Magnum founder, guitarist and songwriter Tony Clarkin has died after a short illness. The news was confirmed in a statement shared by his family on Magnum’s official social media channels. Last month the band revealed that Tony had been diagnosed with a rare spinal condition, which brought about the cancellation of their Spring 2024 tour.
Tony Clarkin founded Magnum in his hometown Birmingham together with vocalist Bob Catley in 1972 in order to appear as the resident band at Birmingham’s “Rum Runner” nightclub. Clarkin and Catley remained at the centre of the band, producing 23 studio albums across six separate decades. Tony Clarkin was the sole songwriter throughout Magnum’s history, writing all of their material.
Magnum’s latest album, Here Comes The Rain, is due for release this Friday, January 12.
“I didn’t look to live forever”
(TC 2024)