Rollins is an actor, musician and author, best known for being the singer in the Californian punk band Black Flag. He will be performing a spoken-word show at the Edinburgh Fringe from 19-22 August For more information and tickets log on to http://www.gildedballoon.co.uk
1 Does art make a difference?
Absolutely. It’s the reason why everything not found in nature looks and sounds the way it does. Somewhere along the line, there was an artist involved. From bombs to guitars.
2 Should politics and art mix?
They will eventually converge, it seems. I don’t think it’s a matter of should or shouldn’t. It’s more a matter of what the artist wants to do with the art. Art can speak incisively about politics. I don’t know if it works in the reverse.
3 Is your work for the many or for the few?
It’s for the any.
4 If you were world leader, what would be your first law?
I don’t know about a law per se. My interest would be in reform, oversight and improvement. You can’t outlaw genocide – you have to prevent what makes it happen.
5 Who would be your top advisers?
Scientists.
6 What, if anything, would you censor?
Censorship doesn’t interest me. It does no good.
7 If you had to banish one public figure, who would it be?
There is no single public person whose removal would be of much benefit.
8 What are the rules that you live by?
Stay employed more often than not. The only way to know is to go. Alone is true, otherwise is compromise.
9 Do you love your country?
The Romans probably loved Rome as it disintegrated. It’s difficult for me to consider loving a tree or a building. I think it’s the concept of America – what it could be – that I love. America has been hijacked, though, so what seems to be a simple question is actually a very complex one. If I love 2007 America, then I have to love its foreign policy, which I don’t. I would have to love the current administration, which I don’t. Do I love the feeling I get when I am in New York City? Absolutely.
10 Are we all doomed?
This generation will most likely get through. Future generations will have to make some radical adjustments.
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