Henry Rollins and former Minor Threat vocalist Ian MacKaye have made a new album together.
Late last year, Rollins explained why he would never make music again since venturing into activism, radio hosting, acting, presenting and spoken word projects. The punk icon had previously fronted State Of Alert and Black Flag, and formed the Rollins Band.
However, during a recent episode of his radio show, Rollins revealed that he had just recorded some new material with his friend MacKaye.
The pair mixed a four-song session with Don Zientara at his Inner Ear Studios. Rollins previously recorded there when State Of Alert made their 1981 debut EP ‘No Policy’ for MacKaye’s Dischord Records.
“Weeks ago, I journeyed to DC in order to work on a great project. Ian MacKaye and I went to Inner Ear Studios, where we made our first records decades ago and mixed a four-song session with the great Don Zientara at the board,” he explained.
“This is the same studio, where the Teen Idles, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, and many others recorded. It was amazing to be back there with Ian and Don.
“Partway through the mix, none other than Eddie Janney, he of the Untouchables, Rites Of Spring, One Last Wish, Happy Go Licky, Skewbald and other great bands joined us. The session benefited greatly by his presence.”
He added: “As to the tracks, I had them mastered several days ago, and I’m now working on the layout and design for the record. When it’s ready, I’ll let you know. We are extremely excited by this one.”
Rollins fronted the Washington, D.C.-based hardcore punk band State Of Alert in the early 1980s, pre-Black Flag.
Last year, Rollins released a new book titled Stay Fanatic!!! Vol. 4 Lessons In Possession And Confessions Of Obsession, which followed on from three previous instalments in the series.
When speaking last year about why he wouldn’t return to music, Rollins responded to a 2023 interview where he said he “wouldn’t go back on stage with a band for anything”. Explaining why this was still the case, he added: “I have not thought lyrically since about the year 2000, 2001.
“I’m smart enough to not come back for the encore. Hey, you missed me? I never asked that question. I just leave … I don’t quiet quit. I don’t fade. I just split after every obligation has been met.”
Ian MacKaye fronted D.C. hardcore punk outfit Minor Threat from 1980 to 1983. He was also a member of Fugazi, The Teen Idles and more. As aforementioned, the musician is known as the co-founder and owner of D.C. indie label Dischord Records.
Over the summer, Foo Fighters released a cover of Minor Threat’s ‘I Don’t Wanna Hear It’ from their 1981 self-titled debut album.
