Tony Clarkin, guitarist, chief songwriter and leader of long running UK Hard Rock band Magnum, has died. He was 77. The news of his death comes just weeks after being diagnosed with a rare and incurable spinal condition. Magnum had already canceled its previously announced spring 2024 tour. Earlier today (Tuesday, January 9),Tony’s family released the following statement: “On behalf of the family it is with profound sadness that daughter Dionne Clarkin 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.”
Olly Hahn, head of Steamhammer, said: “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 18, Clarkin released the following message via social media: “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 [Catley, vocals] 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.”
The rest of Magnum added in a separate statement: “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.
“Please everyone contact your ticket reseller for a refund. We’ll be back…”
Photo courtesy of Palmer Turner Overdrive for SPV/Steamhammer