Henry Rollins: ‘I wouldn’t go back on stage with a band for anything’

‘Doing the music was like gladiator sport. I’d lose three pounds of water every show’ … Henry Rollins. Photograph: Ross Halfin

As a music obsessive, why have you stepped back from making it? The GingerNinja
I stopped processing ideas in terms of lyrics. One day, I woke up and thought: “I’m done.” My manager flipped out, but I’ve never looked back. I didn’t want to become a human jukebox playing old songs, so I filled the space the band took with films and TV and now my shows, my radio show and writing. At this point, I wouldn’t go back on stage with a band for anything.

Jingle Bells with William Shatner is a fantastic song. Are there any future music collaborations on the horizon? Shivermetimbersnow
Bill called and said: “Henry, I really want you to be on this song with me.” I said: “Bill, for you, anything.” We’d done a song before. He’s just fun to work with. It was the same with the Flaming Lips in 2009. They’re people I know, but, generally, I’ve hung up my shield and sword.