Magnum and Grand Slam – Islington Assembly Hall, London – September 25, 2026
Magnum’s UK tour covering September and October has been dubbed “Keep The Night Light Burning.” Besides being the title of their acoustic 1993 album and a lyric from 1985’s On A Storyteller’s Night, one suspects it’s also a reference to Tony Clarkin, the band’s sorely missed guitarist, songwriter and founder. In other words, let’s keep the memory of Tony and his songs alive.
1985 also happened to be the year that the opening act Grand Slam was formed, an act I am very much looking forward to see…
Grand Slam
Grand Slam were formed by bassist/singer Phil Lynott following the breakup of the legendary Thin Lizzy. Sadly, that incarnation of the band was short-lived as Lynott passed away two years later. Then, about 10 years ago, Grand Slam were brought back to life by their keyboardist Mark Stanway, who of course also played with Magnum for many years. It’s all in the family.
The influence of Lynott was conspicuous in the singing of Mike Dyer while the latter used all the available stage in an effort to drum up audience support. Laurence Archer, the only member of Grand Slam’s original lineup, delivered some inspiring guitar solos and drummer Benjy Reid was also in good form. Completing the lineup was the Rocky Newton, whose curriculum includes tenures with Lionheart and Michael Schenker’s band.
I particularly liked Grand Slam’s rendition of their “Sisters Of Mercy.” Their set ended with a cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Whiskey In The Jar,” which was dedicated to the memory of Phil Lynott, much to the audience’s approval. They might not have set the venue ablaze, but Grand Slam delivered a good show.
Magnum
In the first part of Magnum’s set, the band went back and forth in time picking various gems from their solid repertoire. But it was when they played “Run Into The Shadows” from their excellent 2024 album Here Comes The Rain that the rapport between audience and band really seemed to gel. That song segued into a dramatic keyboard solo from Rick Benton, a sign that that “How Far Jerusalem” was next.
Bob Catley performed with typical theatrical panache even though his voice wasn’t always spot on. He didn’t miss any opportunity to stoke the crowd, while occasionally giving some information on the songs. Tony Clarkin protégée Brendon Riley gave a passionate delivery of the set-list though I wished he would refrain from turning his back towards the audience. Harry James (Thunder, Ian Gillan Band) was drafted in to replace Lee Morris behind the drum kit and did a great job like the pro that he is. Completing the lineup was bassist/backing vocalist Dennis Ward who has been with Magnum for almost a decade now.
Magnum classics such as “On A Storyteller’s Night,” “Kingdom Of Madness” and “All England’s Eyes” (the latter with an extended chorus allowing for audience participation), always get an enthusiastic response and tonight was no exception. For their encore, Magnum played “Sacred Hour” and “When The World Comes Down” after which the band soaked in a rapturous and well deserved final ovation.
As the members gradually walked off the stage, Bob Catley seemed reluctant to leave. He asked the audience “Do you want this to happen again?” to which the Islington Assembly Hall erupted into wild cheers and variations of “Hell yeah!” Magnum proved to be highly dependable in delivering a top-notch performance.
