Tobruk (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Headquarters | United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Tobruk was a British rock band established in 1981.
History
The band came together in 1981, featuring vocalist Stuart "Snake" Neale, guitarist Nigel Evans, and keyboardist Jem Davies—all formerly of the Bedford group Stranger—alongside guitarist Mick Newman, bassist Steve Woodward, and drummer Allan Vallance. Emerging amid the late new wave of British heavy metal movement, Tobruk's music was characterized by a more melodic and refined style.
After relocating to Birmingham, the group embarked on extensive tours. Their 1982 demo received airplay on the Friday Rock Show. Around 1983, they released their first single, "Wild on the Run," through Neat Records. That same year, original member and principal songwriter Steve Woodward departed following a tour with Diamond Head, coinciding with interest from EMI. Subsequently, drummer Eddie Fincher and bassist Mike Brown joined the lineup.
The management company Light And Sound Design secured a recording contract after organizing a showcase at Birmingham Odeon. In 1984, Tobruk signed with EMI (Parlophone) and toured clubs extensively while supporting acts such as Diamond Head and UFO.
Their debut album, Wild on the Run, was recorded at Warehouse Studios in Philadelphia with co-producer Lance Quinn, known for working with Lita Ford and Bon Jovi. Released in May 1985, the album facilitated tours alongside UFO, Tokyo Blade, and Manowar. The single "Falling" gained radio attention and was promoted through a parachute jump competition.
Despite these efforts, Tobruk found it difficult to penetrate the UK market due to their American-influenced sound; consequently, album sales were underwhelming. By approximately 1987, they parted ways with Parlophone. Their sophomore album, Pleasure + Pain, was issued via FM Revolver.
During this period, key members Snake and Fincher left to join Idol Rich. The band attempted to move forward by recording demos with former The Alliance vocalist Tony Martin, who later became part of Black Sabbath. Nigel Evans toured with Shy, while other members engaged in different projects: Snake briefly played with an early iteration of The Wildhearts, Mike Brown performed in Why The Rabbit, and Jem Davis along with Fincher formed Midnight Blue featuring singer Doogie White, releasing Take The Money and Run around 1994. Additionally, Davis toured with UFO and collaborated with Praying Mantis and FM.
In 2001, Phoenix Music released a Tobruk compilation entitled Recaptured, which included rare tracks and videos. That same year, Rip Tide Records reissued Wild on the Run on CD.
Discography
- The Girl with the Flyaway Hair (WEA – Ireland), 1981
- "Wild on the Run" 7" (Neat Records), 1983
- Wild on the Run (Parlophone / EMI), 1985
- Reissued with Bonus Live Disc (Majestic Rock Records), 2007
- Pleasure + Pain (FM Revolver), 1987
- Recaptured (Phoenix), 2001