Tag Archives: Magnum

Magnum, Gig Review. 02 Academy, Liverpool.

Tony Clarkin of Magnum. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * * *

No matter how times Magnum come to Liverpool, the five members that make up the premier Midlands rock band give a show worthy of their incredible pedigree and vivid and descriptive music.

The o2 Academy in Liverpool has played host to Bob Catley, Tony Clarkin, Mark Stanway, Al Barrow and Harry James on several occasions and each time the five men step out on stage the reception they receive is akin to any of the local bands that make Liverpool the burgeoning powerhouse of 21st century music. On the back of the band’s latest release, the critically acclaimed On The Thirteenth Day, Magnum were once again lauded by their fans of the North-West.

Magnum, Gig Review. 02 Academy, Liverpool. full post

(389 words, 1 image, estimated 1:33 mins reading time)

Magnum, On The Thirteenth Day. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. September 25th 2012.

L.S. Media Rating *****

On The Thirteenth Day…Magnum was created to rock the socks off die-hard rock and Progressive fans alike.

The new album from the legendary Midlands band follows a trend of superb albums by the group since they reformed in 2001 after a few years away and on various other projects. From 2004’s Brand New Mourning onwards, Magnum have notched up four excellent albums on the bounce and now On The Thirteenth Day joins that run of success and firmly establishes once and for all that Magnum should be seen as one of the best British Rock bands of all time.

Magnum, On The Thirteenth Day. Album Review. full post

(422 words, 1 image, estimated 1:41 mins reading time)

Magnum, Into The Valley Of The Moon King. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. June 12th 2009.

With the imminent release of the 15th studio album, Into the Valley of the Moon King, perennial rockers Magnum have once more showed how good they are at recording new and exciting material.

Songwriter/Guitarist/ Producer Tony Clarkin seems to have pulled out all the stops on this album making it one of the catchiest records to date. The opening intro which makes good use of Mark Stanway’s keyboards is quickly followed up by the punchy ‘Cry To Yourself’. This track already has the feel of a gig opener and I suspect will be treated with respect by Magnum’s loyal fans.

Magnum, Into The Valley Of The Moon King. Album Review. full post

(332 words, 1 image, estimated 1:20 mins reading time)

Magnum, Gig Review. Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton.

Bob Catley in action. Photgraph by Ian D. Hall

Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. October 2009.

They opened the show with material from their new album Into The Valley of the Moonking, including the fantastic Cry to Yourself but Magnum soon reminded the audience of their past work with Brand New Morning and the effortless When We Were Younger.

The biggest cheer of the night deservedly went out to the thought provoking Les Morte Dansant,

Magnum, Gig Review. Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton. full post

(153 words, 1 image, estimated 37 secs reading time)

Magnum, Gig Review. Robin 2, Bilston.

There could have been no better act to be a part of the Robin’s tenth year anniversary celebrations than local rock icons, Magnum.  Coming off the back of a long tour might have daunted some bands but Bob Catley, Tony Clarkin, Mark Stanway, Al Barrow and drummer Harry James took to the stage with consummate ease.

Opening with Back to Earth and the storming When We Were Younger from the last studio album Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow, Magnum had all guns blazing and delivered a set list that was strong on performance and high on audience participation.

Magnum, Gig Review. Robin 2, Bilston. full post

(175 words, estimated 42 secs reading time)

Magnum, Gig Review. Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton.

Alan Barrow of Magnum. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.

Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. May 2008.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the now classic Wings of Heaven, Magnum arrived on stage to thunderous applause from a near capacity audience.

Opening the night with Back to Earth and the impressive version of the bouncy crowd pleaser When We Were Younger, the Midland based band breezed effortlessly through a two hour set without comprising their subtlety of sound.

Other old favourites such as the stomping Vigilante and Midnight You Won’t Be Sleeping were given a new lease of life, helped in part by Magnum’s borrowed drummer, no less than Thunder’s Harry James.

Magnum, Gig Review. Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton. full post

(199 words, 1 image, estimated 48 secs reading time)

Magnum, Gig Review. Carling Academy, Birmingham.

 

Whenever Magnum return home to the Midlands you are assured a gig to remember, one full of pomp , incredible guitar work and lyrics that stand the test of time.

Opening the first set with When We Were Younger from the latest album Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow, Magnum pulled out all the stops to thrill a capacity crowd. The audience greeted every song enthusiastically, including the seminal Les Mort Dansant, All England’s Eyes and the whole of the album Wings of Heaven, which was being recorded live to mark its 20th anniversary.

Magnum, Gig Review. Carling Academy, Birmingham. full post

(148 words, estimated 36 secs reading time)

Magnum, Gig Review. Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton.

Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. September 2004.

It is apt that the resurgence in the popularity of classic guitar rock, Magnum are still around performing and touring with a brand new album, which some have said goes back to their pomp rock roots.

A strong loyal home following was treated to a one hour, 40 minute set which opened with the classic All England’s Eyes. Tracks from the new album initially got a lukewarm welcome, but by the end of Brand New Morning everyone had their arms in the air and there was generous applause.

Magnum, Gig Review. Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton. full post

(187 words, estimated 45 secs reading time)

The Visitation, Magnum. Album Review.

Originally published by L.S. Media. January 17th 2011.

Sixteen studio albums down the road and the Magnum story keeps on going. Two years ago the band produced the stunning and critically acclaimed Into the Valley of the Moonking; they follow this up with the quite frankly incredible The Visitation.

Once more Tony Clarkin’s signature song writing style is very much in evidence as he deals with subjects close to his and the bands heart. There can be very few bands where the main song writer and the vocalist are so in tune with each other’s requirements that the songs they come up with are stirring and poignant at the same time.

The Visitation, Magnum. Album Review. full post

(373 words, 1 image, estimated 1:30 mins reading time)