In a heartbreaking turn of events, Magnum co-founder Tony Clarkin, passed away at 77. This sad news follows the recent cancellation of the band’s spring tour, prompted by Clarkin’s revelation of a rare and incurable spinal condition. Despite the grim diagnosis, both the band and Clarkin exuded hope. Continuing with their promotion cycle, Magnum released a new single, “The Seventh Darkness,” from their upcoming album, Here Comes The Rain. However, the tragic news of Clarkin’s death just days before the album’s release is profoundly disheartening.
The Clarkin family shared the following:
“From the Clarkin family: On behalf of the family it is with profound sadness that daughter Dionne is sharing the news of the passing of Tony Clarkin. Following a short illness, he died peacefully surrounded by his girls on Sunday 7th January 2024. “I know that Tony has touched so many people through his music in so many different ways. I don’t really have words to express what he meant to me right now as the grief is too fresh.
As many of you know Tony had a great affinity with animals. It is the family’s intention to set up a charitable trust in his name to aid this cause, further details to follow. Please do not send flowers or cards, as he would have much preferred expressions of sympathy to go to charity in this way. It was a privilege to call him my Dad.”
“I didn’t look to live forever” (TC 2024)”
Olly Hahn, head of Steamhammer, expressed:
“We at SPV/Steamhammer are devastated about the passing of Tony. We can’t believe that he’s gone. For 22 years the whole team and I had the pleasure to work with him, 22 years of fantastic music, trust and loyalty. We are forever grateful for this. Rest in peace, Tony!”
On December 18th, 2023, Clarkin himself, said:
“A message from Tony Clarkin
“I’m afraid I have some bad news for you guys. Over the past year or so I’ve been bothered by increasingly bad pains in my neck and head. For a long time the docs couldn’t work out why, but now they’ve found out and it’s gonna mean some changes.
I have developed a rare spinal condition. It’s not life-limiting, but it can be degenerative in some people, and sadly it’s not curable. There are treatments that may help but we don’t know how good they’ll be. With the nature of touring and the weight of electric guitars this means there’s no way I would be able to play the scheduled shows in the spring. We’ve taken the decision to cancel the tour, rather than mess anyone around trying to postpone in the hope things might get better in the short term. Bob didn’t feel it would be right doing it with a dep at this time.
This is not gonna be the end of Magnum, but the future might have to be a bit different, so please bear with us while we try and figure out what I can and can’t do moving forward.
I’m really sorry for everyone who’d already bought tickets, it goes without saying that I’m absolutely gutted that I’m not gonna be able to play for you. Cheers and I hope I’ll be able to see you all again soon. TC”
The band added:
“We are obviously all extremely upset at this development, especially so close to Christmas. We can’t thank you all enough for your support over the years and hope you’ll stick with us through this too. We really hope you’re all going to love the new album “Here Comes The Rain” out on the 12th January 2024 and this won’t spoil it for you.
Bob, Rick, Lee and Dennis
Please everyone contact your ticket reseller for a refund. We’ll be back…Magnum”
The late guitarist/mastermind forged an extraordinary musical career. From co-founding Magnum in 1972 with vocalist Bob Catley releasing their debut, 1978’s Kingdom of Madness, to their upcoming record, Clarkin reached an incredible milestone. Overall, Clarkin left a remarkable legacy by releasing nearly two dozen records despite the six-year split and time with Hard Rain. Our deepest sympathies go out to Clarkin’s family and friends during this incredibly tragic time.
The passing of my longstanding friend & work colleague: Tony Clarkin, a significant rock poet of our age. Sarah & I offer our deep condolences to Anita, Dionne & the whole Clarkin family, to Bob & the band, and to all the many Magnum fans throughout the world.
God bless you Tony. pic.twitter.com/MigdLJ2oIe— Rodney Matthews (@RodneyMStudios) January 9, 2024
Very sad to hear about Tony Clarkin. We toured with Magnum twice including our first ever National tour. pic.twitter.com/aEtiB9P1lc
— Tygers Of Pan Tang (@tygersofpantang) January 9, 2024
