This was only one of two UK shows in celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the release of perhaps Magnum's most famous album, 'On A Storyteller's Night' and the band were due to play that particular record in its entirety, as well as tracks from all of their other albums in show that was to be broken into two sets. With the show sold out weeks in advance by the time this reviewer arrived the Wulfrun it was already suitably packed out with barely enough room to swing the proverbial cat, let alone jump and dance around.

The gig, according to many sites on the internet was de to start at around 7.45pm, however the band did not hit the stage until three quarters of an hour later, and by this time the audience was noticeably restless, especially as their was no opening act to keep people entertained in the meantime. Thus it was that the opening set of the evening, which comprised material from albums other than Storyteller's seemed remarkably subdued. yes the band played extremely well, the lighting was superlative,  but maybe with the thought of what was to come the audience was almost lacklustre in their appreciation of the band's efforts. Opening with Brand new Morning, the title track of the latest album, the band quickly got into stride, despite an absolutely horrendous sound mix that had little room for Tony Clarkin's guitar and somehow made Mark Stanway's keyboards sound like an organ at a tea dance. Classics one and all from 'We Need A Lot of Love', Vigilante, Soldier of The Line, Kingdom of Madness to the beautiful Sacred Hour' were all offered up, unfortunately there was definitely something missing at this juncture. Not least of which was any songs from the excellent Wings of Heaven album and also any interaction from a strangely quiet Bob Catley.

After a short interlude the band returned to run through the Storyteller's Night album from start to finish. This, luckily, is where things picked up. From the hooded figure gracing the stage throughout the introduction to How far Jerusalem, to the more lively reaction of the crowd this was Magnum at their pompous best. Sand un drummer Jimmy Copley proved an admirable replacement for the unavailable Harry James and held the sound together with a precision that was faultless. With each song the audience grew more animated, Endless Love, Two Hearts and by the time the band disappeared from stage at the end of 'All England's Eyes the venue was jumping from front to rear. Rounding out the evening with a single encore in the shape of The Last Dance this was an evening not to be missed. Yes the band have played better shows, yes the total length of the show may have been a bit on the short side, the sound mix could possibly have been better, but this was an event in and of itself and if it remains like that and Magnum aren't tempted into repeating the Storyteller gigs ad nausea people will say in years to come 'I was there that night'

Steve Cummings