Magnum/Vega

The Brook, Southampton

A long queue of expectant fans wait outside the Brook in Southampton for a band that never fail to impress at whatever they do. Magnum on their previous three visits here in 2011, 2012 and 2014 have just got better and better. This time around it’s the opening night of their UK tour in support of their 18th studio album called “Sacred Blood ‘Divine’ Lies”. The album is really something special; with Tony Clarkin’s fine writing, coupled with the band’s excellent creative skills. They are like a fine malt, they seem to just get better with age. It is always exciting when you know that the band’s finest work is not already behind them, it is quite possibly in front of them.

Tonight’s support is British rock band “Vega” who arrive on stage to a warm welcome from the Southampton audience. They immediately get the party started with a beautifully crafted melodic twin-guitar sound, coupled with the powerful voice of frontman Nick Workman. They band’s songs contain very easy to pick up choruses and soon they have the Southampton crowd singing along with them, to some great tunes including “Every Little Monster” and an epic track called “Stereo Messiah”. With each song they play they slowly pull the crowd with them that little bit more. Vega end with a tune from their latest album “Who We Are” called “Saving Grace”, a passionately delivered number showing the band firing on all cylinders. This had the audience with their hands held high clapping along. It may not be Wembley Arena, but this is the first night of the tour and the band are in fine form for the rest of the dates.

Vega 1–2–3

The excitement builds, the lights go down, the intro starts-Magnum arrive on stage to a packed venue full of fans old and new, who give the band a huge warm welcome. They kick off with an older, seldom played tune from the “Chase the Dragon” album “Soldier of the Line”; it sounds so good to hear live once again after all these years. The songs from the new album sound really strong live, “Crazy Old Mothers” with its big anthem-style intro and the beautifully sentimental “Your Dreams Won’t Die”. Bob Catley still manages to make sure that each song is sung with depth and an unbounded passion. The older songs such as the resurrected “All Englandís Eyes” and the uplifting “Vigilante” get the crowd singing at the tops of their voices. The encores, though a little predictable are thoroughly enjoyable and the crowd lap up every last note. Again Magnum are once again absolutely on top form, giving their all to this appreciative Southampton crowd.

Magnum 1–2–3–4

Set Lists
Magnum
Intro
Soldier of the Line
On a Storyteller’s Night
Sacred Blood ìDivineî Lies
Freedom Day
Dance of the Black Tattoo
Crazy Old Mothers
Blood Red Laughter
Your Dreams Won’t Die
How Far Jerusalem
Unwritten Sacrifice
Twelve Men Wise and Just
Les Morts Dansant
All England’s Eyes
Princess in Rags (The Cult)
Vigilante