Rollins yearns to be modern-day Mark Twain

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - It is a long way from punk rock singer to Mark Twain-style commentator, but pop culture pundit

The 45-year-old's career has morphed from singer in punk rock band Black Flag to outspoken writer, publisher, actor and host of "The Henry Rollins Show" which debuts its second season on U.S. cable TV network The Independent Film Channel on Saturday.

"It would be great to finish out as a low-budget Mark Twain," Rollins said about the trajectory of his career, referring to the 19th century American author noted for his wit. "People just liked to hear him speak on stuff."

And what Rollins does best these days is just that: He speaks his mind on whatever he wants. In one-man stage shows performed around the world, he regales audiences with left-leaning views on politics and pop culture, and the TV show has been revamped this year to allow more people the chance to hear Rollins rant.

Rollins was born Henry Garfield and raised in Washington, D.C.. He joined Los Angeles-based Black Flag in the early 1980s and when that band broke up, he began a solo career that brought moderate success in the 1990s.

Punkers gained notoriety in the late 1970s representing angry youth who hated government and resented society's rules. While times have changed, Rollins' current work is tapping into a rising disenchantment with the

"What makes me mad, now? What do I lose sleep over? Iraq, Katrina, Dubai Ports deals," he said. But he also loathes his own "failures, shortcomings, shallowness, self-interest -- and all that groovy adult (stuff)."

For audiences, Rollins delves into social and cultural topics and tells stories from his travels around the globe.

"Seeing how other people want a cup of water and then thinking of someone taking a long shower. Go to India or Africa and you'll never think of water or food the same," he said.

He said his audience has grown older with him, and that he now sees some gray hairs when he looks out at his crowds. Although, he added that younger fans are coming, too.

Moreover, he said he now gets noticed on the street throughout Europe, sometimes in Asia and "once in Africa."

MARK TWAIN OF PUNK?

But Rollins' main focus is America, and he cited Twain as somebody he admired because they share a love of the United States and a willingness to speak up about the country.

"I'm not trying to be Mr. Patriot, but America fascinates me," Rollins said. "I've been across it, up and down it, and shaken more hands than any president."

He visits injured troops in hospitals and said he often receives letters from soldiers telling him about misdeeds they have done. "Confessing everything from 'I shot a kid' to all kinds of sadness and sorrow and pain and anger," he said.

Rollins also has performed in USO shows, and he is quick to note the irony in a left-leaning punk rocker entertaining military troops.

"It really throws a monkey wrench into anyone on the Fox news agenda who would tell me I'm some kind of pro-Taliban sympathizer," he said.

"I do like the troops, they don't dictate policy," added Rollins. "They're just trying to get through 12 hours without getting their heads blown off. Literally, that's where it's at, at this point in Iraq. 'Get through the day and get back to the chow hall without getting killed."'

The IFC program's format has been changed since the last season. Like last year, when it was titled "Henry's Film Corner," Rollins will interview movie makers, actors and actresses.

But this year, Rollins has added segments like "Teeing Off" in which he speaks his mind on pop culture and politics, and IFC boosted the frequency to one new show a week from one a month last year.

"I never thought I was right for TV or that TV was right for me. I'm outspoken," he said. "I come from the punk rock thing where you do what you want and if anyone doesn't like it, they know where the exit door is."

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