The musician Henry Rollins called the “last great guitarist”
Some musicians seem less like flesh and blood and more like pure magnetised steel, their intensity almost impossible to endure. Locking eyes with former Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins feels like a feat of willpower, as breaking his piercing gaze seems near impossible—and for good reason. A singer, actor, and passionate advocate for the arts, Rollins is legendary for his unrelenting intensity. It’s a quality that is both a blessing and a curse.
Thanks to his bellicose character, Rollins has established himself as one of the most iconic frontmen to grace the stage and one of the most captivating orators. His ability to cut through the bullshit and deliver his authentic self has made him both a searing cultural commentator and a wonderful critic.
Although Rollins’ refusal to sit on the fence has offended some—particularly conservatives and punk purists—it has endeared him to those who value authenticity and conviction. His outspoken nature sets him apart from most celebrities and musicians in an era where many in entertainment shy away from expressing strong opinions. While this caution stems from various reasons, Rollins remains a refreshing voice, using his platform to offer advice to young musicians, share his thoughts on classic bands, and champion the idea that true creative artistry should always be the ultimate goal for any aspiring musician.
Aside from more political matters, Rollins’ indomitable passion is best used when he discusses music. A real geek when it comes to music, his knowledge on the topic is extensive. He’s music’s resident historian, and it’s through people like him that we get nuggets of golden information that diverge from the constantly recycled tales we hear time and time again.
In the past, Rollins has shared insight on everyone from Pere Ubu to Jimi Hendrix and Roky Erickson. He’s akin to a musical version of Noam Chomsky or even Bertrand Russell, possessing knowledge of musicians that you wouldn’t expect him to. You could sit and listen to him talk about music for hours, as it’s always a worthwhile lesson.
Rising from the underground to the status he enjoys today if it’s not in the air and pointed directly at you, he invariably has his finger on the pulse and continues to be a respected voice on mainstream and more niche acts.
One figure on whom he shares some incredible praise is Dave Navarro, the resident guitar hero for alt-metal legends Jane’s Addiction. The band are currently on indefinite hiatus following a difficult spell for Perry Farrell, but that shouldn’t diminish Navarro’s contribution to the guitar. While Navarro is revered in the rock scene, in the mainstream, he’s constantly overlooked in favour of other guitarists, who may be flashier but have nothing on his unique style and technical proficiency.
Of his friend Navarro, Rollins said simply: “He’s one of the last great guitarists”. Unsurprisingly, Rollins is bang on the money. Whether it be ‘Stop!’, ‘Been Caught Stealing’, or ‘Mountain Song’, Navarro has given us many moments over the years that confirm his talent. Arguably, though, his masterpiece is ‘Three Days’ from Jane’s Addiction’s 1990 album Ritual de lo Habitual.
A long and meandering piece wherein Navarro covers every inch of the fretboard, playing atmospheric picking patterns as well as a couple of blistering solos; if you’ve never heard the track before, you’ll be in agreement that Dave Navarro is a wholly underrated guitarist in the mainstream discussion. Reflecting the degree of his talent, Navarro was the man Guns N’ Roses wanted to replace Izzy Stradlin, but he was too good for that position.
