Magnum: Live At KK’s Steel Mill
Tony Clarkins last gig released as triumphant tribute.
So this turned out to be the end of the road.
This concert recorded in Wolverhampton at KK’s Steel Mill (owned by the former Judas Priest guitarist no less) on the December 10 2022, turned out to be Tony Clarkins last gig with the band.
He sadly died on thr 7th of January 2024 Thankfully the concert was both recorded and filmed. It truly serves as fitting tribute to both Clarkin but also to the band he led for more than 50 years.
A band that truly soldiered on through thick and thin. Magnum carved a niche on to themselves in Brittish rock. With their special brand of symphonic melodic rock, with Clarkin and singer Bob Catley at the helm. The filmed concert was released as a bonus DVD on what would be their final album ”Here Comes The Rain” and now we have as a 2CD or tripple album.
Celebrating their 50th anniversary as a bab,
this album presents a great, end of the tour, gig.
There is great energy and high spirits throughout the show.
They’re having a good time in Wolverhampton with a supportive and cheerful audience.
The band presents 16 songs that spans their long history. From the current catalog like ”The Monster Roars” and ”Dance of The Black Tattoo” through to their 80’s hayday like ”Vigilante” ”Days Of No Trust” and ”All Englands Eyes” and than going right back to the title track from their fantastic 1978 debut, ”Kingdom Of Madness”.
When that song finishes Bob Catley says
”You’ve been there from the start haven’t you? From the very beginning. I know that you have” and they launch into ”On A Storytellers Night” that becomes a great singalong.
Listning to that remark now when I know what would happen, it sends shivers down the spine! This was a band together with their crowd and I as a listener are witnessing what turned out be their last meeting. This is not just rock and roll. This is community.
This caries through to the last glorious moment. The epic encore ” The Sacred Hour” brings the house down.
Then there is the last bow. Throw in a rather off key a Capella Christmas carol for the good times and laughs.
”We will cary on as it’s possible” Catley assures the audience as he leaves the stage.
And the feeling of a community between the band and audience remains long after the record has finished.
That feeling alone makes this album really, really special.
Magnum:
Tony Clarkin: Guitar
Bob Catley: Vocals
Dennis Ward: Bass
Rick Benton: Keyboards
Lee Morris: Drums
9/10
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