Michael Mosbach
Michael Mosbach is no ordinary director of security. Having started his career as a systems analyst, he found that he enjoyed the investigative elements of his work the most and he joined the State of Hawaii as an Investigator, developing his capabilities in computer forensics – searching data for evidence of computer crime. On moving to Los Angeles in 1998, Michael formed his own security consultancy company, conducting what is known as “threat assessment management” for high profile clients – securing everything from physical presence, to personal privacy. In parallel he completed a philosophy degree, and spent his summers studying percussion at Berklee College of Music in Boston. “Music always was and will always be my first love,” he says.
Michael had already met Andrew MacNaughtan on the Los Angeles circuit, and Andrew introduced Michael to Neil, who was looking to take advantage of such services; before long, the pair had found they had plenty to talk about. “Although my philosophy training was formal, and his informal, he seemed to know and comprehend everything I had spent so much money on in school!” laughs Michael. “We seemed to always have something pleasant to talk about whether it be intense subject matter, like Kant or Hegel, or the latest South Park episode.” Michael was quick to realise that Neil’s private persona was very different to the image he presented in public. “Fans think he is reclusive and unappreciative, but this is far from the truth,” says Michael. “He does appreciate his fans; he just wants his fans to appreciate his music, not him personally.”
Michael was employed as Director of Security for the ‘Vapor Trails’ and 30th anniversary tours. Not only this, but Michael’s love of motorcycles made him a suitable partner for Neil’s unique approach to travelling between gigs – when offered, he jumped at the chance to travel the world. “I had worked with many bands before, but never stayed for an entire tour,” he says. “This time I would get to ride my motorcycle with a friend and get paid for it, and tour with one of the greatest bands that ever was. After about .0001 seconds of thought, I accepted the job!”
Most recently, Michael has been instrumental in putting together Neil’s website.