There was sad news this week as we heard that Tony Clarkin had passed away. For those who don’t know Tony was the lead guitarist of the rock band Magnum, he was also an incredibly talented songwriter, writing all of Magnum’s songs. My blog name – Magnumlady comes from my love for the band (not many people know that).
I was first introduced to Magnum when I was 16, my boyfriend at the time played ‘Just Like An Arrow’ to me and I was hooked. I’ve seen the band live more times than I can remember, and each time was just incredible.
One of the concerts was in Bradford, and I was the only one of my friends who could drive, so I drove us from Hemel Hempstead to Bradford, we’d booked into a campsite, pitched the tent and headed to the gig. When we came out of St. George’s Hall it had been snowing and our tent had collapsed in the weight of the snow! So we decided to throw the tent in the car and drive home, it was the longest drive of my life. My passengers were all asleep and I had to drive really slowly due to the icy roads, the sunroof sprung a leak and I was getting dripped on all the way home!
After we moved to Ireland I lost touch with the band for a bit, but then the Internet took off and one of the fans – Mike Matney set up a Yahoo group dedicated to Magnum. This opened up a new world for me, not just finding out news about the band but also connecting with the fans. Magnum fans are not just fans, they are a Magnum family. I made some wonderful friends, and in particular Clare – a constant ray of sunshine, especially during some darker times, even though she might not realise it.
The great thing about the Magnum family is that it didn’t matter if I went to a concert on my own, I knew there’d be friends there, someone to keep a look out for me, and people to have a laugh with, and we did laugh!
After a gig in Wolverhampton we ended up roaming around looking for a kebab shop. There were quite of few of the Magnum family (that’s me and Clare above, with Rodney Matthews in the middle). Rodney did the stunning artwork for so many of the Magnum album covers. At one point Rodney had a traffic cone on his head and one of our crew walked into a lampost! Such a fun night – possibly not for the lampost hugger.
There are so many wonderful Magnum memories, and Tony’s legacy will live on through the songs. Rest in peace Tony and thank you for the music.
Magnumlady Blog 
Sorry to hear you’ve lost a precious friend x
Thanks Ann x
Oh Val, I’m in floods of tears here. What a really lovely post, bless your beautiful heart. Xxx
Tony’s song writing has been the core of wonderful friendships as the pair of us can prove, linking us from all over the globe, and enabling bonds that would never have happened any other way; being the reason for the most fantastic memories for so many of us. The night of the traffic cones and lamp post (poor AndyG!!) will live in my memory forever… which says a lot for this menopausal memory sieve! Hahaha!!
Tony’s work has been our musical background and so many of us can link life events with the lyrics he put to music with the support of the fabulous fellas he’s worked with in the band over the years. If we’re upset, I can’t begin to imagine how they’re feeling, let alone his lovely family.
We have this one last album to share, but his legacy is so much more than music.
Thank you Tony.
Sending you love & virtual hugs Val, I’m so thankful for the link that forged our friendship and with our wonderful extended Magnum family. Xxx
Beautifully put Clare. I dread to think how Bob and Tony’s family are feeling. xxx