Magnum - The Roadmender, Northampton

 

Early Birds have arrived

What a time to be alive! Having recently seen one of my favourite bands 'Marillion' in Brighton, it is now the turn of Magnum. Both bands I have followed closely since the early to mid 80's. Tonight is the 2nd night of the tour (although the Barnsley gig was almost a month ago)  at The Roadmender in Northampton. So close to home I was able to walk to the venue. One or two 'Old Faces' had already taken up residence. Some were doing the whole tour and had travelled from Germany and Austria. 

Support Act Grand Slam

As much as I can't wait to see Magnum, I am really looking forward to seeing Grand Slam too. There are a few Magnum connections as ex-Magnum Keyboard player 'Mark Stanway was in the original line-up. The band were formed by Phil Lynott of course after Thin Lizzy split up in 1983. Another original member Guitarist 'Lawrence Archer' has also played with the Magnum 'spinoff' band 'Kingdom of Madness'. Things have been a bit stop-start since those early days. They put together a very energetic performance. Mike Dyer on vocals is a livewire and has a powerful voice.Highlights for me were the songs 'Sisters of Mercy' and 'Military Man' both early Lynott composition. The latter covered by Gary Moore on the 'Run for Cover' album. The 8 song set finished with a great finale of 'Whiskey in the Jar' which got everyone singing along.Very impressed with Grand Slam, well worth checking out if you get the chance. The scene is set for Magnum perfectly.

Its a quick turnaround on stage, something I always enjoy watching. Bob's big fan is in its usual place centre stage. We will also have 'Harry James' back on Drums for a limited time only. Of course there is no Tony Clarkin anymore after his sad passing in 2024. Tonight will be as much about Tony and his creative input into making Magnum the force they still are.Magnum take to the stage right on time with a dapper looking Bob last out. 'Days of no Trust' from 'Wings of Heaven' is the opener and we are off to a flying start (no pun intended)Lost on the Road to Eternity' follows and the sound is excellent. Any worries about Bobs voice are soon allayed. We can all relax and enjoy the show, just like old times. 'Wild Swan' is a big favourite of mine, again from WOH. 'The irony of 'When we were younger' isn't lost on me, Bob, a sprightly 79 years young draws a veil over it, no need for comment. He does though pay tribute to losing a great friend and musical partner as prior to 'Run into the Shadows'. The last studio album 'Here comes the Rain' before Tony's passing.

Brendon Riley

Brendon Riley stepped into thee spotlight on guitar from Tony. The perfect and only replacement, carrying forward the group’s legacy into a new era. A highly respected guitar technician, he developed a relationship with Tony, whose guitars he looked after during live shows .All  the way from the USA is Dennis Ward on the Bass Guitar. (pictured left). He joined Magnum in 2019 and has become a huge fan  favourite. We get our first visit to the classic 1985  album 'On a Storytellers Night' 'How far Jerusalem' sounds as good as I have ever heard it played. A poignant reminder of events going on around the world and on home shores. Another of my all time Magnum favourites. 

Rick Benton

A chair is brought out for Bob as things quieten a little with 'The Tall Ships' Not looking entirely comfortable he swivels round a few times into the bargain. A modern day Joe 90! Most of the audience like me, will remember that TV show with some affection I'm sure. He looks quite relived to get off and Its back to business as usual. There is no sitting around for the iconic and utterly brilliant 'On a Storytellers Night'.

There's a stormlamp on the table
Throwing shadows to the gable
And you swallow if your able
On a storyteller's night

The set finishes with another two favourites! 'Vigilante' and the real 'Rocker' 'Kingdom of Madness'.  The band take their leave but the crowd wait expectantly and noisily. The band emerge and an emotional band introduction is made. The only member I haven't mentioned is Keyboard supremo Rick Benton. A Musical Scholar with a theatrical background. Rick joined the band in 2016 taking over from the departing Mark Stanway.You name it and he seems to have done it in the music industry. Appropriately the first song after the encore starts with the spine tingling keyboard intro that can only be 'Sacred Hour'. The curtain is brought down with the very fitting 'When the World Comes Down on You'.

It's an emotional scene as the goodbyes are made. Bob asks the crowd if they want more Magnum in the future? A resounding cheer rings out. Validation if ever it were needed. It has been a great night with old friends and Magnum are one of those bands that have stood the test of time. Proving that there is no substitute for experience and craftsmanship.

Who knows what the future might look like? However on the evidence of tonight the Magnum Night Light will keep burning for a good while yet!