Magnum/Grand Slam
Islington Assembly Hall
What a glorious, balmy evening in London, and what better way to spend it than in the company of two bands with some serious rock ’n’ roll history behind them.
Opening the show were Grand Slam, Phil Lynott’s band, who gave a tremendous account of themselves and delivered a heartfelt tribute to some of Phil’s greatest creations. There was a genuine sense of history in the room, but this was far from simply looking backwards. Grand Slam brought the songs to life with plenty of energy and conviction, ensuring Lynott’s musical legacy continues to resonate with a new audience as well as those who were there first time around.
Then came Magnum, bringing their A-game to proceedings as only they know how.
Founder member Bob Catley is approaching his 80th birthday next September, yet watching him command the stage you’d be forgiven for wondering where he has hidden the years. His voice, enthusiasm and energy simply don’t seem to waver. And how many 79-year-olds do you know who can still strut around a rock stage in a pair of Vans trainers and make it look completely natural?
Surrounded by his hand-picked band, including the triumphant return of Thunder’s Harry James and the late guitarist Tony Clarkin’s former guitar tech Brendon Riley, Catley led Magnum through a set packed with the band’s classic tracks, while also digging a little deeper into the catalogue with some choice cuts for the hardcore fans.
There was something rather special about seeing Magnum tonight. This is a band with decades of history behind them, yet there was nothing remotely tired or nostalgic about the performance. Quite the opposite — they sounded hungry, passionate and completely invested in the music.
And at the centre of it all was Bob Catley, still out there doing what he clearly loves, proving once again that rock ’n’ roll doesn’t come with an expiry date.
Long may he and Magnum continue.
Set Lists
Magnum
Days of No Trust
Lost on the Road to Eternity
Wild Swan
When We Were Younger
Run Into the Shadows
How Far Jerusalem
Soldier of the Line
The Tall Ships
On a Storyteller’s Night
Midnight (You Won’t Be Sleeping)
All England’s Eyes
Vigilante
Kingdom of Madness
Encore
Sacred Hour
When the World Comes Down
Grand Slam
Nineteen
Gone Are the Days
Dedication (Thin Lizzy cover)
Spitfire
Military Man (Gary Moore cover)
Crazy
Sisters of Mercy
Whiskey in the Jar (Traditional Cover)
Links
http://www.magnumonline.co.uk
https://grandslamrocks.com
Article By David Chinery (Chinners)
