Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye Return to the Studio

This is one time where I don’t mind being lied to. Henry Rollins, the activist, radio host and former vocalist of Black Flag and Rollins Band, has gone on record saying he wouldn’t make music anymore and would focus more on his activism. He cited a few reasons, including not doing it as a cash grab, and not feeling obligated to continue to work on something or with people after their objective has been met. Makes sense, he’s a practical guy. Part of that must’ve been a fib then, because Rollins has joined his punk counterpart Ian MacKaye (Minor Threat, Fugazi) in the studio, and they’ve got a new mini record to show for it.

Rollins made a post to his website on Halloween where he shared how he and MacKaye have returned to the studio for the first time in forever together to make a four-song record, working with producer and MacKaye’s longtime collaborator Don Zientara. But wait! There’s more—even though other details are being kept hush hush, Rites of Spring guitarist Edward Janney has also joined the project in some way. I imagine it’s as a guitarist, but let me not assume anything.

Rollins commented:

“Weeks ago, I journeyed it to DC in order to work on a great project. Ian MacKaye and I went to Inner Ear Studios, where we made our first records decades ago and mixed a four song session with the great Don Zientara at the board. This is the same studio, where the Teen Idles, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, and many others recorded. It was amazing to be back there with Ian and Don. Part way through the mix, none other than Eddie Janney, he of the Untouchables, Rights Of Spring, One Last Wish, Happy Go Licky, Skewbald and other great bands joined us. The session benefited greatly by his presence. As to the tracks, I had them mastered several days ago, and I’m now working on the layout and design for the record. When it’s ready, I’ll let you know. We are extremely excited by this one.”

We’ll be waiting for your update, Henry. Please don’t make us wait too long.