"Malin, who initially became friendly with Gruen in the 90s when he was in the band D Generation, got to know him well over the years. He became family to me, says Malin. Came out on tours, went to Europe with us, just so many nights, and, you know, his stories and his life are equally as wonderful, even more so maybe sometimes than his photos. And his photos are unbelievable. He's one of the best! And he was just so loved."
"At some point, Malin took charge of Gruen's birthday parties, even doing a party online during COVID. But this year, he was being a little hesitant, saying that maybe a lot of his friends weren't around anymore, explains Malin. I said, go home. Make a list of all the people that are alive, he adds. Jesse told me, you're only 80 once, says Gruen. So I started making a list, and it turned out to be a lot of people."
Bob Gruen celebrated his 80th birthday at The Django with a gathering of friends, family, musicians, and photographers. Jesse Malin organized the party after encouraging Gruen to make a list of living friends, citing 'you're only 80 once.' The evening included live covers by Malin, a continuous slideshow of Gruen's life near the bar, and longtime DJ Mike Schnapp. Guests included promoter Ron Delsener, photographer Patrick McMullan, Punk magazine's John Holmstrom, Gruen's son Kris, and granddaughters Zinnia and Jasmine. Gruen's wife Elizabeth Gregory-Gruen attended, and friends traveled from near and far to honor his career and life.
Read at www.amny.com
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