Bob Catley
| Bob Catley | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Born |
11 September 1947 Aldershot, England |
| Genres | Hard rock, blues rock, heavy metal |
| Years active | 1972–present |
| Associated acts | Magnum, Avantasia, Hard Rain, Gary Hughes |
Robert Adrian 'Bob' Catley is an English singer and musician. He is the lead singer of the rock band Magnum. He is also a solo artist.
Born in Aldershot on 11 September 1947 Catley's family moved to the Tile Cross area of Birmingham when he was young. He went on to attend the nearby Central Grammar School and left to start an apprenticeship at the GPO before deciding on a musical career shortly after meeting similarly minded individuals at college. During this time he joined several bands, such as The Smokestacks (who also included drummer Kex Gorin, Life and Clearwater). His first professional band was when he joined local outfit The Capitol Systems. The initial line-up was Bob Catley (vocals) Paul Sargent (guitar) Paul Whitehouse (bass), Dave Bailey (keyboards) and Bob Moore (drums). Shortly afterward they changed their name to Paradox, inspired by a science-fiction novel. A one-off deal was arranged with Mercury after Paradox had come to the attention of Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt—the tracks chosen were "Ever Since I Can Remember", backed with "Goodbye Mary". In addition they recorded "Mary Colinto" and "Somebody Save Me". All of these songs were written by Dave Morgan.
Paradox went on to play festivals in the Netherlands and Italy before splitting up upon their return to the UK in 1970. Bob remained determined to pursue a career in music.
Formed in 1972, Magnum have undergone several changes in personnel over the years, however the core of vocalist Bob Catley and guitarist/songwriter Tony Clarkin remain today.
Magnum began as the house band at Birmingham’s famous Rum Runner night club (later the home of Duran Duran). They began to develop their own style by playing Clarkin's songs at a residency at The Railway Inn, in Birmingham's Curzon Street, in 1976. Joining Clarkin and Catley were drummer Kex Gorin and bassist Dave Morgan (later a member of ELO). Their most notable success during these early years was the Jeff Glixman produced Chase The Dragon (1982) which reached No. 17 in the UK, and included several songs that would be mainstays of the band's live set, notably "Soldier Of The Line", "Sacred Hour" and "The Spirit".
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