Jesse Malin returns with a double single featuring “Hollywood Forever” and a cover of The Clash’s “Rudie Can’t Fail.”
Acclaimed New York singer-songwriter Jesse Malin has released a new double-sided single, pairing “Hollywood Forever” with a reinterpretation of The Clash’s classic “Rudie Can’t Fail.” The release is now available to stream and highlights Malin’s continued balance of original songwriting and reinterpretation of punk-era influences.
The A-side, “Hollywood Forever,” is a cinematic and reflective original. It blends vivid storytelling with Malin’s signature mix of grit and melody. The track is rooted in emotional detail and personal reflection. It is delivered through his distinctive vocal style and straightforward songwriting approach.
Malin says the song is dedicated to his late friend Howie Pyro, who passed away in 2022. “Hollywood Forever is a tribute to my dear friend, Howie Pyro,” he shared. “His wish was to be buried in the legendary Hollywood Forever Cemetery.” He added that the song also connects to his ongoing stage project, Silver Manhattan. “I’ve been thinking about him a lot lately,” Malin said. “It means a lot to me to be able to tell you about him every night in my play.”
The track features contributions from Tad Kubler of The Hold Steady and Jimmy G of Murphy’s Law, along with Malin’s longtime collaborators Derek, Rob, Paul, and James.
On the B-side, Malin covers “Rudie Can’t Fail” by The Clash. The track maintains its original energy while being reshaped through Malin’s rock-oriented style. The reinterpretation reflects his connection to punk tradition and his ability to adapt classic material into his own sound.
“Hollywood Forever” b/w “Rudie Can’t Fail” continues Malin’s long-standing career in rock music. He has remained active as a songwriter, performer, and collaborator across decades. His recent work includes live performances, benefit shows, and multimedia projects such as Silver Manhattan and his upcoming memoir Almost Grown: A New York Memoir.
