Escape From The Shadow Garden : Magnum, Islington Assembly Hall, London (GB) - May 4, 2014

Magnum is a group that I heard many years ago and shamefully dismissed on the basis of one song,'Start Talking Love', which I thought was a bit poppy and not all that great. In subsequent years, I have been surprised on a number of occasions, that songs I've been listening and rocking out to on Planet Rock has been Magnum. For this reason, I've felt compelled to see them live and I was lucky enough to get these tickets only a week before.
This was my first time inside the Assembly Hall and a cracking little venue it is. Thankfully, the line up tonight was equal in it's impressiveness!
Support came from Neonfly, a metal outfit I've never heard from but probably one of the best opening acts I've ever seen. Before this gig, the group had most of their equipment and takings from merchandising stolen. Thankfully, the 'Gibson guitar company kindly stepped in and supplied Neonfly with the use of some Les Pauls, Flying V's and base guitars, allowing the show to go on.
Led by Willy Norton, who kind a looks like a taller, slightly camper Ricky Gervais, they absolutely rocked and were warmly responded to by an appreciative crowd. Hopefully, they'll receive the exposure they seem to deserve.
Then came Magnum led by vintage rockers Bob Catley on lead vocals and guitarist Tony Clarkin who is a fine exponent of his art and whom probably has a good right 'and on him as he looks a bit like someone you'd expect to be standing as a bouncer, looking menacing in front of a night club !
The band were promoting new album, 'Escape From The Shadow Garden' but the set was heavily leaning towards their back catalogue which for me is as any good gig should be. Admittedly, due to my lack of knowledge re Magnum, I couldn't really tell what was old or new at the time and still can't without going to the setlist and checking against the back catalogue. What I can tell you is the songs I heard were all damned impressive. Thankfully, I did know a whole two songs. The impressive 'Vigilante', which was one of the songs that led me to take notice of them, and the equally stirring 'Too Many Clowns' from the new album. A great evenings entertainment and one that will undoubtedly have me shelling out to see Magnum again, hopefully in the near future!