Tony Clarkin, the highly acclaimed English guitarist, songwriter, and the driving force behind the iconic rock band Magnum has died at the age of 77. He died peacefully following a short illness, surrounded by his girls on Sunday, 7 January 2024.
On behalf of the family, it is with profound sadness that daughter Dionne Clarkin is sharing the news of the passing of Tony Clarkin.
“I know that Tony has touched so many people through his music in so many different ways. I don’t really have words to express what he meant to me right now, as the grief is too fresh.
As many of you know, Tony had a great affinity with animals. It is the family’s intention to set up a charitable trust in his name to aid this cause, further details to follow. Please do not send flowers or cards, as he would have much-preferred expressions of sympathy to go to charity in this way.
It was a privilege to call him my Dad.”
“I didn’t look to live forever.”
(TC 2024)
“We at SPV/Steamhammer are devastated about the passing of Tony,” Olly Hahn, head of Steamhammer, said. “We can’t believe that he’s gone. For 22 years, the whole team and I had the pleasure to work with him. Twenty-two years of fantastic music, trust and loyalty. We are forever grateful for this. Rest in peace, Tony!”
Born on 24 November 1946, Clarkin’s musical journey has been defined by his exceptional songwriting skills and guitar virtuosity. Since Magnum’s formation in 1972, he had been the primary songwriter, crafting an extensive catalogue of anthemic rock tunes with profound lyrical depth.
Clarkin’s distinctive guitar style, marked by melodic sensibility and emotive solos, played a pivotal role in defining Magnum’s sound.
Here Comes The Rain was Magnum’s 23rd studio album and is due for release this Friday. The album “is pure Magnum force that’s guaranteed to make your day” was how we described it before this news broke. It is an album that shows that the ever-prolific pen of Clarkin was showing no signs of running low on inspiration.
Tony Clarkin was a revered figure in the rock music scene, contributing significantly to the Magnum’s enduring success. He left an indelible mark on the hearts of rock enthusiasts worldwide.
Such sad and sobering news. Particularly given the imminent release of what sounds like another highly accomplished and immaculately curated new album. I’ll be spinning ‘Marauder’ and ‘Live at the Symphony Hall’ back-to-back this evening in celebration of the man.