Steve Gleason’s next chapter in music
Twenty years ago, a single punt block became the rallying cry for New Orleans, symbolizing resilience and the city’s recovery from Hurricane Katrina. Now, twenty years later, former Saints safety Steve Gleason is taking that powerful moment and turning it into a moving musical journey.
Diagnosed with ALS in 2011 at age 33, Gleason has channeled his experience and perspective into a sprawling, evocative 12-song project titled REBIRTH. This new body of work, released episodically via Ineffable Joy Records, is more than just a collection of songs; it is an exploration of navigating profound change, finding expression, and embracing the future when the physical body shifts.
REBIRTH emerged from six months of intimate songwriting sessions, bringing together an eclectic and brilliant roster of musicians. Collaborators included Marc Broussard, Trombone Shorty, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, PJ Morton, Ivan Neville, Anders Osborne, River Eckert, and Ben Schneider of Lord Huron. The project features a rich tapestry of sound, with the first two tracks, “Soul Is Invincible,” featuring Broussard, and “Sonic Boom,” featuring Trombone Shorty, already available to listen.
The project’s title pays homage to that pivotal moment in New Orleans sports history. That famous play represented a communal spirit, but REBIRTH looks inward, examining what remains when the physical possibilities change. It explores the space between what was imagined and what must be lived now, focusing on the enduring human need to express oneself.
Gleason has used his journey with ALS to become a powerful voice for the community, notably through Team Gleason, and has shared his deeply personal experiences in the 2016 documentary Gleason and his 2024 memoir, A Life Impossible.
“Music is one of the ways I access parts of myself that ALS cannot touch,” Gleason reflects. “I can’t play guitar anymore, but the need to express myself has endured.” He adds that making the experience feel impossible is, in fact, where the good stuff begins.
The recording sessions themselves were steeped in the spirit of New Orleans, taking place at Esplanade Studios in the Tremé neighborhood. The production team included Stephen Rehage and Jim Salters, alongside other notable talents such as Tony Hall of Dumpstaphunk, drummer Alvin Ford Jr., guitarist and producer Shane Theriot, pianist David Torkanowsky, guitarist Ari Teitel, and keyboardist Brandon Coleman.
The celebration of REBIRTH extends beyond the studio. On October 5th, the anniversary of the iconic game, a second line procession will move from Lafayette Square to Champions Square ahead of a special concert. Marc Broussard and his band will open the show before Gleason joins special guests for the first-ever live performances of songs from the project, including “Soul Is Invincible” and “Sonic Boom.” Gleason will also participate in the coin toss and lead the Superdome’s “Who Dat” chant before kickoff.
Fans looking to follow the unfolding story can access the full episodic rollout and all the behind-the-song artifacts at rebirthsongcycle.com.
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