Magnum Honors Tony Clarkin with an Emotional and Electrifying Show at The O2 Forum
Magnum
“A Passage In Time” Tony Clarkin Tribute Tour
21 January 2025
The O2 Forum, Kentish Town
There was a time last year when the rock world thought that Magnum would never play live again. Guitarist and founding member Tony Clarkin passed away in January 2024, just five days before the release of their ‘Here Comes the Rain’ album.
Following Clarkin’s death, singer Bob Catley recorded an emotional video message to fans of the band saying that they were done.
Recently, though, he had a change of heart and tonight’s show in Kentish Town marked the start of a short tour of the UK and a welcome return for the Birmingham band who have been making their own brand of melodic rock (save for a six year hiatus in the late 90’s) since 1972.
And what a welcome they got! Fans old and new packed into the North London venue, which was changed from the original location of the smaller Islington Academy due to massive ticket demand.
A little after 8pm, a hooded, masked figure appeared centre stage, the lights bouncing off its mirrored face. The band took to the stage soon after to thunderous applause and launched straight in to the classic ‘How Far Jerusalem’ – a superb start to the two sets they played.

Bob Catley was in fine voice, as he accentuated each line he sang with his trademark had gestures. He knows how to command an audience and looked so happy to be in front of one again.
To his left, where Tony Clarkin had stood for over 50 years, was Brendon Riley. Riley was Clarkin’s guitar tech for many years, and so was the natural choice to step into his shoes. He was visibly emotional as Catley introduced him to the fans and let us know that he was even playing some of Clarkin’s guitars.
He did the band – and Clarkin – proud, playing the guitar lines beautifully and respectfully.
“No more sadness” proclaimed Catley. Tonight was all about celebrating the music.
The set itself was more than a tour through the greatest hits. It was a deep dive into classics, fan favourites and deep cuts, including, for the first time in over 20 years, a superb rendition of ‘The Tall Ships’, which saw Catley, Riley and bassist Dennis Ward sat down – Catley swinging on a swivel chair. The highlight of Set 1, though, was ‘Les Morts Dansant’. What a sight to see the crowd waving lights from phone torches, battery-powered candles and even lighters above their heads and singing along word for word.
Set 2 was packed with classic Magnum. Starting with ‘Soldier of the Line’ from breakthrough album ‘Chase the Dragon’. We also got ‘Just Like an Arrow’, ‘On a Storytellers Night’ and finished with a fantastic rendition of ‘Kingdom of Madness’.
They came back for a short encore. ‘The Spirit’ was dedicated to Clarkin, and ‘When the World Comes Down’ was a fitting closer.
This was a triumphant return for Magnum. They looked like they were having a ball and anyone who sees them on the rest of this tour are in for a treat.
Let’s hope this isn’t the end……


Magnum Honors Tony Clarkin with an Emotional and Electrifying Show at The O2 Forum @ RockNews
