Music reviews

Magnum
October2nd 2025
Magnum Holmfirth PictureDome October 2nd 2025 “A Passage In Time: Celebrating Tony Clarkin” as was billed. After the sad death of guitarist and songwriter of the band almost two years ago this tour was a celebration of his talents. With no support band Magnum played a double set focusing on the classics from their career opening with one of them ‘How Far Jerusalem’ Singer Bob Catley sounded in fine form for his years, there had been rumours he couldn’t cut it live but no evidence of that here. Obviously all eyes were on who was playing guitar,the answer is Brendon Riley long time guitar tech for Tony.If he was nervous he didn’t show it,skilful and steady as he recreated the famous sounds of Magnum, he nonchalantly stood stage right head down. ‘The Tall Ships’ was emotional,Catley soulful ,one of Magnum’s gentler songs,taking us to the interval was Les Morts Dansant,a sublime song with a catchy chorus to die for. Back for the second half with an early classic ‘Soldier of the Line’ from Chase the Dragon LP,the thundering bass and drums as Catley wailed “you’re in a murderous playground” superb. The second half edged it for me with hits,and towards the encore we got ‘Kingdom of Madness’ a good crowd singalong and ‘The Spirit’ which was obviously an emotional moment for Bob Catley as he had a tear or two in his eyes as he put an arm around Brendon RIley,a touching moment.
Mark Bedford ★★★ ★