Bob Catley

He attended Central Grammar School for Boys (Birmingham) and began an apprenticeship at the GPO before pursuing music after meeting like-minded musicians at college. While studying, he joined several local bands, including The Smokestacks, and later The Capitol Systems, who became Paradox after a brief Mercury Records deal. Paradox toured Europe before disbanding in 1970.

Formed in 1972, Magnum would define much of Catley’s career. Despite line-up changes, his partnership with guitarist/songwriter Tony Clarkin anchored the band’s sound. Magnum started as the house band at Birmingham’s Rum Runner before developing their signature melodic rock. Early success came with Chase the Dragon (1982), featuring future live staples “Soldier of the Line,” “Sacred Hour,” and “The Spirit.” Their breakthrough On a Storyteller’s Night (1985) led to a run of high-profile releases: Vigilante (1986, produced by Roger Taylor), Wings of Heaven (1988, UK Top 5), and Goodnight L.A. (1990, UK Top 10). After a farewell tour, Magnum initially disbanded in 1995.

Catley and Clarkin then formed Hard Rain, releasing Hard Rain and When the Good Times Come. Around this time, Catley launched a solo career, collaborating with Gary Hughes (TEN). As Hard Rain stalled live, Catley focused on solo work, effectively pausing his long-standing partnership with Clarkin.

In 2001, Clarkin and Catley reunited Magnum, issuing Breath of Life (2002) with Al Barrow, Mark Stanway, and Harry James, followed by Brand New Morning (2004). Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow (2007) re-established the band in the UK charts and restored Rodney Matthews’ cover art. Following Tony Clarkin’s death in early 2024, Magnum initially disbanded. **Later in 2024, Catley re-formed Magnum to play a farewell tour in tribute to Clarkin, with Clarkin’s long-time guitar tech Brandon Riley stepping into guitar duties. The response proved so strong that Magnum now continue to tour under Catley’s leadership, honoring Clarkin’s legacy while keeping the catalogue alive on stage.

Alongside Magnum, Catley built a respected solo career. His debut The Tower (1998), written/produced by Gary Hughes, was followed by Legends (1999) and Middle Earth (2001), inspired by Tolkien. He broadened his palette with When Empires Burn (2003) (written/produced by Paul Hodson, heavier in tone) and Spirit of Man (2006) (co-produced with Vince O’Regan, featuring Oliver Wakeman). Catley toured the UK and Europe extensively, appearing at The Gods festivals and on headline runs, often with members of TEN and Emerald Rain.

Catley is also a long-standing voice within Avantasia, Tobias Sammet’s symphonic/rock opera project. He appears across major Avantasia releases—from The Metal Opera through The Mystery of Time and A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Society—and performed on the 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2016 world tours (captured on the first tour DVD).