An Evening With Henry Rollins

There's a vast array of Henry Rollins merch available from a specially set up stand in the foyer en route to State Theatre. The (what's the posh version of Candy Bar?) attendant advises us this is a two-and-a-half hour show with no interval, so we're sure to factor in a pre-show visit to the water closet. Approaching the theatre doors, we spy a few scattered Black Flag and Sea Shepherd T-shirts on bods.

Henry Rollins strides across the stage with a purposefulness that befits stage diving, but that's all in his past now. From the very first syllable Rollins spits, his enthusiasm boils and we're positive that attaching solar panels to him would generate enough electricity to power a large stadium. Dressed all in black, Rollins talks us through a mixture of observations, instructions and recollections of real occurrences in his life; everything combines to make us feel inspired to try to better ourselves and "demand an upgrade". He also tells us he spent two hours in Strangeworld Records today and recommends that we check it out.

After explaining that he adores our country - where possums dine on the scraps that fall to the ground while fruit bats munch in overhead trees - Rollins says this visit has taught him a new word: plebiscite (which Rollins deems "the dumbest question that ever cost $160 million"). Journalists cringe in their seats as Rollins shares email questions he's found 'stoopid' or infuriating. "I like music and records more than people," Rollins admits, claiming he first had this realisation back in the '60s.

During this spoken-word tour, Rollins shares hilarious tales from the Sons Of Anarchy set, travel stories from Antarctica, cherished memories of recently fallen heroes - having lunch with Bowie (who he affectionately nicknamed "The Bow"), sitting next to Lemmy on a flight and helping Lux Interior take his pants off during a show — to name a few. And he also reflects on his role in Jack Frost ("Oh, how the mighty have fallen," Rollins jokes). The way Rollins' key stories resurface after endless jig-jagged digressions astounds. His impressions are spot-on and Rollins is especially adept when aping Iggy Pop and horny penguins.

Rollins preaches to the converted, for sure, but always brings fresh material from recent experiences that his audience can live out vicariously through him. We're still perched on the edge of our seats gagging for more when Rollins announces our two-and-a-half hours are almost up. The guy's so completely buzzed on life that we leave feeling energised, promising ourselves we'll go out and make a difference/realise our potential. He's a walking, talking inspirational quote. The world feels like a much better place with Rollins in it.