| John Mostyn | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Cheshire, England (Based in Birmingham) |
| Associated acts | Fine Young Cannibals The Beat Inner City Ocean Colour Scene |
| Website | www.mostyn.net |
John Mostyn is a prominent music industry figure in the West Midlands, most notable for managing The Beat and later, Fine Young Cannibals.[1]
Mostyn discovered Detroit based group Inner City, who under his direction had the hits 'Big Fun' and 'Good Life'.[2]
Arguably, Mostyn's most notable success was with Fine Young Cannibals, whom he managed after The Beat separated. With Mostyn as manager the band enjoyed huge success, including a Billboard number 1 album with their album The Raw And The Cooked, which has been certified Platinum 11 times around the world.[3] The band initially had great difficulty securing a recording contract. As described in an interview[4] with John Mostyn : -
"We'd gone, in three months, from every record company rejecting them to every record company wanting them; that's what managers do."
Mostyn is also credited with launching Ocean Colour Scene, via his own Phffft label.[5]
Though not originally from Birmingham[6] Mostyn has spent most of his professional life in Birmingham.[2] John has had considerable influence in the area's music industry, reportedly bringing over £30 million into the local economy.[1] John was also involved in the launch of 2 Tone Records, as referenced in his biography at mostyn.net : -
"Gerry Dammers of the then unheard of ‘Specials’ bought a copy of their first single to John and announced that he was concerned that they would be able to sell their first pressing of a thousand. John immediately booked the band on a national tour and Chrysalis records picked up the band and the ‘Two Tone’ label. The Two Tone explosion was under way."[7]
John has recently been working as tour manager for James Hunter.
As of 2008, John Mostyn's current business venture is Music Of Distinction, a live music agency based at Birmingham's Custard Factory.[8]
John Mostyn is now running Bob Lamb's (ex-UB40 producer) studio in Birmingham, now known as Highbury Studios.[9] The studio has been used by such notable acts as Duran Duran, Ocean Colour Scene and Stephen Duffy.[10]
The Beat
The Specials
Fine Young Cannibals
Inner City
Ocean Colour Scene
James Hunter
Trio Gitano