Magnum - The Waterfront, Norwich 08/11/09
Grizzlybaz
Mrs G and myself went to see Magnum in Norwich last night and had a
most enjoyable time. We're fairly recent converts to Magnum, largely
because a mate lent me their new album (Into the Valley of the Moon
King) which we both enjoyed.
The Waterfront wasn't quite a sellout last night but it must have been
close because the place was rammed and the atmosphere was very good.
We didn't catch the support act, Awake, but I was told that they were
pretty good with the exception of the bass being too high in the mix.
Magnum themselves were very impressive - the set list was largely
focused around the new album, which was a bonus for me as they're the
only songs I really know at the moment, but they did throw in one or
two of the oldies during the main set and the encore. Although Bob
Catley (vocals) and Tony Clarkin (guitar) are the only two original
members left, the band were very tight as a unit and they do have one
of my favourite drummers, in the shape of a certain Mr H. James, on
the drum stool. I have to say that despite his advancing years, Bob
Catley still has a very impressive voice and I think sounds better
live than he does on the one album I've really heard.
Anyway, all in all, a very enjoyable night. Has anyone else caught
them on their recent tour?
G
Rich Harper
you say. I don't know much about them apart from the songs I've heard on
Planet Rock. My ticket was a freebie as a mate won them in a prize from
Planet Rock, but the sound was excellent and they were very well received by
the crowd which I reckon about 400 or so.
I think the key to this band is that they don't overdo the solos, they
concentrate on melody and it works. Tony's guitar is simple but effective,
nothing flash. It's the sort of thing that knobby guitarists like myself
watch and think "I can play that"
I really enjoyed this gig despite knowing none of the band's songs.
On the other hand I saw Y&T at The Globe in Cardiff last Thursday and they
are an astounding live act. In Dave Meniketti they have a guitar player who
is a virtuoso soloist and the band played their butts off and had fun doing
it too. Given that Dave's dad died a couple of weeks back and he hasn't been
able to get home to the family, and he had been suffering from some kind of
chest/throat virus the previous week, he gave his all.
I'm biased, I've been a fan for 30 years but seriously, of all the bands and
artists I've seen of late Y&T are a cut above anything else and it's a crime
that they are playing a venue which holds 300-350 at best
Rich