Hard Rain (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 in Birmingham, England |
| Founder | Bob Catley, Tony Clarkin |
| Defunct | 2000 |
| Headquarters | Birmingham , England |
Area served | United Kingdom, Germany |
Key people | Bob Catley, Tony Clarkin, Sue McCloskey, Paul Hodson, Al Barrow, Rob Barrow |
| Products | Studio albums: Hard Rain (1997), When the Good Times Come (1999) |
Hard Rain was a melodic hard rock group originating from Birmingham, England, established in 1996 following the dissolution of Magnum. The ensemble was led by vocalist Bob Catley alongside guitarist and songwriter Tony Clarkin.
In the wake of Magnum’s disbandment, Catley and Clarkin formed Hard Rain, adopting a modern alternative rock approach. They produced two studio albums: Hard Rain in 1997 and When the Good Times Come in 1999. As Catley increasingly pursued his solo endeavors, he departed from Hard Rain in 1999, concluding his long-standing collaboration with Clarkin that began in 1972. Subsequently, Clarkin announced the conclusion of the band.
Hard Rain era (1996–1998)
Following Magnum’s breakup, Tony Clarkin invited Bob Catley to complete demo recordings that secured a contract with the German label Sophomore GmbH. Instead of reviving Magnum, they decided to establish a new band. Their debut album, Hard Rain, was recorded at Mad Hat studios in Walsall from February to December 1996, mainly performed by Clarkin and Catley using programmed drums, except for backing vocals.
A complete lineup was later formed, featuring backing vocalist Sue McCloskey—formerly known as Zenda Jacks with Silver Convention—keyboardist Paul Hodson, bassist Al Barrow, and drummer Rob Barrow. Rob Barrow joined after attempts to include original Magnum drummer Kex Gorin proved unsuccessful.
The group released the single "Stop Me From Loving You" aimed at the German audience. Following a successful tour across the UK, they commenced work on their second album and secured a deal with Eagle Records after their previous label, Semaphore GmbH, folded. Their initial album was re-released by Receiver Records under the title Perpetual Commotion.
When the Good Times Come period (1999–2000)
Hard Rain returned to Mad Hat studios in April 1999 to record When the Good Times Come, this time utilizing their touring band members rather than programmed drums. The record incorporated a variety of genres such as Funk, Jazz, and Blues, featuring saxophonist Gary Barnacle. This release was supported by a promotional tour throughout the UK.
In September 1999, Bob Catley exited Hard Rain due to creative differences and to concentrate on his solo career, ending his long-term partnership with Clarkin. Catley explained that after discussing his position with Clarkin, it was mutually agreed that he should step away if he could not fully commit. He expressed relief at focusing on material more suited to his style while continuing to perform Magnum songs live.
Tony Clarkin proceeded with songwriting alongside Sue McCloskey, who co-wrote new commercially oriented tracks and was anticipated to take over lead vocal duties. On 29 January 2000, Clarkin and McCloskey appeared together at a charity event supporting Mencap—their first professional performance following Catley’s departure.
In December 2000, it was announced that Clarkin and Catley intended to reunite Magnum for a new album and tour scheduled for September 2001. Clarkin reflected that a hiatus since the mid-1990s had been necessary after nearly twenty years devoted exclusively to Magnum. During this break, he engaged in production work and composed material for other artists.
Members
- Tony Clarkin – guitar (1996–2000), drums (1996–1997)
- Bob Catley – lead vocals (1996–1999)
- Al Barrow – bass guitar (1997–2000)
- Rob Barrow – drums (1997–2000)
- Paul Hodson – keyboards (1997–2000)
- Sue McCloskey – backing vocals (1997–1999), lead vocals (1999–2000)
Timeline
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at:03/01/1997 color:black layer:back at:04/01/1999 color:black layer:back
BarData =
bar:Catley text:"Bob Catley" bar:Clarkin text:"Tony Clarkin" bar:Barrow text:"Al Barrow" bar:RBarrow text:"Rob Barrow" bar:Hodson text:"Paul Hodson" bar:McCloskey text:"Sue McCloskey"
PlotData=
width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) bar:Catley from:12/17/1995 till:09/01/1999 color:vocals bar:Clarkin from:12/17/1995 till:01/29/2000 color:guitar bar:Clarkin from:12/17/1995 till:01/01/1997 color:drums width:3 bar:Barrow from:01/01/1997 till:01/29/2000 color:bass bar:RBarrow from:01/01/1997 till:01/29/2000 color:drums bar:Hodson from:01/01/1997 till:01/29/2000 color:keys bar:McCloskey from:01/01/1997 till:01/29/2000 color:backing bar:McCloskey from:09/01/1999 till:01/29/2000 color:vocals
</timeline>
Discography
- Hard Rain (released 1997), later reissued under the title Perpetual Commotion (1999)
- When the Good Times Come (issued 1999)