Just a few short weeks after announcing his diagnosis with what was described as "a rare spinal disease", Magnum founder and guitarist Tony Clarkin has passed away. The band shared the news on their Facebook page with this statement:

''From the Clarkin family:

On behalf of the family it is with profound sadness that daughter Dionne is sharing the news of the passing of Tony Clarkin.

Following a short illness, he died peacefully surrounded by his girls on Sunday 7th January 2024.

“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)

Magnum recently canceled their scheduled spring tour in order to assess Clarkin's health; his condition, which was considered degenerative and incurable, had rendered it difficult for him to play the guitar normally, and thus the band decided to take some time off to evaluate their options. They were in the process of preparing for the release of their next album, Here Comes The Rain, and only a week ago released another single. Clarkin founded Magnum in 1972 with vocalist Bob Catley, and this will be the band's 23rd album in 52 years.

The apparent suddenness of Clarkin's death comes as a shock, and our thoughts are with Clarkin's family, bandmates, and fans.

Source:	facebook.com
Band profile:	Magnum