Prepare to have your music-loving world rocked! Hardcore punk legends Henry Rollins and Ian MacKaye are joining forces for a brand new music project, and the anticipation is already electric. This collaboration brings together two titans of the scene, promising a sonic experience that's bound to be both intense and unforgettable.
Rollins, the iconic frontman of Black Flag in the '80s and the Rollins Band for two decades, and MacKaye, the driving force behind Minor Threat and Fugazi, recently converged at Inner Ear Studios in Washington, D.C. to lay down tracks. This studio, a legendary space, holds a special place in music history, having hosted the recording of seminal albums by bands like Teen Idles and Bad Brains. Rollins shared the exciting news on his website, revealing that they recorded four songs with the talented Don Zientara at the mixing board. The session also saw a special guest appearance by Eddie Janney, adding even more musical firepower to the mix.
But here's where it gets controversial... Rollins, known for his relentless energy and prolific output, stepped away from making music about 20 years ago. He explained in a 2021 interview that he simply ran out of creative steam. "I'm done with music. I don't hate it. I just have no more lyrics. There's no more toothpaste in the tube," he stated, opting to focus on other creative endeavors like writing and spoken word performances. This makes this collaboration with MacKaye all the more intriguing.
MacKaye, on the other hand, has remained active in the music scene, releasing albums with The Evens and Coriky since Fugazi went on hiatus in 2003. The contrast in their recent musical journeys adds another layer of interest to this project. The details of the project are still under wraps, but Rollins has mentioned that the tracks have already been mastered, and he's working on the record's design. He's clearly excited about the project, and we are too!
What do you think this collaboration will sound like? Will it be a raw, blistering return to their hardcore roots, or something completely unexpected? Share your thoughts in the comments – we're eager to hear your predictions!