Interview: Mike Tobin

Unless you’re very lucky, it’s unlikely you’ve heard of Mike Tobin. But, if you’re interested in the Bristol music scene, you may want to shake his hand for helping to place it on the map long before Massive Attack or Portishead could even toddle. From sharing a bill with The Stones with his band the Magnettes, a bout in A&R for Virgin Records working with the likes of Dolly Parton, to managing international tours: he’s definitely got the stories.

The Fleece do know Mike Tobin, and that’s why they invited him to curate an all-day eponymous festival – TobinFest. The fest will be in celebration of his 75th birthday next month, following his 60th where 400 people showed up at The Fiddlers. He’s packed the day with acts old and new: Ricky Cool & The In Crowd, Bula Bula Quartet, Husky Tones and The Bad Losers will all be in attendance alongside loads of others. We caught up with him to find out more about this softly-spoken local legend…

Mike Tobin & The Magnettes. L to R: Tony Dodd, Pete Evans, John Manser, Mike Tobin

So where did it all begin?
At Westbury Methodist Youth Club in 1958. The group leader asked if anyone wanted to form a band and I put up my hand, bought a guitar for seventeen and sixpence, and The Magnettes were formed. What followed was a life in music working for some of the biggest names in pop. I was the first local rock ‘n’ roll singer to appear at the Colston Hall in 1959 through numerous appearances with The Magnettes, I moved to London to work with Virgin Records, RCA Records, and I managed the band Stackridge, who toured all over the world.

Do you have a standout memory? 
There are so many. Perhaps The Magnettes supporting The Stones in the 60s in St Nicks.

As in St Nicks the market?
Yes, it used to be a music venue! Rod Stewart, The Stones, all sorts played there.

Mike Tobin and the Magnettes played with the Rolling Stones in the 60s

What do you think of music now?
It’s good in many ways. From a fan perspective, I could spend a lifetime watching stuff on YouTube. Maybe there’s too much noise out there though, and attention spans are getting shorter. Musicians have to say something extraordinary nowadays to make people stay and listen.

Have you witnessed any other changes?
Phones. We had to sort out travel, replacement bands, the whole tour in fact from a payphone. But it always worked out. I don’t remember how we did it, but we did.

Why have you carried on?
I’m enjoying myself [laughs]! I’ve never made any money. But I’m enjoying myself.

Do you listen to albums anymore?
Only on vinyl, end-to-end. The longer you listen, the more you can hear and enjoy it.

So what are you doing now?
I’m still managing Stackridge, and I’m involved in mentoring music talent in Bristol, through the Bristol music industry network which was set up to support and mentor musicians. I love doing that. Bristol has more talent now that it ever has.

What is it about Bristol? Why do we churn out all these amazing musicians ?
Some people say it’s because we’re a port. There’s a comparison to Liverpool. In the 60s merchant seaman were bringing back American music imports: R&B and rock and roll. So we saw it, and were influenced by it first. That might be why.

Where do you think music is heading?
I believe music is the most important art humans are capable of – I truly believe it unites. I’m an old hippy though! We thought in the 60s that it would change the world.

But it did in way, didn’t it? Do you think it made people more aware?
But nowadays there isn’t a lot of politics in music. Where are the songs full of violent lyrics? The protest songs?

So do you think music could wield more power in politics?
Yes, absolutely.

What are your top three desert island discs?
Can we do albums? In no particular order then: Ray Charles – Live at Newport. That record changed my life. The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: a seminal album. Stackridge – The Man in the Bowler Hat, produced by George Martin. A parochial choice (!).

And whose musical career do you admire most?
Prince’s. I’ve always thought he was more talented than Michael [Jackson]. Prince could sing, dance, write songs – plus he was shorter than me!

TobinFest takes place from 1pm on Sunday, July 16. For tickets and more information, visit www.thefleece.co.uk/events/tobinfest-2017/

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