Went to see Magnum in Holmfirth last night. The Picturedome remains my favourite venue. Whilst I am far from the biggest Magnum fan, the new album is excellent and the opportunity to watch a “classic” band close up pretty much on the doorstep not to be missed. They put on a good show, know what it’s all about and keep the crowd happy.
After an excellent pre-show curry in the Masala Lounge (check it out next time you’re in Holmfirth) we wandered in to the Picturedome around 8:20pm or thereabouts and caught the remainder of Trillium’s set. Not bad. Unfamiliar with them though a nice surprise to see Amanda Somerville up there. Top set of pipes she has. Do they have the world’s tallest drummer? He’s so tall he makes Gort (you know The Day The Earth Stood still, right – the original film, not the crappy Keanu Reeves re-make) look like a jelly baby in comparision.
Now it’s Magnum time. The small gremlin which appeared for the opening chord of All The Dreamers was immediately ousted and the show went on. The band is tight, Bob Catley leads from the front though my man is Harry James. Phenomenal drummer in my opinion. So precise and makes the sound appear “fuller” if you see what I mean.
So for an hour and three quarters or thereabouts Bob and the boys are in complete control and everyone has fun. Even as a sort of half-fan I enjoyed it with my only “gripe” being an extended How Far Jerusalem with Clarkin fiddling about for too long whilst Bob wandered off for a quick cup of tea and a nice sit down (probably).
Can’t give a full set list as other than stuff off the new one (All The Dreamers, Blood red Laughter, Dance of the Black Tattoo and the first song of the encore) and one or two others I’m really not sure. One of them being the aforementioned How Far Jerusalem and another being Les Mort Dansant which I guess are obligatory. Did close the main set with Kingdom of Madness if I recall and I think one of the encore trio had something to do with a Rocking Chair……?
So – a top night out involving a curry, a couple of beers and watching a band who have been there, done it, done it some more and continue to know how to do it – and do it for a reasonable ticket price. Excellent.
Oh, by the way……have ordered, via their web site a new CD by a band called Trick or Treat called Rabbits Hill Part I. Apparently it’s a heavy metal concept album around the classic book Watership Down. Can’t be anything but awesome………….right. Will post a review. Anyone curious – see http://www.trickortreatband.com
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