Get in the Van

Get in the Van

Get in the Van is a memoir by singer, writer, and spoken word artist Henry Rollins first published in 1994 by, Rollins' own company, 2.13.61 Publications. The book is composed of journal entries that Rollins kept while he was lead singer of the band Black Flag from 1981 to its breakup in 1986. Other text includes reminiscences of times when he had yet to start, or had lapsed in, his journal-keeping.

Sections of the book were read and recorded by Rollins and released as a 2-CD set, which won a Grammy in 1995 for Best Spoken Word Album.

Content

The entries begin in Spring of 1981, and documents the time surrounding Rollins’ personal introduction to and joining of Black Flag. From here, Rollins recounts a string of violent shows, long hours on the road, and abuse by police while immersed in the poverty-stricken Bohemian lifestyle the band maintained. A major part of 1982 is dedicated to the band’s first tour of England, which Rollins paints as a mostly ugly affair. As the narrative continues, Rollins describes the band as being alienated by its audience and alienates himself from the band. July 12, 1986 is the final entry. Following it is an afterword by Rollins describing the effects his experiences with Black Flag had on him and the time immediately following the band’s breakup.

Photos are prominent in the book and include work by Glen E. Friedman, Ed Colver, and Naomi Peterson as well as flyers by Ginn's brother, Raymond Pettibon, and drawings by a member of Black Flag's crew called Davo. The cover photo — taken by Gary Leonard — depicts a squad of Los Angeles police officers marching on a show featuring The Ramones and Black Flag on November 17, 1984. The back cover features a photo from a February 19, 1983 show in Berlin, Germany at the SO 36 club, depicting everyone — band and crowd — singing along to the song "TV Party" after the PA was turned off. Peter Gruchot was responsible for the picture.

An appendix of Black Flag line-ups and tour dates, starting with Rollins’ joining, is included.

econd edition

A re-issue of the book was made available in late 2004. It includes extra journal entries, artwork and two afterwords, dated 1994 and 2004. One of the afterwords mentions a journal authored by Joe Cole and published by 2.13.61 titled Planet Joe which offers an alternate recount of the same dates as the Rollins offering.

Rollins states, in the introduction, that he began work on compiling the book some time in 1990. He also explains that many of the journal entries were written while living in The Shed, a construct in the back yard of Black Flag guitarist Greg Ginn’s parents’ house.


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем написать реферат

Look at other dictionaries:

  • The Van (1977 film) — Infobox Film name=The Van director=Sam Grossman writer=Celia Susan Cotelo Robert J. Rosenthal producer=Paul Lewis starring=Stuart Getz Deborah White Danny DeVito music=Steve Eaton Sammy Johns Michael Lloyd distributor=Crown International Pictures …   Wikipedia

  • The Van Buren Boys — Infobox Television episode Title = The Van Buren Boys Series = Seinfeld Caption = Kramer narrates his encounter with the Van Buren boys . Season = 8 Episode = 148 Airdate = February 6, 1997 Production = Writer = Darin Henry Director = Andy… …   Wikipedia

  • Come and Get It: The Best of Apple Records — Сборник VA Дата выпуска 25 октября 2010 Записан 1968 1973 Жанры поп, рок Длительность 71:34 …   Википедия

  • Come and Get It: The Best of Apple Records — Compilation album by Various Artists Released October 25, 2010 …   Wikipedia

  • The Ongoing History of New Music — is a Canadian radio program, produced by CFNY in Toronto. The program, hosted by Alan Cross, is also syndicated to several other radio stations across Canada. The Ongoing History chronicles the history of alternative rock, from its roots in punk… …   Wikipedia

  • The Nig-Heist — Origin Los Angeles, California, USA Genres Punk rock Years active 1981 1984 Labels Thermidor Records, Drag City Records …   Wikipedia

  • The Fall (band) — Infobox musical artist Name = The Fall Img capt = Mark E. Smith in 2004 Img size = Landscape = Background = group or band Alias = Origin = Prestwich, Bury, England Genre = Post punk, alternative rock Years active = 1976–present Label = Rough… …   Wikipedia

  • The Blasters — For others with this name, see Blasters. The Blasters are a rock and roll music group formed in 1979 in Downey, California by brothers Phil Alvin (vocals and guitar) and Dave Alvin (guitar), with bass guitarist John Bazz and drummer Bill Bateman …   Wikipedia

  • The Stooges — Infobox musical artist Name = The Stooges Img capt = The Stooges performing in Milan, Italy on September 2, 2006. Img size = 250 Landscape = Yes Background = group or band Alias = Iggy The Stooges, Iggy Pop The Stooges, The Psychedelic Stooges… …   Wikipedia

  • The Politics of Time — Infobox Album | Name = The Politics of Time Type = Album Artist = The Minutemen Released = 1984 Recorded = January 1979 to September 24 1983 Genre = Punk Length = 33:47 Label = New Alliance Producer = various producers Reviews = *Allmusic… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”