Malcolm Asling ... R.I.P. my friend

Posted by Ray Crowther at Saturday, 8 November 2025 17:50

I can scarcely believe that I am writing this, but in remembrance of a amazing drummer, who went from playing gigs at the Stafford North End Community Centre to The Ritz in New York, USA, Mal Asling (aka Sol Mintz), who died suddenly last week. He was the same age as me. I'm reposting on here the interview Mal gave us, along with local guitarist Paul Wells, back in the summer of 2015.

Mal was an absolute joy & delight to know & work with. It may sound clichéd, but I always felt a sort of magical connection in his company, for his overwhelming passion and knowledge of music, and the inspiration he gave me when we were teenagers. It hurts to know that we shall never see him again, but hearing his voice while re editing this interview was emotional and very special. It brings back so many memories. Mal & Paul chat about going to school together, the very early days first picking up drumsticks and a guitar, the gigs, the memories of Stafford's vibrant live music scene and where life took their careers.

Pic: Props Wine Bar Stafford 'Drinking partners' Steve Martin, Steve Corfield, Mal & Tim Wickett

Mal was an excellent and extremely talented drummer who played with local band punk band ' Trash' before leaving for London to join the band Chelsea and then The UK Subs. He was best known as the drummer with the Subs, who he joined after leaving Chelsea in 1982. He later adopted the alias 'Sol Mintz' which he talks about in the interview.

Photo credit: Rob Hawkins. Chelsea gig - The Cedar Club Birmingham 1980/81, after show party.

During Mal's time with the band, he toured the United States and became one of the first Western bands to perform in Poland after the imposition of martial law in 1982. He performed on several releases, the band from that era had a significant impact on the punk scene.

Here's the interview which was first broadcast in the summer of 2015 from the 'Stafford Remembered' series. Mal is joined in the studio by lifelong friend and fellow musician Paul Wells. Mal & Paul talk about their school days at Graham Balfour, jobs after leaving school at Tom Reekie, Adderly Motorcycles the SGI and BT. The guys chat about their passion for music, the once vibrant music scene in Stafford that they grew up with, the bands they've seen and the bands they have played with. Part 1 of the interview is below - I've edited out and removed the songs we played during the live show, some chosen by Mal, but the full list is below.

1. The Boomtown rats - Lookin after Number One.

2. The Skids - Into the Valley

3. The Damned - New Rose

4. T. Rex - Metal Guru

5. Doctor Feelgood - Roxette

6. Thin Lizzy - The Rocker

7. The Ramones - Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment

8. David Bowie - John, I'm only Dancing.

The length of the original show was 2 hours when first broadcast live. The full show is still available on mixcloud to listen back.

Here's a great press cutting taken from the Staffordshire Newsletter 12 August 1977, when Stafford band 'Trash' got their first 'big break', with a very youthful looking Mal & Paul with the rest of the band.

Part 2 of the interview is below,

I have so many fond memories of Mal. From the time we worked together as teenagers, he was always kind and welcoming and so passionate about music - especially music live and loud! I will never forget those early days and fun we had together. A man who really loved his music and will be greatly missed.

Vibe 1's Big Drive Home with Big E

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Malcolm Asling ... R.I.P. my friend

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Malcolm Asling ... R.I.P. my friend

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