1:00 AM 6th January 2025

Magnum To Play Northern Show In Tribute To Their Late Guitarist And Songwriter

Magnum
Photo: Rob Barrow
Magnum Photo: Rob Barrow
Few great bands can be identified in the first few bars of their songs. With their unique melodic skill, their tasteful instrumentation, the right balance of depth and catchiness, and, of course, that charismatic voice, Magnum falls into this category of rock royalty.

The British rock band was eFormed in 1972 by songwriter/guitarist Tony Clarkin and singer Bob Catley. The first album released was Kingdom of Madness, and it took nearly ten years of touring and further album releases before the band broke through to a wider audience. By 1982 the Chase the Dragon album hit the UK album charts, and in subsequent years the band made numerous appearances on Top of the Pops. In 2022 they reached their 50th anniversary and celebrated with the fans on a major UK & European tour.

Tony Clarkin, Magnum's sole songwriter, wrote and produced twenty-three albums over fifty-two years. On 9 January 2024, Magnum announced on their Facebook page that Clarkin had died peacefully on January 7, surrounded by family, following a short illness. The previous month the band revealed that he was diagnosed with a rare spinal condition, which brought about the cancellation of their Spring 2024 tour.

Five days after Clarkin's death, Magnum released their 23rd studio album, Here Comes the Rain, which achieved unprecedented chart positions in the band's history. Two months after the release, Catley said that he could not carry on without Clarkin and that Magnum would disband.

In honour of Tony, the band will reform and perform a tribute show for him on January 22, 2025, at Manchester Academy 1.

For any fan of the band or those who appreciate classic rock music, this will be a very special night indeed.

Magnum - A Tribute To Tony Clarkin
Wednesday 22nd January 2025
Manchester - Academy 1
Doors: 7.30pm / Stage: 8.30pm
Tickets: £32.50 adv plus booking fee

More information here.