Vin Garbutt (born in South Bank, Middlesbrough), though second generation Irish, is an English folk singer and songwriter. A signifant part of his repertoire consists of protest songs covering topics such as "the Troubles" in Northern Ireland (Troubles of Erin), unemployment, and abortion.

Politically Garbutt is unusual, in that he sings in favour of what are generally Left wing positions (support for Nicaragua against US imperialism for exampls). However, on the question of abortion, he expressed a loud opposition to it as "state murder", a position normally associated with conservatives. He is a Roman Catholic.

Throughout the 70's Vin's reputation grew rapidly until he became "the most sought after performer on the Folk Scene". The development of his 'Act' took in songs of the past and his own material, his introductions became more and more zany and funny, and his brilliant tin-whistle playing never ceased to amaze. "Half the fun on some of his numbers is spotting the story he has told you in the song he is singing" - to quote one review.
As "THE Man of British Folk Music" in the '80's he was asked to tour abroad: visiting the U.S.A., Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Yugoslavia, Holland, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Cyprus, Singapore, Thailand, and Bermuda.

The '90's saw an even bigger explosion of interest in Vin and his work. Trevor Burton of The Move fame saw him perform and handed a tape to Alan Whetton of Dexy's Midnight Runners. He went to see him perform and became an instant Garbutt 'nut', and demanded to produce his next two albums - When The Tide Turns and The Bypass Syndrome. Alan played the original tape to a number of 'Rock Names' who all volunteered to play on these albums including Robbie McIntosh of The Paul McCartney Band.

In an attempt to satisfy the demands for his services throughout the world as well as maintaining his huge home based following, he set off around the world in 23 days in 1991. He now does this every year, but sadly from the home point of view it is now taking eight weeks.

To get a sample of how he works try to get a copy of his 1996 C.D. - Plugged! This is a live recording, obviously a lot of the 'patter' is missed out, otherwise there wouldn't be room for the songs, but it does give you an insight into why he is still "The biggest draw on the British Folk Scene", and at the same time show you why "Vin Garbutt is the funniest and most serious man on the Folk Scene!"