Review MAGNUM “Live at KK’s Steel Mill”

It’s almost a kind of tradition that the new year begins with a new release from England’s finest melodic rockers. Since 2014, Magnum have always presented their previous records in January with the expectation of “Sacred Blood Divine Lies”, which hit the shelves in early February 2016. So it is a familiar feeling to welcome a new record from Magnum even in 2025, but as we know, nothing is normal when it comes to the band.

It was a shock for everyone when the news spread that founding member, songwriter and guitarist Tony Clarkin passed away in January 2024. So it is a gift that the band recorded the show on December 10th, 2022 at KK’s Steel Mill in Wolverhampton. It was the last concert of the European tour which was taped and in retrospect it was a great call. What nobody could imagine at the time was that it would be the last live show the band would play with Tony Clarkin on six-string guitar. For this reason, the live album is something very special for the band, for the fans and for well-made rock music in general.

Photo: Magnum

The setlist consisted of 16 songs, all of which can be found on the album. With “The Monster Roars” and “The Day After The Night Before” two songs from the 2022 album were presented live, while the rest of the show covered a wide spectrum of Magnum’s impressive creative work. With “Days of No Trust”, a classic from the “Wings of Heaven” album, the live show started and is now also the opener of the live album. Besides the newer songs, the set also includes the hits. “Les morts dansant”, “All England’s Eyes” and “On a Storyteller’s Night” are timeless gems of melodic rock and all three are on the album. One could go on, as also a blistering version of “Kingdom of Madness” with Clarkin’s excellent guitar playing can be enjoyed and not to forget “Vigilante”, another highlight and treat for the ears. It also brings tears to your eyes hearing the “Tony, Tony, Tony” chants at the end of “Sacred Hours” when Bob Catley presented the band members.

Live releases aren’t lacking in this band’s discography, but for the reasons mentioned above, “Live at KK’ Steel Mill” is something special. The album leaves you with mixed emotions, as it is great music you get with this album, but you also know that Clarkin’s guitar playing is now silent forever. Instead, it is more important to take a trip down memory lane while listening to these 16 songs, each a milestone in melodic rock.