Achi news desk-
Glasgow legend Eddie Tobin died yesterday at the age of 77 and left the city in mourning.
He is remembered as “Scotland’s King of Clubs” having enjoyed a lifetime of experience in business.
This included managing The Big Yin, Midge Ure, Nazareth, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, and was commercial manager for a number of Rangers and Celtic players.
The Herald reported how Tobin was shot after answering the door of his Clarkston bungalow in October 2006.
The serious incident included hitting him twice in his right leg while a third bullet missed and hit the floor.
According to a report in The Herald, “sources suggested the attack may be linked to Mr Tobin’s attempts to re-establish himself in the pub and club industry, which he recently left”.
In an exclusive interview with the Herald, Tobin spoke about the results of the shooting and said: “I crawled to the phone and dialed 999. The pain was terrible. I screamed. It was like a hot poker going through me.
“I was asked if it hurt. Yes, it hurt. I also knew it wouldn’t be long before the media found out so I called some of my family to let them know what happened. I would hate the thought of them hearing it on the radio or TV, so it was best that it came from me. ”
The Herald article said that over the previous decade Tobin had become one of the most high-profile figures in the politics of the licensed trade, almost making it a personal crusade to raise standards in the industry.
Tobin has received numerous awards during his career, including a lifetime achievement industry award from the licensed profession.
It received Glasgow City Council’s Customer Service Scotland Breakthrough Award as part of the Nitezone initiative, which ensures safe journeys home for over 2,000,0000 members of the public.
He was named one of the 25 most influential people in the UK leisure industry by Night Magazine, and was recognized as one of the 10 most influential people in the licensed profession by The Glasgow Times.
Glasgow-based JBD Professional DJ management said on Facebook: “King of the Clubs is a title our industry holds in high esteem and is only reserved for very special people whose contribution to our industry cannot be denied.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we write this message as Eddie Tobin sadly passed away on Monday.
“He was successful in everything he put his mind to and his generosity in time and knowledge was second to none.”
The statement said the company offered its deepest sympathy and condolences to Tobin’s wife Elspeth, his son Chris and daughter Claire and his extended family.
