Each time we see an obituary, a social media post or a news clip, telling us of the passing of another, we mourn the loss like we would a family member. Some have a greater effect than others, but all have a place in our hearts.
So it was when it was announced that Tony had passed away. Just over a year ago we heard the sad news that this stalwart of West Midlands rock had left us. He was 77 and the band were preparing to release and promote their latest album Here Comes The Rain and they had only just released a new song The Seventh Darkness.
The sudden and unexpected death of Tony seemed to mark the end of Magnum, but it was decided to mark the anniversary of his passing with a few gigs culminating in two nights at the wonderful KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton.
We were there for the first night, the Saturday, and it was a powerfully emotional evening. The room was packed with Magnum fans, old and young, from all over the country and further afield. Fans had flown in from various European destinations and from the USA and I’m sure there must have been fans from every far flung corner of the world, such is the love and strength of fellowship fans have for this band.
Everyone here has stories to tell, their favourite song or album and this is the legacy Tony has left. There is a quote that Tony (Stagedive Photography) likes to bring out at times like this. It’s from a Terry Pratchett book and it’s the character Death speaking:
“No one is finally dead until the ripples they cause in the world die away”
The ripples that Tony Clarkin has created will continue to ripple through the ages as new fans discover his music and in that sense he will always be here.
As for the show, it was brilliant. Bob was in fine form, how he was able to keep it together I’ll never know. Every song was eagerly cheered by the crowd, 1500 fans singing along to every word. And has for the man who had to fill a giants boots? The obvious and perfect choice was Tony’s longtime friend and guitar tech Brendon Riley. I can’t imagine how nervous he must have been, Magnum fans are friendly but loved Tony and can be critical, but Brendon absolutely nailed it, he did his old friend proud.
The set list covered a wide range of Tony’s work, there was something for everyone. The hard rocking tunes like Vigilante to the atmospheric ballads like Tall Ships, but it was the very final song, the second song of the encore, that finally broke more than a few people in the audience. When The World Comes Down was a fitting end to a beautiful night celebrating one of the greatest and often overlooked song writers of our generation.
As for the show, it was brilliant. Bob was in fine form, how he was able to keep it together I’ll never know. Every song was eagerly cheered by the crowd, 1500 fans singing along to every word. And has for the man who had to fill a giants boots? The obvious and perfect choice was Tony’s longtime friend and guitar tech Brendon Riley. I can’t imagine how nervous he must have been, Magnum fans are friendly but loved Tony and can be critical, but Brendon absolutely nailed it, he did his old friend proud.
The set list covered a wide range of Tony’s work, there was something for everyone. The hard rocking tunes like Vigilante to the atmospheric ballads like Tall Ships, but it was the very final song, the second song of the encore, that finally broke more than a few people in the audience. When The World Comes Down was a fitting end to a beautiful night celebrating one of the greatest and often overlooked song writers of our generation.
God speed Tony, thank you for the music.
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