You don't know Jack

PUBLISHED by Boston Metro

It’s been four years since Andrew McMahon was diagnosed with leukemia. After the release of “The Glass Passenger” last year with his band, Jack’s Mannequin, he is embarking on an acoustic solo tour to promote a documentary about his hospital stay.


“Passenger” was McMahon’s musical recovery, but the film exposes the real thing. The product of many nights alone in the ward with a handheld video camera, “Dear Jack” is the last episode about his recuperation.

“I feel free. Now, the place I’m in is much different. I don’t have that issue as such a relevant part of my life,” says McMahon about his health.

As soon as his body would allow it, the 26-year-old pianist and songwriter hit the road in 2006, opening for bands like the Fray to crowds of 20,000.

“There’s a certain chance you can take and certain things you can do that you can’t pull off in front of big crowd,” he says of the his headlining set. “Some songs will fall flat, and some might be magic.”

Jack’s fans will recognize some of the tracks on the EP, like “Dear Jack,” which inspired the band’s name, and “There, There, Katie,” about his sister whose stem-cell transplant saved his life.

“It’s intended to tell a story that inspires some hope in people,” he says. “To put your chin up and stay positive during a tough time can lead you to happy ending.”

HIT THE ROAD (FOR) JACK

McMahon is touring with his guitarist to raise money for the Dear Jack Foundation, which he established to support cancer research.

The documentary will include a few new songs, written before Jack’s Mannequin even began and revived for the movie’s release in three major cities and on DVD Nov. 3.

An Evening with Andrew McMahon from Jack’s Mannequin
Wednesday, 8 p.m.
Arts at the Armory
191 Highland Ave., Somerville
SOLD OUT