Henry Rollins: Shock & Awe

This is probably the best Henry Rollins "DVD" I've seen, I actually saw him live on this tour a few weeks after this DVD was filmed, it was one of the best shows I've ever been too, so I already knew most of the material that was on here, but its great to be able to watch it whenever I want. Henry is on top of his game here, the stories are great, the only bad thing is that his live show is about 3 hours long and they cut it down to an hour and a half for the DVD so some of the stories are cut short, like the tour in Afghanistan, and the President Bush, and the William Shatner stories, and some great stories didn't make it on the DVD, but that doesn't really matter, its' still a great DVD, if you are a fan of Henry Rollins then I highly recommend this, if you are just a fan of good amusing stories then I also highly recommend this.

Thats pretty much it, you probably already know what to expect if you've heard Henry's other spoken word material. But I suggest if you ever get a chance to see him live, then do it, it's well worth the 20 bucks.

I've missed two chances to see Henry Rollins live because they were sold out. Watching this dvd (along with the other one, "Live at Luna Park") is not a bad consolation prize. Like comedian Bill Maher, I like that Henry Rollins tells stories with humor, instead of the usual stand up comic routine of one liners. I imagine its probably more difficult to pull off a lengthy monologue where you discuss topics at length, with humourous presentation. Henry Rollins is great at it. He has the odd noises down, and the different voices, an actor in his own right. I've never been a fan of his music, as I don't like hard rock/metal, but I do own this dvd and a spoken word cd, and a book of his. He's an intelligent guy with a lot to say.

I did find it hard to believe that he doesn't get a lot of phone calls from friends, though, or a hard time finding his dream woman. It says a lot that he is looking for an intelligent woman (aren't we all?) and comes up disappointed when he finds out she reads books he wouldn't touch (for the "populist/mass market appeal") or listens to music he doesn't like. He's funny in how he expresses his shock of discovery about another person with habits or interests he doesn't share...but doesn't that make him a little bit judgmental and narcissistic? I loved hearing how even he, famous as he is, gets nervous when meeting icons like Ike Turner and William Shatner; his solution to ending calls by telemarketers (quite brilliant!), and his aw-shucks humility when meeting soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is entertaining to watch and I enjoyed this dvd a lot. I hope he will go on another spoken word tour, as I think he would be much better live, but until then, there's this one, "Live at Luna Park" and another one coming out soon. They will suffice, as his physical energy and manner of speaking add a lot to the presentation of overall funny insights and experiences. He's the man!

If you want it real and not rehersed night after night, you must get Hank's "Shock and Awe". I have known of him from the simple fact he is a counter culture icon and from his days with Black Flag. Not a huge fan of the Rollins Band nor have I read any of his poetry. Basically I am just like average Joe who might rent this just to see what the hype is about. Let me tell you this, the dude has alot to say! This is as real and as hilarious as it can get. His angry adrenaline fueled delivery and the story weaving of the things he has seen and done will keep you mesmerized from start to finish. Just ensure the little ones are in bed before you hit play. Although his views are insightful and the stories are funny as hell, it is Henry after all! (Just remember "Crash Helmets and Bite Plates")

If you have read some of the reviews for his other items, don't get caught up in the individuals that say his best days are behind him and that they have heard the stories told differently.......take the performance at face value and laugh until you can't breath. I did.