The moving force, main editor and writer of the publication was Geoffrey Rushton,[1] who would later assume the name John Balance and become known as singer and lyricist of the influential postindustrial band Coil (the following will employ the better-known pseudonym).
[2][3] The magazine included interviews with, articles on and reviews of releases and performances by many leading alternative bands and solo artists of the time, such as Throbbing Gristle, Cabaret Voltaire, Clock DVA, SPK, Virgin Prunes, Alternative TV, Eyeless in Gaza, Monte Cazazza, and participants in the so-called ‘cassette culture’, such as The Door and the Window, The Good Missionaries, and Cultural Amnesia.
The cover of Stabmental 7, the final issue, included a hand-finished element, with each copy therefore unique – an anticipation of Balance’s enthusiasm for handcrafted editions of Coil releases.
An energetic correspondent and mail artist, Balance made many important contacts in the alternative music scene through his work on Stabmental and it is through the magazine that he met his musical and life partner, Peter Christopherson, then of Throbbing Gristle.
Balance and Craig were members of the invited audience for the recording of Throbbing Gristle’s 1980 album Heathen Earth.