Magnum

Magnum are a hard rock band from Birmingham, United Kingdom. Formed in 1972 by guitarist and songwriter Tony Clarkin and vocalist Bob Catley, they begin as the resident band at the Rum Runner nightclub in Birmingham. The band go through many line-up changes over the years, but Catley and Clarkin remain the core of the group.

Early albums and breakthrough

Magnum first establish a wider profile with Chase the Dragon in 1982, which reaches number 17 on the UK Albums Chart. The album includes songs that become regular parts of the live set, including “Soldier of the Line”, “Sacred Hour” and “The Spirit”.

On a Storyteller’s Night gives the band a breakthrough in Europe and earns Gold certification in the United Kingdom. Vigilante follows in 1986 and moves the group further towards a mainstream sound.

Commercial peak and later work

The band reach their highest UK chart position with Wings of Heaven in 1988, which enters the Top Ten at number five. It produces three Top 40 singles: “Days of No Trust”, “Start Talking Love” and “It Must Have Been Love”. Goodnight L.A., produced by Keith Olsen, reaches number nine in 1990 and includes the Top 40 single “Rockin’ Chair”.

In 1995, Clarkin announces the band’s split, but he and Catley continue together as Hard Rain until 1999. Magnum reform in 2001 and continue to record and perform. Their albums include Kingdom of Madness, Magnum II, The Eleventh Hour, Sleepwalking, Keeping the Nite Light Burning, Rock Art, Breath of Life, Brand New Morning, Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow, Into the Valley of the Moonking, The Visitation, On the 13th Day, Escape from the Shadow Garden, Sacred Blood "Divine" Lies, Lost on the Road to Eternity, The Serpent Rings and The Monster Roars.

Style and membership

Magnum are associated with hard rock, classic rock, melodic rock, AOR, art rock and progressive rock. Members listed with the group include Les Kitcheridge, Tony Clarkin, Bob Catley, Wally Lowe, Richard Bailey, Grenville Harding, Mark Stanway, Robin George, Laurence Archer, Eddie George, Jim Simpson, Mickey Barker, Al Barrow, Jimmy Copley, Rick Benton, Dennis Ward, Dave Morgan, Kex Gorin and Gary “Harry” James.