Rock’n’roll will forever be identified with passions of youth, but that doesn’t stop aging rockers from strummin’ and shakin.’
The Todd Hobin Band – led by one of Central New York’s most durable rock artists – is one of five regional rock outfits nominated for a Syracuse Area Music Award in the category of best rock recording of 2012.
In fact, the title of the band’s disc boldly proclaims, “It’s Not Over.”
It’s certainly not over for Hobin who started the band in Potsdam in 1974, disbanded it in the 1980s and reunited it in the 21st century. Over the years, the THB took the stage more than 3,000 times at nightclubs and concert halls across the Northeast while issuing four albums.
The Sammy-nominated combo includes Hobin, guitarist-keyboardist Doug Moncrief, guitarist Bruce Fowler, bassist Brett Hobin and drummer Shawn Hobin.
Although Todd Hobin’s now in his sixth decade, he recently took a job as an adjunct instructor of music and audio engineer at Le Moyne College. Meanwhile, he continues to write, produce and direct TV and radio commercials and audio books at Todd Hobin Studios, 8417 Oswego Road, in Baldwinsville.
Most of the 10 tracks on “It’s Not Over” were waxed at the B’ville Studio. All original compositions, the songs include “Please Peace,” “Someone to Hold,” “Let It All Go” and “Who Still Loves You?”
Although Hobin refuses to hang up his rock’n’roll shoes, he remains open to other genres of music. Along with the band’s rock record, he also released a solo new age album last year, “The Wellness Suite.”
A 1972 graduate of SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music, Hobin now serves on the board of directors of Signature Music, a Syracuse non-profit, which mentors high-school age musicians.
Though he’s far too busy to retire, Hobin occasionally reflects on his later years. “Maybe this is what retirement will be like for this old guy,” he recently wrote in his journal at toodhobin.com. “When I hang up my spurs, I’ll just travel from show to show watching my kids (and their kids) perform. Sounds like heaven.”
The Hobin Band will find out if they’ll take home a trophy at the 2013 Sammy Awards show at 7 p.m. Friday, March 8, at the Palace Theater, 2384 James St., in Eastwood. Tickets cost $20.
This year’s Sammys Hall of Fame inductees are harmonica player Skip Murphy, soundman/manager Scott Sterling, bassist John Dancks, vocalist Willie “Taters” Mavins and 1970s-era rock band The Seven; syracuseareamusic.com/.
