Quality songs from rock veterans

The Beast From The East may have been approaching but Brummie rockers Magnum are made of strong stuff, and arrived at The Garage last night.

It is a proper rock venue, dark, with a low stage that brings band and audience close, and it was a decent turnout for a wintry Monday night, with fans from across the north-east hailing a band who have been doing this for four decades.

Riding high after their 20th studio album Lost On The Road To Eternity elbowed Ed and Justin in the UK album chart, the

“A band who have been doing this for four decades”

band are on a huge tour that takes them across Europe.

Founders Bob Catley and Tony Clarkin are both in their 70s but still clearly love what they do, as they roll through a set featuring songs from across their career.

The band seems to have been energised by Rick Benton’s keyboards and the classy Lee Morris on drums, both recent recruits who have enhanced Magnum’s sound.

Rock bands often tour relentlessly, but ultimately longevity comes from the quality of the songs.

Guitarist Clarkin has penned dozens of rock gems, including last night’s apt opener, When We Were Younger and How Far Jerusalem, to latest single Without Love, a recent Radio 2 favourite.

OK, Catley’s range has diminished but his voice is supported by strong harmonies and the band sound majestic.

They finish up with an epic When The World Comes Down to roars from the audience, and they’re gone.

More miles to go.