Tony Clarkin Died: Remembering the Magnum Guitarist and Songwriter Who Passed Away at 77
Tony Clarkin, the guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the British rock band Magnum, passed away on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at the age of 77. He died peacefully surrounded by his family after a short illness, according to a statement written by his daughter and shared on Magnum’s official social media channels.
Clarkin was more than just a musician; he was a visionary who played a pivotal role in Magnum’s success. His exceptional guitar skills and songwriting prowess have left an indelible mark on the hearts of rock music enthusiasts worldwide.
In this article, we will pay tribute to Tony by looking back at his life, career, and legacy. We will also share some of the tributes from fans and fellow musicians who have expressed their sorrow over the loss of such a legendary figure.
Early Life and Career
Tony Clarkin was born on November 24, 1946, in Birmingham, England. He grew up in a musical family, as his father was a jazz drummer and his mother was a singer. He started playing guitar at the age of 11 and soon developed a passion for rock and roll.
He formed his first band, The Sabres, when he was 15 and played in various local clubs and pubs. He met Bob Catley, a singer and a friend of his brother, in 1970 and they decided to form a new band together. They named it Magnum, after a brand of ice cream that they liked.
Magnum initially played as a house band at a nightclub called The Rum Runner, where they honed their skills and gained a loyal fan base. They also supported other bands such as Thin Lizzy, Judas Priest, and Status Quo.
Magnum’s Rise to Fame
Magnum released their debut album, Kingdom of Madness, in 1978, after signing a deal with Jet Records. The album received positive reviews and reached number 58 on the UK Albums Chart. It showcased Clarkin’s talent for writing catchy and melodic songs with a hard rock edge.
The band’s breakthrough came with their fourth album, Chase the Dragon, in 1982, which reached number 17 on the UK Albums Chart and spawned the hit single, The Spirit. The album was produced by Jeff Glixman, who had worked with Kansas and Black Sabbath, and featured a more polished and progressive sound.
Magnum continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s, such as The Eleventh Hour (1983), On a Storyteller’s Night (1985), Vigilante (1986), and Wings of Heaven (1988). The latter was their most commercially successful album, reaching number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and selling over 250,000 copies. It also contained their highest-charting single, Start Talking Love, which peaked at number 25 on the UK Singles Chart.
Tony Clarkin was the main songwriter and creative force behind Magnum, writing all of the band’s songs and producing most of their albums. He was influenced by various genres, such as classical, folk, blues, and pop, and incorporated them into his own style. He was also known for his distinctive guitar tone, which he achieved by using a Gibson Les Paul and a Marshall amplifier.
Magnum’s Split and Reunion
Magnum split up in 1995, after releasing their 12th studio album, Rock Art. Clarkin and Catley cited musical differences and personal issues as the reasons for the breakup. Clarkin went on to form a new band, Hard Rain, with former Magnum bassist Al Barrow, while Catley pursued a solo career.
However, the duo reunited in 2001 and reformed Magnum with a new lineup. They released their comeback album, Breath of Life, in 2002, followed by Brand New Morning in 2004. The band regained their popularity and continued to tour and record new albums, such as Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow (2007), Into the Valley of the Moonking (2009), The Visitation (2011), On the 13th Day (2012), Escape from the Shadow Garden (2014), Sacred Blood “Divine” Lies (2016), Lost on the Road to Eternity (2018), and The Serpent Rings (2020).
Magnum’s latest album, Dance of the Black Tattoo, was released on January 8, 2021, just a day after Clarkin’s death. The album is a compilation of live recordings and rare tracks, featuring some of Clarkin’s finest compositions.
Tony Clarkin’s Illness and Death
Clarkin had been suffering from a rare spinal condition for over a year, which caused him severe pain in his neck and head. He revealed his diagnosis in December 2021, when Magnum announced the cancellation of their European tour.
“Over the past year or so I’ve been bothered by increasingly bad pains in my neck and head,” Tony said. “For a long time the docs couldn’t work out why, but now they’ve found out and it’s gonna mean some changes.”
“This is not gonna be the end of Magnum, but the future might have to be a bit different, so please bear with us while we try and figure out what I can and can’t do moving forward.”
Unfortunately, Clarkin’s condition worsened and he passed away on January 7, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of music that will live on for generations.
Tributes from Fans and Musicians
Tony Clarkin’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration from fans and musicians alike, who have taken to social media to share their condolences and memories.
Here are some of the tributes that have been posted online:
Rest In Peace Tony Clarkin… pic.twitter.com/5RGyX9KreT
— Prog Rock Songs (@progrocksongs) January 9, 2024
Clarkin was a remarkable musician, who left behind a legacy of timeless songs that will continue to inspire and entertain millions of fans around the world. He was also a loving father, a loyal friend, and a respected colleague, who touched many lives with his generosity and warmth.
He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. His spirit lives on in his music, his family, and his fans.
We at News magazine send our sincere condolences to Tony Clarkin’s family, friends, and the Magnum community. We also thank him for his amazing contribution to the rock music scene and for the joy he brought to us with his songs.
