In May 2023, Jesse Malin was hit by a rare spinal cord stroke condition that effectively left him paralysed from the waist down. Told by many a doctor it was very unlikely he would walk again, Malin underwent various spinal procedures and rehabilitation, including a stay at an Argentinean specialist clinic providing alternative methodology and physical exercise. By the autumn of 2024, Malin, aided by a walking frame, was taking the slow steps to becoming mobile again. Around that same time saw the release of “Silver Patron Saints: The Songs of Jesse Malin”, a (fantastic) fundraising covers album performed by friends, peers and admirers that included the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Billie Joe Armstrong and Ian Hunter. At the end of last year, the Beacon Theatre in his home town New York, hosted two benefit concerts that saw Malin return to the stage with the accompaniment of Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams and Jakob Dylan, amongst others.
Tonight’s show was the first of two gigs at the Islington Assembly Hall, serving similarly to the Beacon concerts as both benefit and celebration of Malin’s ongoing recovery. As the curtain lifted to reveal him on stage (to an understandably raucous crowd reception) it was only that he was seated, which might indicate that Malin was suffering any physical issues at all. Donned in leather jacket, dark shades and an angled soft cap, he resembled every part the road-worn rock and roller that he’d ever seemingly been for the last twenty years plus. He was also on typically great raconteur form, and rarely were the moments in between songs to not include Malin’s wry and dry New York Jewish (his words, not mine) musings, covering, of course, the recent years of health issues and now his life in the present moment. On more than one occasion, Malin used the term “this rock and roll family” and was keen to note that within that phrase, he firmly included the evening’s supporting crowd.
Malin played a two-hour-plus set loaded with songs from his back catalogue and the occasional cover version. From the non-chart-topping acoustic ballads (again, his words, not mine) to the all-out electric stompers, he and the band, aided with an occasional horn section, were in great form. Along the way, the angular soft cap was doffed to the relatively recently departed rockers Clem Burke, David Johansen and Brian James. There were special guest appearances from Jim Jones, Ginger Wildheart and Charlie Harper of the UK Subs. (*note – the following night included Billy Bragg and Peter Perrett as special guests) while Aaron Lee Jasjan played an entertaining solo support slot
This review will not include any song specifics because, if truth be told, I was too much soaking up every moment to be making detailed notes at all (although I should notably add that at one point, a dog walked on stage, and none of the performers appeared too fussed at all that it had). To be defining specific tunes singularly could be deemed a little negligible anyhow. This was an event that was nothing short of triumphant. After twenty minutes or so of being seated, Malin got himself up to a standing position, and not surprisingly, the audience responded with even greater fervour. If there ever is such a thing, this was double the triumph.
Keep strong, Jesse Malin, be sure to return, and we’ll see you again.
Great combination.
Great review. A pity you missed a reference to the opening act- a young woman (whose name I didn’t catch). She had written to Jesse inviting him to come to her folk club to hear her song about Joe Strummer – he replied that he would rather invite her to open his show with her song. The singer and song were great but it also showed what a wonderful guy Jesse is.
Caught Jesse live at the Kilkenny Roots Festival (Sunday, May 4) – and it was a brilliant show with Brooklyn from his debut ‘The Fine Art of Self Destruction’ just one of so many highlights in a sparkling set..
A big thing for me was this: when Jesse was seated, the lead guitarist and bass player sat down. When he stood up, they did, too. It was a glorious touch on a night to remember.