An Intimate Evening with Magnum's former Keyboardist Mark Stanway

We gathered in the shadow of 'Molineux' home to Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Newhampton Arts Centre to be precise. It came as quite a shock when at the back end of 2016 Mark announced that after 36 years he was leaving Magnum due to ‘irrevocable circumstances’. He joined Magnum in 1982 for their third album 'Chase The Dragon' and made an immediate impact on his signature track Sacred Hour.

With Chas

Arriving at the venue I heard someone shout are you 'Peter Arthur' sheepishly I replied errrr yes. I didn't think I owed any money or was on the most wanted list? Well not in Wolverhampton at least. Turned out it was someone who new me from my Facebook posts and recognised me.A good night was had in the company of Chas Rust.

Mark had respectfully requested that no photos or video of the evening were taken so as not to spoil it for other venues. So you will only see photos taken after the show.

Tonight was a walk down memory lane of his long and colourful career spanning over 4 decades as  a touring and recording musician. Apart from Magnum he has played with the likes of , Robert Plant (Led Zep), Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy), Roy Wood (ELO, Wizard, The Move).

With Mark

We were treated to an evening of slides and videos of unseen footage from his own collection and tales from the road and studio. Not to mention the surprise guests we had been promised and a Question and Answer session. The whole evening was brilliantly compered by long time Rocker and Hard Rock Hell Radio DJ Roger Fauske. Roger with his impish sense of humour and was the perfect 'wingman' for the evening. The atmosphere was intimate and personal with an almost 'cafe like' setting with it tables laid out. Friends , family and fans alike had all turned out in force. The draught beer was very reasonable at £3 a pint and went down extremely well too I must say. If I could only remember it's name I would tell you .....

With Richard

First 'special guest'  was Richard Bailey who played keyboards and flute on the first two Magnum albums. We were treated to a rendition of the original intro to 'Kingdom of Madness' with his trusty flute and Mark on keyboards .

With Spike

With Laurence

 I think that everyone in the room wanted to hear the intro to the chilling 'Sacred Hour' and Mark didn't disappoint. What I didn't know though was that it was actually written by his wife 'Mo Birch'. She bravely got up and played it for the first time in many years before handing over to Mark.

Next 'special guest' was the larger than life character 'Spike' from 'The Quireboys' another band Mark has worked with in the past. 'Spike' performed a duet with 'Mo' and was also joined by 'Laurence Archer' of' UFO' and 'Grand Slam' fame on lead guitar.

It was just one of those nights that worked perfectly. The fact that it hadn't been over-rehearsed and was spontaneous added to the occasion. In fact the evening was overrunning and some parts had to be skipped. I wonder what they were ?

I will long remember the evening for the genuine warmth and love shown towards Mark . Despite recent provocation from certain parties he maintained complete dignity and has emerged the bigger man in my opinion and a true gentleman. Those going to his other shows  are in for a real treat .

With Suney

I can't resist adding one last photo that I took of Mark some years ago with Magnum.