Jesse Malin unveiled a music video for his tribute song 'Hollywood Forever' to honor his late D Generation bandmate Howie Pyro. The video, released on Wednesday, includes photos of Pyro and items from his collection of curiosities. Malin connects the tribute to his ongoing stage show Silver Manhattan.
Jesse Malin, a New York songwriter and former D Generation member, released the music video for 'Hollywood Forever' last week on Little Steven’s Wicked Cool Records. The song, with a B-side cover of the Clash’s 'Rudie Can’t Fail,' pays homage to Howie Pyro, the band's bassist who died on May 4, 2022, from liver disease at age 61. Pyro, born Howard Kusten in 1960, was also a popular DJ known for his eclectic friendships across scenes from Hells Angels to drag queens and Ramones like Johnny and Joey. Malin stated, “He would always say, if he had to go, Hollywood Forever Cemetery is the place he’d want to be buried.” “Howie could get along with anybody... they all loved him.” The video, directed by Marti Wilkerson—whom Malin calls the 'sixth member of D Generation' for her documentation—was filmed using Pyro's collection of figurines, occult books, and oddities displayed at the bar 96 Tears. Malin links the tribute to his personal story. While marking Pyro's memory in 2023, he suffered a rare spinal stroke that left him paralyzed. He weaves their history into his stage production Silver Manhattan, now extended through May 10 at the Bowery Palace theater. “My play Silver Manhattan is a love letter to New York City, and it’s also a love letter to Howie,” Malin said. “I didn’t make it to the end of that party... but I did write this song to show him how much he meant to me. It’s our story.” Performances continue Wednesdays through Sundays.