Ryan Malcolm's rags-to-riches tale is one for the ages – from the hallowed halls of Molineux Stadium to the sun-kissed stages of Glastonbury, this Wolverhampton lad has truly gone the distance. At 38 years young, Malcolm's remarkable journey from a promising football career with his beloved Wolves to headlining major music festivals alongside Brit Award-winning Wolf Alice is a testament to determination and grit.
The turning point came at just 15, when Malcolm was released from the Wolves academy after failing to secure a scholarship. Coaches deemed him too 'sensitive' for the cutthroat world of professional football – little did they know that this self-proclaimed 'sensitive soul' would find his true calling in the creative chaos of music.
After years spent honing his skills, Malcolm's big break came unexpectedly. A casual request from close friend and Wolf Alice bassist Theo Ellis to lend a hand with keyboards during rehearsals soon turned into a full-time gig. 'It was surreal,' Malcolm recalls of joining the live band and embarking on a world tour – one that would catapult him to stardom.
Since joining Wolf Alice, Malcolm's career has been nothing short of meteoric. He's performed alongside pop superstar Harry Styles, headlined Latitude Festival in front of an adoring 40,000-strong crowd, and rubbed shoulders with the likes of 'Later... with Jools Holland'. This Sunday, he's set to take the stage at London's Finsbury Park – a poignant homecoming gig just a stone's throw from his own doorstep.
Reflecting on his incredible journey, Malcolm pays tribute to his bandmates and acknowledges the immense pressure of touring, but also the sheer joy of being part of a successful outfit like Wolf Alice. With multiple Brit Awards and a Mercury Prize win under their belt, this British music powerhouse shows no signs of slowing down – and Malcolm's contribution has become an integral part of their live shows.
Source: Ryan Malcolm