We first saw him rocking onstage with the Stompin’ Suede Greasers, but before long he was fronting his own hard-working combo, the Todd Hobin Band. That aggregation, first formed in 1974 in Potsdam, became one of the most popular rock acts working the Thruway Circuit.
My favorite Hobin recording was “New York Country Song,” but he became better known for a 1983 tune ominously titled “I Hate You,” which is not at all like Todd. He’s a lover, not a fighter. He’s a friend, not a foe. He certainly would not sic a St. Bernard on you, as he threatens in the lyrics. Tongue in cheek, maybe?
Seriously, whether relating to his band members, booking agents, studio clients, students or fans, Todd’s a genuinely good guy. You can’t help but dig his act.
Anyhow, he estimates that his band, which reunited last year in honor of its 40th anniversary, has played more than 3,000 shows. Over the course of all those performances, however, Todd’s ears took a licking. Too many Marshall amps turned up to 10, I guess. Now, four decades later, Todd confessed to his fans, “Yes, I have started wearing hearing aids.”
But Todd’s the type of guy who turns lemons into lemonade.
Audiological poster boy
Keep your eyes peeled when you drive south along Park Street toward the mall or the Regional Transportation Center. There on a big billboard next to the railroad bridge is Todd’s familiar bearded and smiling face on a MAICO Diagnostic advertisement. MAICO has manufactured audiological instruments for more than seven decades.
“Yup, it’s me, the new poster boy for hearing aids,” Todd wrote in a recent email. The billboard image depicts Todd and his lovely wife, Joann. In the picture shot by commercial photographer Dave Revette, Todd is playing an A13 chord on his acoustic guitar and listening to Joann.
“The sound of her voice is music to my ears,” says the ad copy.
Media mavens Dee Perkins and Andrea Reeves created the concept for Zoey Advertising, and Dee got Todd the modelling gig.
But the Baldwinsville rocker is more than a model. He’s a true believer in the benefits of hearing aids.
“I’m honored to be working to help people with their hearing issues,” he wrote, and he offered some advice. “Folks, wear your hearing protection at loud concerts, the movies or on the job site if it warrants. Save your ears. Sooner or later, all of us will probably need a little assistance with our hearing. Let me know if you’re ready for that. I can help. Write me at [email protected].”
Hobin/Moncrief here Aug. 3
Hobin and his longtime bandmate, Doug Moncrief, and friends perform a free concert at Johnson Park, at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, as part of the 30th anniversary Liverpool Is the Place Summer Concert Series.
“I can’t wait for that concert,” Todd wrote. “It’ll be perfect for the park.”
By the way, concerts in the park start Monday, June 1, with the Liverpool schools jazz festival.
Thundering Herd May 29
Local jazz fans should mark their calendars for 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 29. That evening Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd will headline Liverpool High School’s 18th annual Jumpin’ Jazz Jam. For ticket info, dial 453-1500.
Salt Museum needs you!
The Friends of Historic Onondaga Lake could use a little extra help down on the lakeshore this summer. They need a volunteer or two to help operate the Salt Museum Gift Shop.
Longtime FoHOL member Rhoda Sikes, who lives in Liverpool, has spent the last three years running the gift shop, a commitment that has prevented her from visiting her older brother and sister in Illinois. The need for extra volunteer help is greatest during the month of August, when Rhoda plans to take a well-deserved vacation.
The columnist can be contacted at [email protected].
