Tony Clarkin Cause of Death: Biography, Net Worth, Age, Career, Wife, Children
Anthony Michael Clarkin, the English guitarist of the rock band Magnum, served as the sole songwriter for the band throughout its history. He contributed to all 22 studio albums of Magnum and two studio albums of the spin-off group Hard Rain.
Tony Clarkin Cause of Death
Tony died on January 7, 2024 after battling a short illness. The sad news of his demise was disclosed on social media in a statement that reads;
“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.
Says Dionne Clarkin: “I know that Tony has touched so many people through his music in so many different ways. I don’t 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. The family intends 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.”
Tony Clarkin Biography
Tony Clarkin, born on November 24, 1946, in the vibrant Shard End area of Birmingham, England, emerged as a legendary figure in the world of rock music. His journey into the realm of music commenced after leaving school to pursue a career in ladies’ hairdressing, a path he quickly abandoned to join his inaugural band, The Boulevards, alongside former schoolmates.
Tony Clarkin Age
How old was Tony Clarkin? Tony Clarkin was years 77 old. He was born in Shard End, Birmingham, United Kingdom on November 24, 1946.
Tony Clarkin Height
How tall is Tony Clarkin? Tony Clarkin has a height of 1.78m.
Tony Clarkin Parents
Who are the parents of Tony Clarkin? Tony Clarkin parents are not known.
Tony Clarkin Siblings
There is no information about the siblings of Tony Clarkin.
Tony Clarkin Career
The saga of Tony Clarkin’s musical odyssey reached a pivotal chapter when Magnum, the iconic rock band, came into existence in 1972. Starting as the house band at Birmingham’s renowned Rum Runner night club, Magnum began crafting a distinctive sound under Clarkin’s creative genius. The Railway Inn in Birmingham’s Curzon Street served as the canvas for the band’s evolution, with Clarkin, Bob Catley, Kex Gorin, and Dave Morgan laying the foundation. Mark Stanway joined as the keyboard player in 1980, solidifying the lineup until 2016.
Magnum’s early years were marked by notable successes, including the Jeff Glixman-produced “Chase The Dragon” in 1982. However, it was the collaboration with manager Keith Baker that ushered in a new era of triumph. The breakthrough came in 1985 with “On a Storyteller’s Night,” featuring the hit single “Just Like an Arrow.” Magnum’s trajectory of success continued with key albums like “Vigilante” (1986), “Wings of Heaven” (1988), and “Goodnight L.A.” (1990).
In a turning point in mid-1995, Tony Clarkin announced Magnum’s impending split after a farewell tour across the UK and Europe. However, the music world was in for a surprise with the formation of Hard Rain, a spin-off group featuring Catley and Clarkin. Their collaborative efforts resulted in the albums “Hard Rain” and “When The Good Times Come.” This period also witnessed Bob Catley venturing into a solo career, leading to his departure from Hard Rain and the end of a long-standing partnership with Clarkin.
Reflecting on this juncture, Clarkin expressed the necessity of a hiatus: “The break since the middle of the Nineties was definitely necessary for me.” Almost two decades of constant dedication to Magnum had left him craving a respite. This period of reflection allowed him to recharge and approach the band with renewed vigor.
The Magnum reunion unfolded in 2001, with the release of “Breath of Life” in 2002. The rejuvenated lineup, featuring Stanway, Al Barrow, and Harry James, released subsequent albums like “Brand New Morning” (2004) and “Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow” (2007). The latter marked a significant chart success for Magnum, entering the UK Albums Chart at number 70.
Tragedy struck the music world on January 7, 2024, when Tony Clarkin passed away at the age of 77 due to a rare spinal condition. His family officially announced his demise on January 9, with news of his diagnosis leading to the cancellation of Magnum’s Spring 2024 tour.
Beyond Magnum, Tony Clarkin ventured into diverse musical projects. In 1981, he wrote and produced tracks sung by Sue McCloskey, titled “Really Need Your Love” and “Lost Inside Myself.” Post the departure of Catley from Hard Rain, Clarkin continued crafting music with McCloskey, some of which later surfaced as Magnum songs.
In addition to his illustrious career, Clarkin contributed his guitar skills to a Rodney Matthews/Rudi Dobson side project called “The House on the Rock.”
Tony Clarkin’s musical legacy remains etched in the annals of rock history, a testament to his unparalleled talent and enduring influence.
Tony Clarkin Wife
Was Tony Clarkin married? Tony was reportedly married however there is no information about his wife.
Tony Clarkin Children
Did Tony Clarkin have any children? There is no information about the children of Tony Clarkin.
Tony Clarkin Net Worth
Tony Clarkin’s net worth is not known.