D Generation may never have found commercial success in the vein of Green Day or The Offspring, but they were your favorite band’s favorite band. In fact, the first time I ever saw them perform was opening for Green Day on their “Nimrod” tour in 1998.
D Generation were respected and revered as one of the glam punk bands of the early ‘90s in New York, at a time when bands were gearing towards hardcore of pop punk. What seemed almost as a second coming of the New York Dolls, the band’s sound and style was directly influenced by the likes of Johnny Thunders.
Just a year after their tour with Green Day, they found themselves on tour with The Offspring before eventually breaking up in 1999. Twelve years later, they announced they would be playing a string of reunion shows, including a spot on 2011’s Riot Fest and even shows opening for Guns N’ Roses. The demand and fanbase was finally there, more than ever as people awaited their return.
EL REY THEATRE
Los Angeles, California
September 25, 2022
So, it was with great sadness when the world learned that original bassist and co-founding member Howie Pyro passed away this year on May 4th. In December 2021, Pyro had announced that he was fighting for his life after a liver transplant, and in January of this year, D Generation lead singer and co-founder Jesse Malin held a benefit concert to help pay for Pyro’s climbing medical expenses. However, at just 61, Pyro finally succumbed to his long battle with liver disease, passing from COVID-19 related pneumonia.
On July 23rd, a memorial concert was held in Pyro’s honor at the Bowery Ballroom in New York. Performances included Brian Fallon of the Gaslight Anthem, Theo Kogan of the Lunachicks, and H.R. of Bad Brains.
Now, Malin has announced a West Coast tribute fittingly titled “Howie Pyro Forever!” will be held this Sunday in Los Angeles at the El Rey Theater. Much like the New York show, proceeds will go to the UCLA Liver Transplant Foundation. In addition to this amazing cause, the night will be celebrated the way Pyro would have wanted: friends joining together to celebrate music and his monumental life. An all-star roster is planned for the show, including Tim Armstrong of Rancid who will be “playing punk rock songs Howie loved.” Other performers include The Dickies, Suzi Gardner of L7, Wayne Kramer of the MC5, and Dez Cadena of Black Flag. Also performing will be Malin’s band, Jesse Malin & the Teardrops. The night will also feature special DJ sets by Mr. Pharmacist and Kat Von D.
The benefit takes place this Sunday, so get your tickets now.
