In December of 1991, I used to be requested to do a photoshoot with Henry Rollins for SPIN. The bulk, if not all, the photographs I had seen of Henry had introduced that depth and punk-like rage he was recognized for. I deliberate to seize pictures that went past that facade whereas remaining true to the Rollins mystique.
The picture session was scheduled for a couple of days after Christmas. However on December nineteenth, Henry and his closest buddy and housemate Joe Cole have been on their approach residence from a Gap live performance, once they have been held up by two males at gunpoint, simply outdoors their home in Venice, California. One gunman instructed Henry, “Should you yell or scream, I’ll blow your head off”. Henry replied. “Okay.”
As Henry was unlocking the door to their home, he felt strongly that they might be executed as soon as inside the home. Then Henry heard a scuffle, and a gunshot. Joe Cole was shot within the face and killed. Henry was capable of run by way of the home and out the again, operating till he discovered a telephone to name the police. When the police arrived, they detained Henry, and when he requested about Joe, they coldly responded, “He’s lifeless.”
I used to be shocked that he didn’t cancel, however I assumed, this Rollins is hard and extremely disciplined. It’s not simply an act or a facade. He’s the actual deal, and now the problem was on me. I couldn’t dwell on the occasion or his frame of mind, but I couldn’t ignore it both.
The day earlier than the shoot. LA Weekly revealed Joe Cole’s obituary, written by Henry. I needed to do a shot with Henry, considerably abstractly holding the obituary, however be clear within the shot that he had simply watched his finest buddy murdered. That helped break the ice and let issues go the place they wanted.
How was Henry on the day of the picture session?
Deep down, I can’t start to think about. However I obtained to see a man who got here to do what he needed to do. I obtained the “offended and robust” Henry Rollins on movie and eased into the pained, misplaced, heartbroken, genuine man who would do what he does — put all of it on the market on that day, that’s Henry Rollins.
This picture from that day has by no means been revealed. Nevertheless it tells the entire story.
The killers have been by no means caught.
