Magnum

Few English melodic hard rock bands have kept their core partnership intact for as long as Magnum. Formed in Birmingham in 1972 as the resident act at the Rum Runner nightclub, the group grew around guitarist and songwriter Tony Clarkin and vocalist Bob Catley, whose working relationship survived several changes in personnel. Clarkin also worked as a producer, and the pair remained at the centre until his death in 2024.

Chase the Dragon in 1982 was the first real success, reaching number 17 in the UK Albums Chart and supplying live staples such as "Soldier of the Line". Wings of Heaven brought the band its first UK Top Ten album in 1988, peaking at number five, and "Days of No Trust" was among its three Top 40 singles. Goodnight L.A. followed in 1990, reaching number nine. After a split was announced in 1995, Clarkin and Catley continued as Hard Rain until 1999, and Magnum reformed in 2001. Their latest album, Here Comes the Rain, came out in January 2024, five days after Clarkin's death.