MAGNUM BAND PAGE
 MAGNUM
|
CURRENT NAME
|
Magnum |
|
FORMER NAMES
|
- |
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ORIGIN
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United Kingdom |
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STATUS
|
Active |
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FORMED IN
|
- |
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LABEL
|
Steamhammer Records |
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GENRE
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Hard rock |
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STYLE
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- |
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LYRICAL THEME
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- |
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BAND ADDED
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2005-04-13, 00:00 |
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LAST UPDATE
|
2009-06-30, 06:41 |
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This Birmingham, England-based pomp rock outfit was formed in 1972 by Tony Clarkin (guitar), Bob Catley (vocals), Kex Gorin (drums) and Dave Morgan (bass). They remained unsigned, undertaking various engagements, including acting as Del Shannon's backing band, until 1978, when they were signed by Jet Records. By this time, Morgan had departed, to be replaced by Colin "Wally" Lowe, and Richard Bailey had joined as keyboard player. Between 1978 and 1980, Magnum released three albums to a moderate degree of success, and toured relentlessly with Judas Priest, Blue ™yster Cult, and Def Leppard. Chase The Dragon was released in 1982, with new keyboard player Mark Stanway, and gave them their first Top 20 album; it featured the grandiose pomp of "Sacred Hour" and "The Spirit", both of which still feature in their current live set. Following the release of Eleventh Hour, problems beset the band: Clarkin became ill, and a dispute with Jet Records ensued. The band fragmented as a result, but the troubles were soon resolved, and a number of low-key club dates persuaded them to continue. FM Revolver Records signed the band in 1985 for On A StoryTeller's Night. Its Top 40 success, along with a highly successful tour of the UK, prompted Polydor Records to offer a long-term contract. Vigilante, which featured new drummer Mickey Barker (ex-Pyewackett), was the first release under the new contract, and was produced by Queen's Roger Taylor.
The backing of a major label paid immediate dividends with a Top 30 album and a sell-out UK tour. This success was taken one step further with Wings Of Heaven (1988), their first gold album and UK Top 10 hit. Top 40 single success came with "Days Of No Trust", "Start Talkin' Love" and "It Must Have Been Love". Numerous compilation albums, including Mirador and Anthology, were released, along with reissues of their now extensive back-catalogue from Jet Records. A two-year gap between official releases resulted in the Keith Olsen-produced Goodnight L.A., and again Top 40 success was achieved with a single, "Rocking Chair', the album also enjoying Top 10 status. Extensive touring promoted Goodnight L.A. and several shows were recorded for a double live set, The Spirit. A new contract with EMI Records began with 1994's Rock Art. After years of struggle and setbacks, Magnum's popularity had been achieved the hard way, by dint of constant touring and a series of high-quality albums, but Clarkin and Catley left the band in 1996 to work on their Hard Rain project. They reunited with their former colleagues to record 2002"s well-received Breath Of Life.
Encyclopedia of Popular Music (© Maze UK Ltd.)
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