It was a night to remember.
A sold out Beacon Theatre rocked for three hours led by Jesse Malin, who was playing the first of two comeback shows. The Queens-native suffered a rare spinal stroke in May of 2023, leaving him paralyzed below the waist.
After months of intense physical therapy and time in Argentina for stem cell therapy, Malin is back and put the audience into a frenzy with a mix of his own songs and covers of his favorite artists like The Clash and The Pogues.
What You Need To Know
- Singer and songwriter Jesse Malin performed in a comeback concert at the Beacon Theatre, as he recovers from a rare spinal stroke that left him paralyzed below the waist
- The evening featured guest stars like Steve Van Zandt, Rickie Lee Jones, Elvis Costello, Jakob Dylan and Adam Duritz
- Malin and guests performed a mix of songs from his career as well as cover songs from others artists like The Clash, The Pogues and The Rolling Stones
Malin told the audience, filled with notables from the New York rock and roll and punk rock community, that this was his first time playing the Upper West Side theatre, despite being in the audience for numerous shows over the years.
"I was in Argentina, and then I came back to New York, and I thought I was home, but now I'm officially home," said Malin before launching into the song Room 13 from his "Sunset Kids" album.
Malin thrilled the crowd when he lifted himself out of his chair with the help of a microphone stand and performed some of the songs standing up.
Malin had plenty of help from his devoted band and an impressive list of guest stars. Alejandro Escovedo and Rickie Lee Jones opened the show before Malin took the stage. Guitarist Steven Van Zandt joined Malin on a Rolling Stones cover, and while Malin took a break, Jakob Dylan of The Wallflowers and Adam Duritz of Counting Crows performed along with legends Elvis Costello and Lucinda Williams, who did Wild Horses from The Stones.
Many of the artists contributed songs to the Silver Patron Saints album, the tribute album released this year produced by friend Diane Gentile and David Bason. Proceeds from the record and shows go towards Malin's recovery.
The hosts for the night were actors Michael Imperioli and Mary Louise Parker. For the finale, the entire cast was on stage for a rousing version of The Clash's "Rudy Can't Fail," with former D Generation bandmate Danny Sage and friend and sometimes bandmate Cat Popper chiming in.
At the end, Malin used a walker to make his way to the head of the stage, and tipped his cap. An inspiring evening for everyone who attended to see an old friend do what he does best, entertain, tell stories and play music.
"I can't thank you guys enough really, the messages, it has really got me through some really tough times," said Malin.