Live Review: Magnum - KK's Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
10th December 2022
Support: Theia, Billy Watman
Words: Cat Finch
Photos: Tim Finch
It’s back to KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton tonight for what was originally billed as Magnum’s 50th anniversary Christmas show but has now fit in amongst the rescheduled tour dates from earlier this year.
The evening opens with Billy Watman, a young guitar virtuoso who nervously states before the set starts “I wasn’t born when most of these songs were written”. Using a semi-acoustic guitar and a pedal board he utilises loops and tricks to build up a huge sound for each song, just one man and his guitar.
The set is half an hour of cover songs from Magnum classics through to Ozzy Osbournes ‘Mr. Crowley’ and Pink Floyd’s ‘Another Brick In The Wall’. It’s an impressive talent and it would be great to see what he can achieve with a full band behind him and original material. Before he leaves he closes with Judas Priest’s ‘Breaking The Law’ a little nod to venue proprietor KK Downing.
It’s onto the Burton-Upon-Trent misfits Theia to take on the fierce Wolverhampton crowd. The duo of drummer Ash and guitarist/vocalist Kyle are an interesting choice as an opening act for Magnum, far removed from the headliners classic rock stylings. Theia brings an energy and enthusiasm like no other, their style is very much alternative rock, the bastard son of Royal Blood and Twenty One Pilots is a good way to look at them.
The limitations of just a drum kit and single guitar could hinder many bands sounds but Theia use it to great effect, switching up a traditional style and flipping it on its head. The band love the crowd interaction and are constantly encouraging it throughout their interesting forty five minute set.
As the room darkens, the anticipation levels rise, it’s time for those legends in Magnum to take to the stage. A spotlight appears on Bob Catley, the focal point of a band celebrating fifty years of performing and opening their set with ‘Days of No Trust’ and ‘Lost on the Road to Eternity’.
Despite both Bob and guitarist Tony Clarkin being well into their 70’s they show no signs of slowing down, they may not be jumping around the stage like a twenty year old, but the energy they exude is infectious. Throughout, Bob’s vocals are note perfect, delivered with the power and strength they always have been ‘The Day After The Night Before’ and ‘Wild Swan’ highlighting the mid point of the evening.
The band are in their element, loving every minute of being on stage together and as the set draws to a close they round out the evening with the trio of ‘Kingdom of Madness’, ‘On A Storyteller’s Night’ and ‘Sacred Hour’.
Fifty years in the band sit atop the pile, legends in their genre and with a career lasting longer than most of the contemporaries combined. Rumours abound they may be close to calling it a day, to head off into the sunset and enjoy their retirement and if that happens who can blame them. But tonight proved there is still a big demand for this band and if they wanted, that 60 year anniversary is not that far away...
Photo credits: Tim Finch Photography
