Rollins’ new book, Occupants: Photographs and Writings by Henry Rollins

A writer, poet, spoken-word artist, publisher, comedian, actor and hardcore punk music icon, Henry Rollins is one of the most outspoken and diverse artists of his generation. And in his new book, Occupants, the former Black Flag singer tries his hand at photography.

Rollins, 50, teamed up with the Chicago Review Press to bring to life a collection of vibrantly colored photographs that document his travels around the world. Taken in countries around the world, from Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia to Thailand, Bangladesh, Cambodia and India, Rollins’ images manage to put his words in the backseat — a rare feat for the long-winded singer.

An Indonesian street vendor sells knockoff Black Flag shirts. Photo by Henry Rollins.

Of course, plenty of words are included as well. The photos include commentary from Rollins that “not only provide context and magnify the impact of the images but also lift them to the level of political commentary,” according to the book’s description.

Rollins is known for his artistic productivity almost as much as his political diatribes and fierce social commentary. After his punk band Black Flag disbanded in 1986, Rollins embarked on a career marked by a prolific output of all kinds of media.

He has acted on television, including hosting his own talk show and his own radio show, done voice work for cartoons, appeared in at least 20 films, written a series of travel books, campaigned on the behalf of human rights and war veterans, and toured around the world doing spoken word performances. For the past 30 years he has averaged at least 100 shows a year.

For Rollins, photography offers yet another outlet for creative expression. And though with Occupants he may not be able to get in your face with a microphone and scream about his angst and the evils of society, you can bet he hopes for the same effect through his images.