Of all the 80s punk icons who appear in the new documentary Punks Not Dead, only Minor Threat/Fugazis Ian Mackaye and Henry Rollins also showed up in American Hardcore, an earlier doc that argued the exact opposite. In the former film, ex-Black Flag front man Rollins spoke about how seeing the Ramones obliterated bands like Frampton from his favor; in the latter, we watch how the rage in Rollins own music ends up obliterating his audience. Since his bands demise in 1986, Rollins has used his complex personality and commanding presence to become a successful actor, radio and TV host, and public speaker. Spoken word is something hes done since before Black Flag, and audiences on this years Provoked tour have gotten an earful on politics, media, and open-mindedness. Rollins may be a blowhard, but hes one whose insights are frequently brilliant.
Wed., Oct. 31, 8 p.m., 2007
