
Review And Photos By Paul McWilliams
On a cold January evening in Manchester, a devoted crowd wrapped themselves in scarves and nostalgia as they lined the block outside Manchester Academy 1. Inside, the stage was set for what promised to be an unforgettable night of classic rock from Magnum. But this wasn’t just any show—it was a heartfelt tribute to the late Tony Clarkin, the band’s legendary guitarist and co-founder, who passed away earlier this month. With a legacy spanning decades, Magnum carried the weight of honoring their beloved bandmate while delivering the kind of performance their fans have come to cherish. By the end of the night, it was clear they had accomplished both with breathtaking brilliance.


A Night to Remember
The venue buzzed with anticipation as the crowd packed in, their excitement palpable. The lights dimmed, and Magnum casually took the stage, greeted by a wave of applause and cheers that could have lifted the roof. The band paused for a moment, soaking in the crowd’s energy, before launching into “How Far Jerusalem”—a thunderous opener that set the tone for the evening. The audience sang along with passion, their voices blending beautifully with Bob Catley’s timeless vocals.

The first set unfolded like a masterclass in Magnum’s catalog of hits, each song carrying emotional weight and technical brilliance. “Lost on the Road to Eternity” followed, a track whose title felt particularly poignant given the circumstances. The sweeping melodies and evocative lyrics reminded the audience of the depth of storytelling Magnum has always brought to their music.


Emotional Highs
Before launching into “Wild Swan,” Bob Catley took a moment to address the elephant in the room—the absence of Tony Clarkin. Walking over to the spot where Tony would have stood, Catley introduced the guitarist stepping into Tony’s role for the evening: his trusted guitar tech. The moment was both heartfelt and heavy, and the emotion in Catley’s voice was mirrored in the faces of the band and audience alike. A visible tear glistened in Catley’s eye, making it abundantly clear how much this tribute meant to them all.
The emotional undercurrent continued as the band delivered a stunning rendition of “When We Were Younger,” a reflective track that felt perfectly suited to the night’s tribute. The crowd swayed as one, their collective energy honoring the memory of Tony.

For many, the highlight of the first set was “The Tall Ships.” In a rare and touching moment, all the band members took their seats to perform this beautiful track. Stripped back and intimate, it was a powerful reminder of the band’s incredible musicality and camaraderie. The audience was spellbound, and the applause at the song’s conclusion was thunderous.
The first set came to a close with the sprawling epic “Don’t Wake the Lion (Too Old to Die Young),” a fitting choice given its themes of resilience and reflection. As the band exited the stage for a short break, the audience buzzed with excitement, already eagerly anticipating what was to come.


Set 2: Raising the Roof
The second set began with an explosion of energy as the band launched into “Soldier of the Line.” Any lingering somberness from the first set was replaced with sheer rock ‘n’ roll joy. The crowd erupted, fists pumping in unison as Magnum delivered hit after hit with the vigor of a band half their age.
“Just Like an Arrow” and “Need a Lot of Love” kept the momentum going, each track met with raucous cheers and heartfelt singalongs. By the time “On a Storyteller’s Night” rolled around, the band had the entire room in the palm of their hands. The anthemic chorus filled every corner of the venue, a testament to the enduring power of their music.

The hits kept coming, with “All England’s Eyes” and “Vigilante” bringing an infectious energy that had the crowd dancing and clapping along. The set reached its peak with “Kingdom of Madness,” a song that felt like a triumphant declaration of the band’s enduring legacy. As the final notes rang out, the crowd erupted into a standing ovation, their applause echoing long after the band left the stage.
Encore: A Fitting Farewell
But the night wasn’t over yet. Magnum returned for a two-song encore that perfectly capped off the evening. “The Spirit” was a stirring reminder of the unity and connection that music brings, and the audience responded by singing along with every word.

The final song, “When the World Comes Down,” was a poignant and powerful way to close the show. Its soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics resonated deeply, leaving everyone in the room feeling both uplifted and emotional. As the band took their final bow, the audience erupted in applause, a thunderous tribute to both the band and the man they had come to honor.
A Night of Celebration and Tribute
Magnum’s performance at Manchester Academy 1 was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a night filled with powerful music, raw emotion, and heartfelt tributes to Tony Clarkin. The band’s ability to honor their beloved guitarist while delivering a performance of this caliber was a testament to their professionalism, talent, and passion.

For the fans, it was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of Tony’s life and the music he helped create. Every song carried a sense of purpose, every note a tribute to the man who had been the band’s driving force for so many years. By the time the house lights came up, it was clear that this was a night no one in attendance would ever forget.



As the crowd filed out into the cold Manchester night, their faces were lit with the glow of an unforgettable experience. Magnum had not only honored Tony Clarkin’s legacy—they had solidified their own as one of the greats in rock history.
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