Kingdom of Madness playing Classic Magnum are not a tribute band! The line-up consisting of former members of Magnum: Mark Stanway on Keys (1980 – 2016), Mickey Barker on drums (1985-1995) and Mo Birch Vocals/Backing Vocals and percussion along with seasoned musicians Brian Badhams on Bass, Alan Bell on lead guitar and local boy done good Mark Pascall on vocals.

Tavistock Wharf is a privately run arts centre by the river in Tavistock and has a reputation for bringing us the highest quality Tribute Bands, but more recently more original artists such as Kris Barras Band, Inglorious just to name a couple

Some might say the crowd was a little light, but there was a lot of live music on offer in the surrounding area including a blues festival in Looe. Those that were in were very vocal and energetic filling the gaps with their dancing.

No support slot and the band took the stage at 8.30 and delivered a 18 track set of classic Magnum across two fifty minute sets and an encore, the show passed very fast.  

Choosing tracks from the debut album Kingdom Of Madness up until 1994’s Rock Art they opened with Magnum II’s Changes straight into the crowd pleasing Back To Earth (1982’s Chase The Dragon) and Just Like An Arrow (1985’s On A Storyteller’s Night), we then dip into Wings Of Heaven, Eleventh Hour and Vigilante, I highlighted above that this is not a tribute band, Mark Pascall delivering these tracks as his own interpretation and absolutely no mimicking of Bob’s voice or persona. Talking to Mark after the show he told me that he hadn’t listened to the originals because he didn’t want to be a copy and it really worked. 

The intro to my personal favourite Magnum track starts and Mo Birch steps out from behind her Conga set and took the mic to bring us Les Morts Dansant, her Tina Turneresque vocal purring/growling in the lower range, building along with the epic track, I wasn’t sure what I thought at first, but my faithful goosebumps knew straight away. We jumped from 1985 to 1994’s Rock Art before Mark Stanway Introduced the Pop section and briefly reminisced about the bands time on Top of The Pops. The audience hit top voice as we all sang along with Start Talking Love before they brought the first set to a close with full on Rockin’ Chair from 1990’s Goodnight LA.

Half way through and we have visited eight albums so far, we reflect on a great show so far as we stand at the bar and chatted with new friends.

The lights dim and we're offered another absolute classic and a song as poignant now as it was back in 1982 when Soldier Of The Line was released on Chase the Dragon. Mark Pascall Introduces the 1992 Tall Ships as Mark Stanways favourite track and possibley also Brian’s on bass as he delivers an energetic funky bass solo. I noticed in this show and to be honest listening back to the albums, the drumming is not straight forward on any of these tracks, with a fair bit of military style classy snare work, we are then given an absolute masterclass in drum skills from the ever youthful Micky Barker, not just random fills but measured control rise and fall, spectacular footwork while  contorting his body and face like a whirling dervish. The band return with another singalong from Vigilante the audience lead by Mark Pascall, before handing over the lead vocal duties back to Mo for the Iconic On A Storytellers Night again with the audience on backing vocals in full voice. Talking about backing vocals, I have to say the harmonies were spot on throughout the night, with primarily Mark, Mo and Brian together, Andy Bell chipping in too. Mark Stanway had a mic but I’m not sure if that was for singing or chatting. 

Mark Pascall asked the audience for requests, receiving shouts for Kingdom Of Madness, Mark P quipping, "that’s lucky, that’s next” as Andy Bell whips up the ferocious riff lifting the crowd on their toes. Andy’s playing has been phenomenal throughout, although (it maybe the side I was standing) a little lost in the mix at times. The band left the stage while the audience stomped in unison for their return and return they did, giving us a finale of two more songs from Chasing the Dragon, Lights Burned Out and Sacred Hour and then it was all over.

A brilliant night of sheer nostalgia, and more importantly the band looked to be having fun, with plenty of banter. Thank you Kingdom Of Madness for giving us a two hour escape from the world of madness outside. 

Set List

Changes - Magnum II 1979

Back To Earth - Chase The Dragon 1982

Just Like An Arrow - On A Story Tellers Night 1985

Wild Swan – Wings Of heaven 1988

The Prize – Eleventh Hour 1983

Need A Lot Of Love – Vigilante 1986

Les Morts Dansant – On A Storytellers Night 1985

Love’s A Stranger – Rock Art 1994

Start Talking Love – Wings Of Heaven 1988

Rockin Chair – Goodnight L.A. 1990

Break

Soldier Of The Line – Chase The Dragon 1982

Tall Ships – Rock Art 1994

Only In America – Sleepwalking 1992

Drum solo

Midnight (You Won’t Be Sleeping) – Vigilante 1986

On A Storytellers Night – On A Storytellers Night 1985

Kingdom Of Madness – Kingdom Of Madness 1978

Encore

The Lights Burned Out – Chase The Dragon – 1982

Sacred Hour – Chase The Dragon - 1982