Henry Rollins’ music knowledge is so extensive that I think the only way he can narrow down the tunes for a 2-hour show is to pick a theme each week. I’ve been hearing amazing things about his African music show over Thanksgiving weekend. Henry was IN Africa when it aired, continuing to expand his own musical horizons as he expands ours. He himself claims it’s one of his best shows and it’s worth checking out in the archives.
Then, this weekend, he dedicated his entire show to Frank Zappa. Zappa is behind one of my favorite quotes of all time, which Henry read on the show: “Information is not knowledge. Knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is not truth. Truth is not beauty. Beauty is not love. Love is not music. Music is the best…”
Zappa was a very smart and witty guy, in addition to being an incredible musician. This broadcast happened on the anniversary of his death (12/04/1993).
The musician/activist stopped by KCRW at one point and there is a photo of him hanging in our hallway. (not a great pic but the best I can do with a camera phone.)
It inspires me everyday when I walk by it. Zappa’s autobiography is one of the best I’ve ever read. He defended what he thought was right with every ounce of his being.
Henry’s show is one of the best radio shows in the world for discovery and I highly recommend this one in particular.
RR
p.s.: our event with Henry this Thursday at the Echoplex – where he will be playing rare cuts from his personal collection – is sold out but we hope to have more in 2011. Stay tuned.