By Monk
Tony Clarkin, founder and guitarist of legendary Birmingham pomp rock troubadours Magnum, has died at the age of 77.
Clarkin, who founded the band in 1972, passed away peacefully on Sunday (7 January) surrounded by his family. Just last month, it was announced that he was suffering from a debilitating spinal condition which forced the band to cancel all forthcoming touring commitments.
Speaking personally, as a music journalist just doing my job, I had the pleasure of meeting Tony several times, especially during the mid- to late-Eighties and early Nineties, when they visited Belfast on virtually every touring cycle, starting off at small clubs such as the Rosetta and the Speakeasy, quickly moving up to selling out the iconic Ulster Hall each and every time they came here. Tony, and the band, never forgot those visits, and once again had become regular visitors in more recent years. Every time I met Tony, he was the perfect gentleman, always stopping to say hello, generous with his time in interviews and always honest in what he said.
Magnum are due to release their 23rd studio album, ‘Here Comes The Rain‘, this coming Friday (12 January).
The deepest condolences of everyone at ÜRHQ go out to Tony’s family and bandmates. You didn’t look to live forever, but you will.