The ICA in London is the setting for the world premiere of Nash the Slash Rises Again!
It is fitting that the documentary film is released at Halloween. Nash – the alter ego of Jeff Plewman – emerged under the influence of horror films. His album, 1981’s Children of the Night, was Goth-adjacent with a title inspired by Dracula.
The sound of Nash the Slash was completely unique. He didn’t play guitars, but his sound found its way into the work of Simple Minds via their shared producer, Steve Hillage (Gong, System 7). He was signed to the same label as OMD, but the closest he came to pop was a cover of Jan and Dean’s “Dead Man’s Curve. He toured with Gary Numan and Iggy Pop; walking a line between genres as a one-man band.
We spoke with the Director of Nash the Slash Rises Again!, Tim Kowalski, about the film and his experience giving shape to the invisible man.
Nash the Slash is a bit of a cult figure. What motivated you to tell his story?
As a latch-key kid in Toronto, Nash The Slash left an indelible mark on me. I’d see him veiled in bandages and wielding a skull-shaped mandolin on TV. He spooked and fascinated me.
My first job out of high school was as a printing press operator. One day, I felt a tap on my shoulder. At first I thought it was my boss, who was about to tell me to stop wearing my headphones on the job. As I turned around, sheepishly removing my headphones, it was John – the older pressman next to me.
He asked if I knew who Nash The Slash was. He then proudly disclosed his involvement in Nash’s inaugural album. John told tales of Nash’s peculiar abode – a movie theater with a recording studio – and suggested a likeness to Elton John, sans bandages.
Despite lingering doubts, the notion of a cinematic tale began to germinate within me. Little did I know that, years later, I’d be involved in making that film. It’s funny how little incidents like this can set you on a life-altering path.
There are a number of celebrities in the film. Gary Numan, for example, who was one of the first to notice Nash’s style and creativity. Who are some of the artists we should look forward to seeing on the screen?
Yes! Gary Numan, found Nash one night while out on the town in Toronto as he was doing rehearsals for his first headlining tour in North America. After the show, he liked Nash’s style and creativity so much that asked Nash to go on tour right then and there. Gary was very happy to be talking about Nash and loved that his good friend is finally getting the attention he deserves.
Iggy Pop was also one of Nash’s early supporters and appears in the film in an infamous, early 80’s one on one with Nash as they took over a public access TV studio while on tour in Calgary. It’s a wild piece of video!
I also travelled to England to interview Martin “Youth” Glover from Killing Joke, Steve Hillage from Gong who produced “Children of The Night,” and Danielle Dax. All gave great interviews and added so much to the story.
The fans really got behind the project. What have they been telling you about their love for Nash?
Many fans had their first experience seeing a live concert watching Nash open for Gary Numan in the early 80s. He left a big impression on them in their formative years. Others have fond memories of seeing him in clubs around the Toronto area – or on television interviews and music videos, as I did.
In all cases, he inspired and captivated. Nash truly loved his fans and treated them as friends, staying in touch for years or decades – as many have told me.
On a related note, before we finalized the edit, we did some test screenings with young film students and cinephiles who were unfamiliar with Nash. The feedback was surprisingly positive, creating new fans! They found his image, story and music to be highly fascinating. Nash is timeless.
What did making the film teach you about Jeff, the man inside the bandages?
He’s a truly fascinating character. He loved remaining anonymous. It was like his superpower.
He enjoyed lurking in the audience before his shows, unmasked, and nobody caught on! He got a real charge out of hearing fans talk about him as he stood right next to them.
Like all people, he has his insecurities, flaws and challenges – as the film deeply explores. He also had this unique way of stubbornly doing things his own way, for better or worse. He’s a true individualist. I don’t want to spoil the film, but there are surprises. It seems, the more you learn, the less you know. I think he wouldn’t want it any other way.
Nash the Slash Rises Again! is shown as part of the Doc n Roll Festival at the ICA on Wednesday, 29 October 2025.