He was a guitarist, songwriter and co-founder of UK rock veterans Magnum. His family sets up a foundation for animals in his name
They come from the English hard and heavy metropolis of Birmingham. The band Magnum, formed in the early 1970s by guitarist Tony Clarkin and frontman Bob Catley. They initially played in the small clubs of the industrial city before the quintet finally consolidated with Wally Lowe on bass, Kex Gorin on drums and Richard Bailey on keyboard and flute.
Their debut album “Kingdom Of Madness” was released in 1978, with a poetic-looking cover that was more reminiscent of prog aesthetics than the stylistics of hard rock or even metal.
Now a statement from Clarkin’s daughter is being shared on Magnum’s social media channels: The guitarist died on Sunday (January 7th) after a short illness.
“I know that Tony has touched so many people in so many different ways through his music,” she writes. “I have no words to express what he meant to me because the grief is still too fresh.”
And further:
“As many of you know, Tony had a great affinity for animals. The family intends to set up a foundation in his name; more details to follow. Please do not send flowers or cards. He would have wanted condolences to go to charity…”
Clarkin and Catley have remained at the center of the band throughout Magnum’s existence and numerous line-up changes. The band released 23 studio albums in six different decades. These include the groundbreaking “Chase The Dragon” (1982) and two other UK Top 10 releases, “Wings Of Heaven” (1988) and “Vigilante” (1990).
Shortly before Christmas, Magnum canceled their upcoming European tour. It was communicated; that Clarkin had been diagnosed with a rare spinal disorder.
“For about a year I have been plagued by increasing pain in my neck and head,” he wrote at the time. “For a long time doctors couldn’t figure out what was causing it, but now they’ve figured it out and it’s going to bring some changes.”
Clarkin added combatively: “This will not be the end of Magnum. But the future may look different! Please be patient with us as we try to figure out what else I can – and can’t – do in the future.”
Magnum’s current album “Here Comes The Rain” will be released next Friday (January 12th) on the German label SPV/Steamhammer.
“We at SPV/Steamhammer are devastated by Tony’s death,” says label boss Olly Hahn. “We can’t believe he’s gone. For 22 years the entire team and I had the pleasure of working with him, 22 years of fantastic music, trust and loyalty. We are forever grateful to him for that. Rest in peace, Tony!”