock, ranking at No. 47.[2]

History

[edit]

Precursors (1980–1986)

[edit]
Gibbs in a July 1980 performance in Paris, France

Rollins was the singer for the Washington, D.C. punk rock band State of Alert from October 1980 to July 1981. Afterwards, he sang with California punk rock band Black Flag from August 1981 to August 1986. Black Flag earned little mainstream attention, but through a demanding touring schedule, came to be regarded as one of the most important punk rock bands of the 1980s.

Less than a year after Black Flag broke up, Rollins returned to music with guitarist Chris Haskett (a friend from Rollins' teen years in Washington D.C.), bass guitarist Bernie Wandel, and drummer Mick Green.

This lineup released two records: Hot Animal Machine (credited as a Rollins solo record and featuring cover art drawings by Devo leader Mark Mothersbaugh) and Drive by Shooting (credited to "Henrietta Collins and the Wifebeating Childhaters"). The music was similar to Black Flag's, though it flirted more with heavy metal and funk.

First edition (1987–1994)

[edit]

Soon after, Rollins formed Rollins Band with Haskett, bassist Andrew Weiss, and drummer Sim Cain (Weiss and Cain had previously played with Gone, an instrumental rock group led by guitarist and Black Flag founder Greg Ginn). Live sound engineer Theo Van Rock was usually credited as a band member.

Critics Ira Robbins and Regina Joskow described this lineup as a "brilliant, strong ensemble ... the band doesn't play punk (more a jazzy, thrashy, swing take on the many moods of Jimi Hendrix), but what they do together has the strengths of both. The group's loud guitar rock with a strong, inventive rhythmic clock borrows only the better attributes of metal, ensuring that noise is never a substitute for purpose."[3]

Second edition (1994–1997)

[edit]

Rollins's tour diaries from this era details the personal and creative tensions that led to Weiss being fired following the End of Silence tour. These diaries were published by Rollins's 2.13.61 company as See A Grown Man Cry and Now Watch Him Die.

The band's new bassist was jazz and funk veteran Melvin Gibbs, who'd been highly recommended by Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid, a friend of the Rollins Band since the first Lollapalooza tour. Cain and Gibbs had also both played in different versions of guitarist Marc Ribot's band. Gibbs performed on Ribot's album Rootless Cosmopolitans (1990) and Cain on Requiem for What's His Name (1992).

The first video from 1994's Weight, "Liar", was a huge hit on MTV, with Rollins sporting numerous costumes (including a cop and a nun). The band appeared at Woodstock '94, and Rollins was a guest-host for several MTV programs, including 120 Minutes.

Rollins Band performing in 1994

This version of Rollins Band had some of the most overt jazz leanings of the band's history: Gibbs had begun his career with Reid in the 1980s jazz fusion group of drummer Ronald Shannon Jackson, and worked with Sonny Sharrock on albums like 1987's Seize the Rainbow. These influences, along with Rollins' obsession with the late '60s/early '70s electric/fusion era of iconic trumpeter Miles Davis, shaped this version of the band's music. During the sessions for Weight, Rollins Band recorded with free jazz saxophonist Charles Gayle, though these sessions remained unreleased for ten years at Gayle's request to avoid conflicts with his contractual obligations. The Gayle sessions were released in 2003 as Weighting.

In 1996, there was a legal battle with the band's former label, Imago Records. Rollins claimed "fraud, deceit, undue influence and economic coercion" on the label's part.[4] They signed with the then-new major label DreamWorks Records, who released 1997's Come In and Burn. The album had a minor hit with the single "Starve" and the band appeared on Saturday Night Live to promote the album (season 22, episode 18). However, Come In and Burn was not as successful as Weight and, after touring for Burn, Rollins dissolved the group, citing creative stagnation.

Third edition (1999–2003)

[edit]

Rollins replaced the Haskett-Gibbs-Cain lineup with the Los Angeles rock band Mother Superior, retaining the name Rollins Band, and released Get Some Go Again (2000) and Nice (2001). They also released a two-disc live album, The Only Way to Know for Sure.

This lineup was a more straightforward hard rock group. Their first album featured "Are You Ready?" a cover of a Thin Lizzy song, featuring Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham; Rollins has often expressed fondness for Thin Lizzy and its founder, Phil Lynott.

Fourth edition (2006)

[edit]

In between other commitments (his radio show Harmony in My Head, his cable/satellite TV show The Henry Rollins Show, and his spoken word tours), Rollins also reunited the Haskett-Gibbs-Cain lineup.[5] In a March 2006 blog entry on henryrollins.com, Rollins admitted, "Actually we have been practicing on and off for months now, slowly getting it together ... It's been really cool being back in the practice room with these guys after all these years."[6]

Rollins told Alan Sculley of The Daily Herald that this reunion with Haskett, Gibbs and Cain would not become long-term unless the group decided to write new songs: "Let's put it this way. I don't want to go out and hit America again without a new record, or at least a new album's worth of material. Otherwise the thing will lack legitimacy ... Miles Davis would never do that. And I'm not into a greatest-hits thing. I think a band, if you're going to be around, you should be moving forward and putting in the time and working for it, getting after the art. Otherwise you're just playing retreads. ... Imagine a tree that grows canned peaches. It's nothing I want to do."[7]

The band opened some concerts for X, and played on the first-season finale of The Henry Rollins Show on August 12, 2006.[8]

Hiatus and retirement

[edit]

In 2011 Rollins stated that he has retired from music, meaning that Rollins Band has come to an end.[9]

Former member Jason Mackenroth died on January 3, 2016, in Nevada from prostate cancer.[10]

Musical style and influences

[edit]

Rollins Band's sound has been described as alternative metal, post-hardcore, hard rock and funk metal genres.[11][12][13][14] Chris Haskett has highlighted the impact of King Crimson on the original lineup's sound, stating:

"There were three records in particular, at the beginning of the 70s – Starless and Bible Black, Larks' Tongues in Aspic, and Red. And just the aesthetics of those records... they’re so heavy. And they have almost dark quality – they’re almost metal. (...) And those King Crimson records are very, very heavy and dark. They have an incredible musical tension. But they’re also very rich with a lot of depth. The tonalities within the intervals and the progressions – they use a lot of flatted fifths which creates a kind of dark tone. And also just a radical dynamics, if you’re listening to these records – they’re incredibly from powerful - from heavy rich chords to near silence. (...) And they also improvised a lot. A lot of King Crimson stuff is just jamming. It’s not noodling, they’re doing collective improvisation. It’s not all written out. And some of the most amazing parts of their music were just improvised. That was what we also brought into Rollins Band. There was a lot of space for improvisation. Not noodling, not a kind of wasting time. But actually making unwritten music happen. And it’s (sic) also came from Grateful Dead."[15]

Mid-career albums such as Weight also had a pronounced jazz influence.[16][17]

Rollins Band were a major fixture of the early 1990s Los Angeles alternative metal scene, alongside Tool, Jane's Addiction, Rage Against the Machine and Green Jellÿ.[13] Rollins' shout-singing style proved influential to later alternative and nu metal artists, such as Coal Chamber, Korn, Chevelle, Godsmack and System of a Down.[11] The Rollins Band songs "Tearing" and "Shine" have been covered by Pearl Jam.[18]

Band members

[edit]

Final lineup

[edit]
  • Henry Rollins – lead vocals (1987–1997, 1999–2003, 2006)
  • Chris Haskett – guitars (1987–1997, 2006)
  • Sim Cain – drums, percussion (1987–1997, 2006)
  • Melvin Gibbs – bass (1993–1997, 2006)

Former members

[edit]
  • Andrew Weiss – bass (1987–1992)
  • Jim Wilson – guitars, piano (1999–2003)
  • Marcus Blake – bass (1999–2003)
  • Jason Mackenroth – drums, percussion, saxophone (1999–2003; died 2016)

Timeline

[edit]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions Sales
US
[19] 		AUS
[20] 		GER
[21] 		NLD
[22] 		SWE
[23] 		UK
[24]
Life Time — — — — — —
Hard Volume
  • Released: 1989
  • Label: Texas Hotel
  • Format: CD, CS, LP
 — — — — — —
The End of Silence
  • Released: February 25, 1992
  • Label: Imago
  • Format: CD, CS, 2xLP
 160 68 — — — —
Weight
  • Released: April 12, 1994
  • Label: Imago
  • Format: CD, CS, LP
 33 10 53 35 29 22
Come In and Burn
  • Released: March 25, 1997
  • Label: DreamWorks
  • Format: CD, CS
 89 38 71 76 52 76
Get Some Go Again
  • Released: February 29, 2000
  • Label: DreamWorks
  • Format: CD, CS
 180 40 60 — — 112
Nice
  • Released: August 21, 2001
  • Label: Sanctuary/SPV
  • Format: CD, CS, 2xLP
 178 64 56 — — —

Outtakes and demos collections

[edit]

Live albums

[edit]
  • Live Split Album with Dutch band Gore – recorded at El Mocambo, Toronto, Canada, May 17, 1987
  • Do It – Studio Outtakes and Live (1988)
  • Turned On (Quarterstick Records, 1990)
  • Electro Convulsive Therapy (1993)
  • Insert Band Here: Live in Australia, 1990 (1999)
  • A Clockwork Orange Stage (2001)
  • The Only Way to Know for Sure: Live in Chicago (2002)

EPs

[edit]
  • Live in Deventer, Holland, October 1987 (1988)
  • I Know You b/w Earache My Eye (1990)
  • Hammer of the Rök Gödz (1992)

Singles

[edit]
List of singles, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
Main 		US
Mod 		AUS
[20] 		NLD
[22] 		UK
[28]
"Tearing" 1992 — — — — 54 The End of Silence
"Low Self Opinion" — 25 — — —
"Liar" 1994 40 26 65 28 27 Weight
"Disconnect" — — — —
"The End of Something" 1997 — — — — 77 Come In and Burn
"Starve" — — — — —
"Illumination" 2000 — — — — — Get Some Go Again
"Get Some Go Again" — — — — —
"—" denotes singles that were released but did not chart.

Promotional singles

[edit]
  • "You Didn't Need" (1992) – radio promo
  • "Fool" (1994) – 2×12" promo
  • "Your Number Is One" (2001) – radio promo

Miscellaneous

[edit]

Other appearances

[edit]
Year Song Album
1994 "Ghost Rider" The Crow: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
1995 "Four Sticks" Encomium: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin
1995 "Fall Guy" Demon Knight (soundtrack)
1995 "I See Through" Johnny Mnemonic (soundtrack)
2001 "What's the Matter Man" Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 (soundtrack)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rollins Band

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Rollins Band was an American rock band formed in 1987 by singer following the dissolution of the group Black Flag, evolving from Rollins' earlier collaborations with guitarist Chris Haskett and the rhythm section of Sim Cain on drums and Andrew Weiss on bass. The group pioneered an intense, genre-blending style that fused punk aggression, heavy metal riffs, , and dynamics, delivering visceral performances driven by Rollins' raw, confrontational vocals and lyrics exploring themes of alienation, rage, and personal struggle. Over nearly two decades, the Rollins Band released several influential albums on independent and major labels, beginning with their debut Life Time in 1988, which captured their early raw energy through tracks emphasizing emotional intensity and sonic experimentation. Their breakthrough came with the 1992 major-label release The End of Silence, produced amid personal tragedy including the murder of Rollins' friend Joe Cole, featuring hard-hitting songs that propelled them to wider audiences via tours like Lollapalooza. Subsequent albums such as Weight (1994), which included the hit single "Liar" and showcased refined songwriting with broader emotional depth, and Come In and Burn (1997) solidified their reputation in the alternative rock scene before lineup changes led to a shift. In the early 2000s, Rollins reformed the band with members from Mother Superior—guitarist Jim Wilson, bassist Marcus Blake, and drummer Jason Mackenroth—yielding releases like Get Some Go Again (2000) and Nice (2001), which leaned into blues-infused hard rock while retaining the group's signature ferocity. The band disbanded in 2003 after musical differences, though they briefly reunited with the original lineup in 2006 for select performances, marking the end of their primary run. Despite no further activity as of 2025, the Rollins Band's legacy endures through their role in bridging punk's underground ethos with mainstream , influencing subsequent alternative and acts with their uncompromising intensity and Rollins' multifaceted presence as a , spoken-word , and cultural figure.

History

Precursors (1980–1987)

, born Henry Garfield on February 13, 1961, joined the influential band Black Flag as lead vocalist in August 1981, replacing Chavo Pederast after seeing the band perform in His intense, muscular vocal style and stage presence quickly became central to the band's identity during a period marked by relentless touring and legal battles with record labels. Under Rollins' tenure, Black Flag released their debut full-length album Damaged in December 1981 on , which captured the raw aggression of their live shows and solidified their status as pioneers of American . The band's evolution continued with in 1984, an album that showcased Rollins' growing role as a —he contributed four tracks—while incorporating more experimental elements like slower tempos and influences amid Greg Ginn's angular guitar work. However, internal tensions escalated during this era, including clashes over Rollins' confrontational approach to audience violence, encapsulated in his "fight violence with violence" philosophy, which alienated some band members and contributed to mounting friction with founder . These conflicts, combined with exhaustion from non-stop touring and creative differences, culminated in Rollins' departure and the band's dissolution after their final show on June 27, 1986, in . Following Black Flag's breakup, Rollins immediately channeled his energy into solo endeavors, embarking on a spoken-word tour in early 1987 to deliver raw, personal monologues drawn from his experiences. That same year, he released , his debut solo rock album on Hotel Records, featuring backing from a pickup band that included guitarist Chris Haskett and would soon formalize as the Rollins Band; tracks like "Hot Animal Machine #1" and "Followed Around" hinted at the heavier, groove-oriented sound he would pursue. This project, alongside an accompanying EP (credited pseudonymously to Henrietta Collins and the Wife-Beating Child Haters), marked Rollins' transition from punk frontman to independent artist seeking a stable band setup. In the wake of these solo efforts, Rollins decided to assemble a dedicated backing group, leading directly to the official formation of the Rollins Band in 1987.

First incarnation (1987–1994)

The Rollins Band was formed in , , in 1987 by vocalist , guitarist Chris Haskett, bassist Andrew Weiss, and drummer Sim Cain, with the lineup drawing from Rollins' prior experience as frontman of Black Flag for its intense punk foundation. Weiss and Cain, who had previously collaborated in the band Gone, provided a cohesive that contributed to the band's raw, aggressive sound during its early years. The band's debut full-length album, Life Time, was released in 1988 on the independent label Texas Hotel Records, capturing their high-energy style in a recording produced by . This was followed by Hard Volume in 1989, also on Texas Hotel, which expanded their experimental edge with longer jams and maintained the core lineup's dynamic interplay. In 1990, the group relocated to to refine their material and embark on extensive touring, including opening slots for on their tour, which helped build their live reputation. In 1991, the Rollins Band signed a distribution deal with Records, marking their entry into major-label territory after performing at the inaugural festival. Their debut, The End of Silence, arrived in 1992 and represented a breakthrough, blending punk aggression with elements under the production of Andy Wallace; it reached the for the first time and featured the MTV-aired single "Low Self Opinion."

Second incarnation (1994–1997)

In 1994, the Rollins Band underwent a key lineup adjustment when bassist Andrew Weiss departed and was replaced by , a and jazz-influenced musician who had previously collaborated with ; guitarists Chris Haskett and Sim Cain remained in the group. This shift marked an evolution from the first incarnation's raw edge toward a heavier style, emphasizing groove and intensity. The band's fourth studio album, , was released on April 12, 1994, via Imago Records, achieving their commercial breakthrough by peaking at No. 33 on the chart. Standout singles included "Liar," whose Anton Corbijn-directed video earned a for Best Metal/Hard Rock Video at the and received heavy rotation, and "Disconnect," which further showcased the album's aggressive dynamics. The track "Liar" also secured a Grammy for Best Metal Performance at the in 1995. To promote Weight, the Rollins Band embarked on extensive European and U.S. tours, including high-profile appearances at 1994 across multiple North American dates and a main-stage set at the Reading Festival in on August 28, 1994, where they delivered a high-energy performance featuring tracks like "Liar" and "Disconnect." The lineup's final release, Come In and Burn, arrived on March 25, 1997, through , debuting at No. 88 on the but failing to match Weight's commercial momentum amid shifting trends. Despite critical praise for its refined production and muscular riffs, the album underperformed in sales and radio play compared to its predecessor. By late 1997, mounting burnout and internal strains prompted frontman to announce an indefinite hiatus for the band, effectively dissolving the lineup as Rollins pursued solo spoken-word tours and other projects.

Third incarnation (1999–2003)

After a period of inactivity following the dissolution of the previous lineup, reformed the Rollins Band in 1999 by teaming up with the Los Angeles-based Mother Superior, which consisted of guitarist and vocalist Jim Wilson, bassist Marcus Blake, and drummer Jason Mackenroth. This new configuration marked a shift toward a heavier, riff-driven sound influenced by the trio's blues-rock roots, while retaining Rollins' intense vocal delivery and lyrical themes of personal struggle and aggression. The reformation aimed to revitalize the band after the commercial peak of their mid-1990s releases like Weight, though subsequent efforts achieved more modest audience reach. The band's first album with this lineup, Get Some Go Again, was released on February 29, 2000, through DreamWorks Records. Produced by the band alongside Matt Bayles, the record blended hard rock anthems with funk-tinged grooves and Rollins' characteristic spoken-word interludes, as heard in tracks like "Illumination" and "Get Some Go Again." It featured guest appearances from musicians such as Wayne Kramer of MC5 on guitar and Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers on trumpet, adding layers of raw energy to the proceedings. To promote the album, the Rollins Band embarked on an extensive tour across the United States and Europe in 2000, performing at festivals like Bizarre in Germany and Roskilde in Denmark, where they delivered high-energy sets emphasizing the new material's aggressive riffs and Rollins' commanding stage presence. Following the tour, the band released their final studio , Nice, on August 21, 2001, via after parting ways with DreamWorks due to the expiration of their contract amid underwhelming sales for Get Some Go Again. The leaned further into blues-influenced , with extended jams and soulful elements showcased in songs like "One Shot" and "Up for It," incorporating gospel-tinged backing vocals and organ swells alongside Rollins' rhythmic spoken-word style. This release continued the exploratory direction, prioritizing groove and over the punk-metal intensity of earlier eras. In support, the band toured throughout 2001, playing venues from clubs to larger halls and maintaining a rigorous schedule of over 100 shows that year. The Rollins Band dissolved in 2003 after completing promotion for , as Rollins increasingly focused on his solo spoken-word performances, roles, and other creative pursuits, effectively ending the band's original run. Jason Mackenroth, who had contributed to the lineup's cohesive drive, passed away on January 3, 2016, at age 46, after a four-year battle with .

Reunion and retirement (2006)

In 2006, the Rollins Band's original lineup—consisting of vocalist , guitarist Chris Haskett, bassist , and drummer Sim Cain—reunited for a one-off summer tour billed as "As the World Burns," during which they opened for the punk band X across various U.S. venues. The tour served as a test to gauge the feasibility of future collaboration but produced no new studio recordings, focusing instead on live performances of material from earlier albums. The setlists heavily featured classic tracks from the band's catalog, such as "Liar," "Disconnect," "Fool," "Civilized," and "Icon," drawing from the Weight era and emphasizing high-energy renditions of their most recognized songs. Performances took place at mid-sized clubs and theaters, including stops at Jannus Landing in St. Petersburg, Florida, and The Warfield in San Francisco, but logistical strains from reviving old group dynamics contributed to the tour's limited scope. Following the tour's conclusion in September 2006, Rollins publicly stated that the reunion would not evolve into an ongoing commitment, signaling his retirement from full-time band activities to prioritize spoken-word tours, publishing, and media projects like his IFC series. He emphasized in interviews that the experience, while initially invigorating, ultimately reaffirmed his decision to move away from the rigors of touring and recording.

Hiatus (2006–present)

Following the brief 2006 reunion tour, the Rollins Band has remained indefinitely inactive, with no new recordings, tours, or performances involving the group. In a 2011 interview with the Valley Advocate, frontman confirmed his full retirement from performance, explaining that he "could not find any way to do it differently" after years of repetition in the Rollins Band's output, and that he felt "never better" about shifting focus to other pursuits. He cited the desire to avoid becoming "a of [his] own ," prioritizing forward momentum over revisiting past formats. Rollins redirected his energies toward publishing via his imprint 2.13.61, which has issued numerous books of his prose, poetry, and essays since the band's hiatus; acting, including his recurring role as white supremacist AJ Weston on the FX series Sons of Anarchy from 2008 to 2010; and radio hosting, notably Harmony in My Head on KCRW starting in 2009, where he curates post-punk and alternative music selections. These endeavors have sustained his creative output without reliance on band structures. In November 2025, Rollins collaborated with longtime associate on mixing an archival 1979 punk demo tape at Studios in Arlington, , resulting in a four-track 12-inch release on In the Red Records; the project features neither Rollins nor MacKaye as performers and is distinctly separate from any Rollins Band revival or member involvement. Amid ongoing fan speculation about a potential Rollins Band reunion—fueled by Rollins' occasional music-related appearances—Rollins has consistently reiterated his disinterest in reforming, as in a 2023 Guardian interview where he stated, "I wouldn't go back on stage with a band for anything," and a 2024 discussion affirming he is "smart enough not to come back" after fulfilling past obligations.

Artistry

Musical style

The Rollins Band's music is primarily classified within the genres of , , and , incorporating elements of and to create a sound marked by aggressive guitar riffs, complex rhythmic structures, and ' intense, shouted vocals that convey raw emotional power. Critics have described their style as uncompromising and intense, blending , , noise, and jazz experimentalism to emphasize the band's ability to fuse high-energy aggression with experimental textures. The band's sound evolved significantly across its incarnations, beginning with the hardcore punk roots evident on their 1988 debut Life Time, which featured raw, fast-paced tracks driven by punk urgency and minimal production. By the mid-1990s, as heard on Weight (1994), the style shifted toward heavier grooves infused with basslines and dynamics, earning praise as a pinnacle of "beat-down " in the alternative scene. Later albums like Get Some Go Again (2000) further incorporated blues-rock elements, adding gritty guitar tones and a more mature, groove-oriented edge while retaining the core intensity. Signature aspects of their music include extended improvisational jams during live performances, often extending into bluesy or jazz-inflected explorations that heightened the release of their shows. Lyrics frequently explored themes of alienation, personal intensity, and self-examination, reflecting Rollins' observations of societal disconnection and inner turmoil, as seen in tracks like "Alien Blueprint" from .

Influences

The Rollins Band's punk and hardcore roots were deeply embedded in the scene of the early 1980s, where first encountered bands like , led by his friend and mentor , whose straight-edge ethos and DIY principles profoundly shaped Rollins' approach to music and performance. joined Black Flag in at the invitation of guitarist , whose innovative songwriting and relentless touring ethic influenced the band's commitment to intensity and self-reliance, carrying over into Rollins Band's formation. This D.C. hardcore environment, characterized by egalitarian collaboration and anti-commercial rebellion, informed the group's foundational energy and communal spirit. Broader musical influences expanded the band's palette beyond punk, incorporating jazz elements inspired by Miles Davis, whose electric-era fusion—particularly albums like On the Corner—sparked Rollins' lifelong obsession and influenced guitarist Chris Haskett's improvisational style. Funk grooves entered through bassists like Andrew Weiss, whose work drew from 1970s funk traditions, and later Melvin Gibbs, a jazz-funk veteran, adding rhythmic complexity rooted in artists like Isaac Hayes. Classic rock acts such as The Who and Led Zeppelin contributed to the band's emphasis on explosive dynamics and structural power, evident in Rollins' admiration for their live ferocity. Rollins' personal inspirations extended to literature, particularly Charles Bukowski's raw, unflinching prose, which fueled the lyrical intensity and themes in his writing, reflecting the DIY punk culture's rejection of mainstream conformity. In interviews, Rollins has cited early favorites like for their riff-heavy experimentation and for their satirical edge, elements that subtly informed the band's willingness to push boundaries. These influences collectively reinforced an ethos of uncompromised expression drawn from 1980s underground scenes.

Members

Final lineup

The final active lineup of the Rollins Band, which operated from 1999 to 2003 during its third incarnation, featured Henry Rollins as the lead vocalist and band leader, a role he held continuously from the group's formation in 1987 until its retirement in 2006. This configuration marked the last stable group before the band's hiatus, with Rollins joined by members from the Los Angeles-based power trio Mother Superior. Guitarist and vocalist Jim Wilson, who had co-founded Mother Superior, provided the band's guitar work and backing vocals during this period. Bassist Marcus Blake, also a Mother Superior co-founder, handled bass duties from 1999 to 2003. Drummer Jason Mackenroth, the third Mother Superior member in the lineup, played drums, percussion, and occasionally until 2003; he passed away on January 3, 2016, from at age 46. This lineup contributed to the band's albums Nice (2001) and the Black Flag tribute Rise Above (2002), emphasizing a raw, blues-inflected hard rock sound. Following the 2003 disbandment, no active final lineup has existed, as the brief 2006 reunion tour featured the original 1987–1994 members Chris Haskett, Melvin Gibbs, and Sim Cain instead.

Former members

Chris Haskett served as the guitarist for the Rollins Band from 1987 to 1997 and rejoined for the 2006 reunion tour. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1962, Haskett began playing guitar at age 13 and drew from diverse influences including jazz artist Anthony Braxton and punk band Bad Brains before joining the band. His tenure with the group spanned key albums such as Life Time (1987), The End of Silence (1992), Weight (1994), and Come In and Burn (1997). After leaving the Rollins Band, Haskett pursued solo projects, releasing albums like Language (1995) and Gravity: Left/Right (2013), and collaborated with artists including David Bowie on Hours... (1999) and Foetus on Blow (2001). In 2015, he formed the experimental rock group Ora Como, featuring himself on guitars and electric mbira alongside bassist Collin van Gerven, percussionist Ton Massen, and drummer Johan Jansen. Andrew Weiss played bass for the Rollins Band from 1987 to 1993, contributing to the band's early sound during its first incarnation. A New York-based musician active from the 1980s onward, Weiss was also a member of the band Gone alongside drummer Sim Cain and served as a for projects including Ween's early recordings. His production work extended to and indie acts, emphasizing his role as an and in the punk and experimental scenes. Sim Cain handled drums for the Rollins Band from 1987 to 1997 and participated in the reunion. Known for incorporating elements into the band's intense rock style, Cain brought Downtown New York scene credibility through his virtuoso playing. Despite the demanding schedule with Rollins Band, which included extensive touring and recordings in the late 1980s and 1990s, he collaborated with artists such as , , and . Post-Rollins Band, Cain released solo work like I Can't Wait to Get Off Work () and contributed to efforts with groups including the . Melvin Gibbs joined as bassist from 1993 to 1997 and returned for the 2006 reunion, infusing the band with his jazz-funk expertise during the second incarnation. A Brooklyn native and veteran of the New York Downtown scene, Gibbs had previously worked with jazz innovators like Ronald Shannon Jackson and Sonny Sharrock, blending funk grooves with avant-garde improvisation. His time with the Rollins Band aligned with albums Weight (1994) and Come In and Burn (1997). Following the band's initial disbandment, Gibbs continued collaborations with Henry Rollins on side projects and maintained a prolific career in jazz and experimental music, leading ensembles like Harriet Tubman. Bernie Wandel was a brief early for the Rollins Band in 1987, part of the inaugural lineup before the group solidified. Primarily recognized for his contributions to ' solo efforts Hot Animal Machine (1987) and Drive by Shooting (1987), Wandel later managed the venue in , from 1995 to 2003 and transitioned to teaching . Mick Green served as the original drummer for the Rollins Band in 1987, appearing on early recordings during the band's formation phase. A UK-based percussionist, Green's involvement was short-lived as the lineup evolved quickly.

Timeline

YearLineup/EventKey Details
1987Formation of original lineup: Henry Rollins (vocals), Chris Haskett (guitar), Andrew Weiss (bass), Sim Cain (drums)Band formed in Washington, D.C., after Rollins' departure from Black Flag.
1988Original lineupRelease of debut studio album Life Time.
1989Original lineupRelease of studio album Hard Volume.
1991Original lineupPerformed at inaugural Lollapalooza festival in the United States and Canada.
1992Original lineupRelease of studio album The End of Silence; returned to Lollapalooza tour across North America.
1993Melvin Gibbs replaces Andrew Weiss on bassLineup: Rollins, Haskett, Gibbs, Cain.
1994Second lineup (Rollins, Haskett, Gibbs, Cain)Release of studio album Weight, featuring single "Liar"; nominated for Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
1997Second lineup until disbandmentRelease of studio album Come In and Burn; band disbands at end of year.
1999Third lineup formed with Mother Superior: Rollins, Jim Wilson (guitar), Marcus Blake (bass), Jason Mackenroth (drums)Rollins integrates Mother Superior members.
2000Third lineup (Rollins, Wilson, Blake, Mackenroth)Release of studio album Get Some Go Again.
2001Third lineupRelease of studio album Nice.
2003Third lineup endsBand activities cease.
2006Reunion of original/second lineup: Rollins, Haskett, Gibbs, CainBrief reunion for performances; no new releases.
2006–presentHiatusNo further lineup changes or activities.

Discography

Studio albums

The Rollins Band's studio discography spans seven albums released between 1988 and 2001, evolving from raw punk roots to a heavier sound while achieving varying commercial success.
AlbumRelease DateLabelPeak Chart Position
Life TimeOctober 1988Texas HotelDid not chart on
Hard Volume1989Texas HotelDid not chart on
The End of SilenceFebruary 25, 1992U.S. Heatseekers #1
WeightApril 12, 1994U.S. #33
Come In and BurnMarch 25, 1997DreamWorksU.S. #89
Get Some Go AgainFebruary 29, 2000DreamWorksU.S. #180
NiceAugust 21, 2001SanctuaryU.S. #178
Life Time, the band's debut full-length , was produced by and emphasized a punk-focused sound with influences from hardcore and blues, marking ' first major project after Black Flag. The follow-up, Hard Volume, shifted toward a heavier, more aggressive tone while retaining punk energy, produced by Theo Van Rock and featuring the original lineup of Rollins, guitarist Chris Haskett, bassist Weiss, and drummer Sim Cain. The 1992 release represented a breakthrough, produced by Andy Wallace with a polished edge that broadened the band's appeal beyond underground circles, though it primarily charted on the Heatseekers list for emerging artists. marked the band's commercial peak, driven by the hit single "Liar," which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance in 1995; the album sold over 423,000 copies in the U.S. by 1996 and featured bassist replacing Weiss. Subsequent albums saw declining chart performance amid lineup changes, with Come In and Burn produced by Steve Thompson and offering introspective lyrics over a refined sound. Get Some Go Again, recorded with the Mother Superior backing band, adopted a leaner, more aggressive style under producer Clif Norrell. The final studio effort, Nice, also with Mother Superior and self-produced by Rollins, leaned into raw blues-influenced , closing the band's original run before a hiatus.

Live albums

The Rollins Band released several official live albums during their active years, capturing the intensity of their performances across various tours and lineups. These recordings highlight the band's evolution from roots to a more hard rock-oriented sound, often emphasizing ' commanding stage presence and the group's raw energy. Their first full live , Turned On (1990, Quarterstick Records), was recorded on November 27, 1989, at the Rockhaus in , , during an early European tour supporting the Hard Volume . Featuring the original lineup of Rollins on vocals, Chris Haskett on guitar, Andrew Weiss on bass, and Sim Cain on drums, it includes extended versions of tracks like "Lonely" and "Tearing," showcasing the band's and influences in a club setting. The runs approximately 50 minutes and serves as a document of their transitional phase post-Black Flag. In 1993, the band issued Electro Convulsive Therapy (Imago Records), a concise live EP recorded on August 22, 1992, at in . Mixed by Theo Van Rock and produced with live sound engineering, it features high-energy renditions of songs such as "Disconnect" and "Tearing" from the same lineup, lasting about 25 minutes. Released primarily in initially, it captures the band's momentum following and underscores their growing edge in an East Coast venue known for punk and hardcore shows. The band's final official live release during their initial run, The Only Way to Know for Sure (2002, ), is a double-disc set recorded over two nights, March 1 and 2, 2002, at The Metro in Chicago, Illinois, by engineer Clif Norrell. With Rollins joined by guitarist Jim Wilson, bassist Marcus Blake, and drummer Jason Mackenroth—reflecting the Nice era lineup—it spans nearly two hours across 28 tracks, including live staples like "Liar," "Low Self Opinion," and covers such as "Disconnect." This album emphasizes the band's maturity and was positioned as a testament to their enduring live prowess amid shifting personnel. Although the band entered hiatus in 2006, no new official live albums have been released since, though archival material from earlier tours occasionally surfaces in reissues or compilations. The Rollins Band's discography is supplemented by a significant number of unofficial bootlegs, often fan-recorded from and shows, which circulate widely but lack the polish and authorization of the official releases; these unofficial recordings highlight the band's and prolific touring history without official endorsement.

Extended plays and singles

The Rollins Band's early extended plays laid the groundwork for their aggressive post-hardcore sound, with Do It! serving as a 1988 demo EP on Texas Hotel Records, featuring a mix of live and studio recordings that captured the band's raw energy shortly after formation. Released the same year, Hot Animal Machine was credited to Henry Rollins as a solo project but backed by core band members including guitarist Chris Haskett, blending spoken-word elements with rock instrumentation on vinyl and cassette formats. The band's singles often supported their major-label albums, emphasizing high-intensity tracks with broad appeal. "Tearing," released in 1992 from , appeared on CD and vinyl, peaking at No. 54 on the UK Singles Chart and accompanied by a depicting live performances amid mosh pits. That year, "Low Self Opinion" was issued as a promotional single in the US and UK, reaching No. 25 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and featuring a video with stark, confrontational visuals. In 1994, "Liar" from Weight emerged as a breakthrough, becoming an staple with heavy rotation and peaking at No. 27 on the UK Singles Chart (billed as "Liar/Disconnect"); the track was released on CD and vinyl, with a distinctive copper-toned directed by showcasing Rollins' intense stage presence. "Disconnect," also from Weight, followed as a standalone single in , the , and the , available primarily on CD formats and including remixes. Promotional efforts that year included radio singles like "Step Back" to build album buzz. Later singles included "The End of Something" in 1997 from Come In and Burn, which charted at No. 77 in the UK on and digital formats, though it lacked a dedicated video. Additional promotional singles, such as "Shine" for 1994 radio play, highlighted tracks from without commercial retail release. Overall, the band's singles were distributed across vinyl, , and emerging digital platforms, often prioritizing for international markets.

Compilations and other releases

The Rollins Band's compilations and other releases primarily consist of archival demos, session outtakes, and contributions to soundtracks and tribute albums, offering insights into their creative process and broader musical influences. These materials, often released through ' 2.13.61 Records label, highlight unreleased or alternate takes from key recording sessions without overlapping with primary studio or live albums. A notable example of early rarities is the 1988 EP Do It!, which compiles outtakes from the Life Time sessions produced by , featuring raw, high-energy tracks like "Do It!" and live recordings captured on 24-track tape. In the 2000s, archival efforts expanded with The End of Silence Demos (2002, reissued on vinyl in ), a collection of 11 rough mixes from 1991 sessions for the band's breakthrough album, including extended jams on "Low Self Opinion," "Grip," and "Tearing" that showcase their improvisational style. Similarly, the 2004 expanded edition of Come In and Burn (Sessions) incorporates b-sides, alternate mixes, and studio outtakes from the 1997 album, such as remixes of "Illumination" and unreleased instrumentals, providing a deeper look at their fusion of and elements. The band also made select appearances on film soundtracks and tribute compilations during their active years. Their cover of Suicide's "Ghostrider" appeared on : Original Motion Picture Soundtrack in 1994, delivering a blistering, noise-infused rendition that aligned with the film's gothic punk aesthetic. In , they contributed a raucous take on Led Zeppelin's "" to : , emphasizing Rollins' intense vocal delivery over heavy riffing. That same year, the original track "" featured on Tales from the Crypt Presents: (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), blending brooding lyrics with driving rhythms to suit the horror film's tone. Following the band's 2006 hiatus, no new original material has emerged as of 2025, though reissues like the 2013 CD edition of The End of Silence Demos have kept archival content accessible to fans. These post-hiatus releases underscore the enduring interest in the band's raw, unpolished experiments rather than fresh recordings.

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