PJA - Storytellers Night: Magnum - The Junction Cambridge

Almost to the day, and two years late, it is Magnum time again. The 'Monster Roars' tour is now also the 50th Anniversary tour. It is a very different looking band now of course. One thing for certain though is that with Tony Clarkin and Bob Catley at the helm great musicians will be recruited.

American Dennis Ward will be making his debut on Bass. Both Lee Morris (Drums) and Rick Benton (Keyboards) have quickly established themselves as part of the Magnum fold.

A quick visit to the local Wetherspoons in Cambridge 'The Regal' a beautiful old cinema building built in 1937. Then we are off in search of 'The Junction'. Opened to the south of the railway station and on the site of the city's former Cattle Market in 1990.One or two familiar faces are already milling around at the front of the queue. The doors are opening at seven and the queue is growing rapidly. We have two support bands as well to look forward to. Once inside we easily get down to the barriers, left of stage.

I hadn't really heard of Theia previously.Originating from Burton on Trent, they are brothers Kyle and Ash Lamley. Apparently they also had a Bass player at one time.Somewhere along the line he seems to have gone missing.

It doesn't stop them putting in a powerful and impressive set. Singer/guitarist 'Kyle' is a larger than life character. A great speaker too, really clear and seems a really likeable fella. Didn't resort to all the 'effin' and 'jeffin' you sometimes get and puts me right off. Am I starting to sound old? Anyway I thought they were great and the highlight being their version of 'Eyes like Fire' A song penned by Tony Clarkin of Magnum. Tony was so impressed when Theia supported them in 2019 he gave them the song. I believe it is the first time that this has ever happened and speaks volumes for the esteem he has for them.

Nick Workman

Next up we have 'Vega' who I'm pretty sure I haven't seen before? Somebody did actually comment that I bore more than a passing resemblance to their Lead Singer 'Nick Workman'. I suspect the resemblance is probably closer to Bob Catley of Magnum though who is some years older!

Vega were very impressive, formed in 1990 they have been around a while,and have currently released seven albums. They put in a really impressive and energetic performance.I would say that they are destined for bigger things based on tonight. Clearly a Def Leppard influence with both the singer and the Lead guitarist 'Marcus Thurston'(Left). This was further evidenced in the closing song of their set, a rousing rendition of 'Animal' by Def Leppard.

We've been spoiled at the last few concerts (Steve Hackett, Marillion and Fairport Convention) with comfortable seating. I had forgotten what it was like to stand in the sticky 'syrup' at the front by the barriers. This is what it is all about for me, and I can't wait for Magnum.

The stage is cleared and suddenly looks a lot bigger! The intro music starts up and the hairs on the back of my neck start to rise. It's emotional, this is a love affair that started in 1985 with 'Just like an Arrow' 12" version bought in error. One of the best mistakes of my life. The album 'On a Storytellers Night' quickly followed, and I have never looked back.

It's going to be great, I know it. But what if Bob's voice has deteriorated? What if the new band members don't gel, It's been a big hiatus for a band that is often on the road.

But this is Magnum, and they never fail to deliver.The crowd has swelled, the atmosphere is buzzing. Everything is set and we are about to find out.

The band launch straight into 'Days of No Trust' the perfect opening track. Very fitting for all the crazy things that are going on in the world currently. Not to mention the previous couple of years! The band sound great as they move into 'Lost on The Road to Eternity' which sounds equally as epic. The keyboards from Rick Benton really standing out. Both Rick and Lee are both hidden at the back of the stage so don't feature in many photos unfortunately. Dennis on the other hand was right in front of us, so gets the lions share on this occasion.

The title track from the latest, and 22nd studio album 'The Monster Roars' is next and Bob sounds almost as good as ever. I'm not sure how it works? Maybe the break has allowed the voice to rest, or perhaps it needs regular workouts like an athlete?

In between 2 tracks from 'The Serpent Rings' album we have the very heavy 'Dance of the Black Tattoo'. Not one of my favourite tracks but really showcases the talent of Lee Morris on the drums.

'Dennis Ward' is a solid replacement for the charismatic 'Al Barrow' on Bass. His backing vocals are a great boost to support Bob. It's great to hear 'The Flood' from the Sleepwalking album given an airing.

One of my favourite tracks 'Wild Swan' kicks off an all start cast of songs, lifting the crowd to another level. This is followed by the ever loved 'Les Morts Dansant'. My wife was thrilled that her favourite 'Rockin' Chair' was played. The best she has ever seen them do it! Her words not mine. I suppose if I had to opt for one song,(and there are many) I would opt for Vigilante as my number one choice. Closely followed by 'Kingdom of Madness' and ' On a Storytellers Night'. It was pretty cool then that these two songs followed on! It almost feels as though Bob is talking personally to me. Even Mrs A says that he keeps looking at you ... Maybe he thinks I'm the singer from Vega. He wouldn't be the first!

The songs are so easy to sing along to, and the crowd is in equally good form. Bob introduces the band, 'and I'm Robert Adrian Catley, not many people know that'. In true Michael Caine style it has to be said.

It feels like the band have really made a statement tonight that firmly says 'We're back' and doing what we do best. There is still time for a cracking rendition of 'Sacred Hour.' The night finishes with an 'a cappella' working of 'Days of No Trust' which the audience waste no time in joining in with. It is powerful and emotional.

It has been a special night and any worries were instantly blown away. Sure there was the odd minor continuity blip and Mr C temporarily forgot which album 'The Flood' was on, but it mattered not. This was live music at it's finest from a band that has been a constant companion in my life.

The Magnum fans are loyal and friendly. It was a real pleasure to meet meet up with friends old and new. A special word for 'The Chompies' who 'keep the nightlight' burning strong.