Talkin’ CHEESE with Chaz Molins

Twenty years ago, University of Delaware student, Chaz Molins, was the original bass player in Tommy Conwell’s Young Rumblers.  Fans affectionately tagged the trio…… Ham (Tommy Conwell), Fish (Brad Fish), and Cheese (Chaz Molins).  Although not a member of TCYR during its impressive run at fame and record deals, bass player turned counselor, Charles Molins, reflects on his early years.      

Did you ever think that Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers would be remembered after two decades?

I recognized Tommy’s guitar virtuosity and always figured he be like a Stevie Ray Vaughn guitar hero.

Any message for Ham or Fish?

I hope they are happy and healthy!

I guess “Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers” sounded more rock n’ roll than “Ham, Fish, & Cheese?”

Originally the band was called Tommy Conwell’s Young Rumblers. Tommy figured that many of his fans from his previous band, Rocket 88, would recognize his name and come check us out. The Rumblers came from the Link Wray instrumental, “The Rumble.”  We would open every set with it;  it was a good soundcheck song. Bass and drums start the song. Tommy would usually be off stage. Then as the guitar part would crescendo, Tommy would make his entrance.

What were your original ambitions in music?

To be a ROCK STAR.....…stadiums, world tours, and critics’ faves.

Which live songs were fan favorites in the early years?   

Very early on, the instrumental surf tunes (like Hawaii 5-0) were sure fire winners.  

What was the music scene like in Newark in the early 1980’s?  Did you hear the Stone Balloon will be converted to condominiums?

I was never a big Balloon fan. One night when I was playing there, one of the bouncer/thugs wouldn’t let me in because I was wearing a leather jacket. When I told him I was in the band playing that night, he said “tough shit.” I just walked around back and went in.

What was your reaction the first time you heard a Young Rumbler song on the radio?

Actually, I have never heard one on the radio. I don’t listen to the radio much. I always worked at record stores back then. The last thing I wanted to do was listen to radio. I have heard Tommy on WYSP DJ-ing in the afternoon. I had a job driving around doing drug and alcohol counseling (house calls). I enjoyed cruising around the dial. I really got a kick hearing Tommy so enthusiastically announcing metal bands. I thought it was really wacky hearing that Tesla would be playing the ceremony at the Hard Rock in Philly, inducting Tommy’s guitar on to the walls of fame.

What are you doing professionally these days?

Clinical Therapist at an enormous Rescue Mission homeless shelter clinic.

Who are you music heroes?

Joe Strummer, Elliott Smith, X, Paul Simon, Chris Squire, Dean Wilson, (young) Paul Westerberg