Aslan: "We’ve got 40 years of memories - but now it's time for some new ones"

The loss of a frontman, particularly under tragic circumstances, brings a monumental shift for any rock group. According to cliché though, the more things change, the more they stay the same.

When they catch up with Hot Press, the current iteration of Aslan - Joe Jewell, Billy McGuinness, Alan Downey, and Lee Tomkins - are doing what the band have always done: meeting up at Joe’s house with some acoustic guitars and a cajon to hash out some new material - with an album planned for September.

“We're doing what every band would love to be doing and it's exciting,” says Billy.

“We're moving forward. As time goes on into the future, we're gonna have all these new memories that we're going to remember. The memories that we've made Christy [Dignam] will always be there - we’ve got 40 years of memories - but now it's time for some new ones. And that's exciting as well.

“There's a heavier sound now. The sound of the band has moved forward. It's different but really enjoyable, and it still has the spirit of Aslan.”

Many fans will be intrigued by new lead singer Lee Tomkins, who was announced as the new frontman in February 2024. The Northside Dub describes Aslan as being like a “religion” where he’s from. He also has no interest in trying to replace the irreplaceable.

“In Finglas, everyone knows Aslan, from your uncles to your cousins, your ma, your dad, all your friends,” Tomkins says. "I went to all their gigs in Dublin - I've even seen them in the local pubs in the area. So I've been a fan for a long time.

“To be honest with you no one is ever really going to replace Christy, because of the icon that he was. You have to just be yourself, that's all you can be and it's all anyone can be. You can't try to be anybody else.

“Creatively, with the new stuff, it's an open ball game. Anyone can throw their hat in the ring and basically put forward a song, put forward an idea.

Aslan at Joy in the Park 2024. Copyright Trevor McGrath.

Tomkins’ arrival has provided a fresh injection of energy into the rest of the band, who’ve been as busy as ever.

“Last March, we played our first gig with Lee,” says Billy. “And we've done a lot in that year.

“There's been so many highlights. We played Electric Picnic for the first time in the band's career, we got up and played with Coldplay, we went back to Australia and the UK.

“Releasing the single was really special because before then, the only way people could hear Aslan with Lee was if they came to a gig. Now they can go and listen to the EP that we put out.

“It's like the band is alive now. It's important for us that we build and write different songs, now that we have Lee as the singer. It's exciting for us. I don't mean this with any disrespect, but Christy was ill for 10 years and we went at his pace. That's no disrespect, you know, the man had cancer, but now we're finally going at our pace.”

The title track from the EP in question - ‘Hear Your Call’ - stands as a signal of hope amid the testing circumstances they’ve experienced over the last couple of years.

“It basically is a call for hope, for when you're in trouble, when you're in the doldrums,” says Lee. “ It's really what we've all gone through recently. There was obviously the sadness with Christy passing and other stuff in life that happened.

“That's the message in the song - don't bottle it up,” continues lead guitarist Joe. “We just feel it's important to talk to friends, family, and bring it out in the open, you know? It's not something to be ashamed of.”

The band add that It’s not the sort of thing that men of their vintage are always willing to discuss.

“When we went to school, there were always these people in your class and everyone would probably agree," reflects drummer Alan. “And they were just labeled as kind of odd. There wasn't any help there for them.”

“Obviously we're going to write about something that is current in the news, and mental health is just right up there at the moment.

“I think the help available for people is getting a bit better, and i think the more that we write about and the more that it's in the news, the more acceptable it'll become for this generation.”

You’ll be able to hear the new song(s), as well as their tried and tested classics, in the very special and scenic surrounds of Malahide Castle’s West Lawn on May 31.

It’s a big one for Aslan (their first outdoor headliner since they played at the Iveagh Gardens in 2019), as well as exciting openers Brake Loose and The Swings, who fought hard at a Battle of the Bands competition held in Gibney’s to earn their places.

“Malahide Castle & Gardens is absolutely thrilled to welcome the legendary Aslan to our stunning West Lawn!" enthused Malahide Castle's Pauline Matijasevich.

"Following the incredible energy of their moment with Coldplay, we're thrilled to attract a new wave of music lovers to our iconic Northside venue. Our team's initiative, which included the Battle of the Bands, and the successful Aslan headliner reveal, was a community-driven triumph. As a proud local, I'm delighted this marks the beginning of our commitment to hosting more intimate and unforgettable music festivals right here, starting this year!"

Brake Loose at Whelan's Ones to Watch. Copyright Curtis DeSmith.

“It’s very, very important,” says Billy, reflecting on giving young bands a leg up. “We went through that. We were the band that couldn't get support slots in the Baggot Inn, in McGonagles. We've been in them shoes.

“I always say that one gig is like ten rehearsals. You learn so much when you're on stage in front of people. So we came up with the idea with Gibney's and Malahide Castle of rolling out a Battle of the Bands and giving these local bands a chance.

"We went out and we were the judges. They're really good, and they’re delighted to get the chance to play to such a big crowd. Hats off to Gibney’s for getting involved too.

“It was just amazing to watch,” adds Alan. “ You could see yourself in them, when we were 18, 19, 20. It just brings back memories.”

Aslan have enjoyed their own recent experiences of playing alongside major artists, joining Coldplay for a rendition of ‘Crazy World’ at Croke Park last September.

“It was surreal,” says Billy. “You have to remember as well though, we only came back from Australia a day or two beforehand. So we were full of jet lag and then all of a sudden the next day we wake up and you're going to Croke Park, it was like a dream. It gave us a real sense of joy - as Damien Dempsey would put it.

“It only hit us when we were on the stage sound checking with them and chatting to Chris Martin. It was a real pinch me moment, and something we will never forget."

• Tickets for Aslan's Malahide Castle show on May 31 are available now.