Magnum announce departure of bassist Al Barrow and reveal replacement
Bassist Al Barrow has decided to leave Magnum after an 18-year tenure and nine studio albums.
The Wolverhampton born rocker confirmed his departure as he was finding it increasingly hard spending time away from his home in Tennessee.
Pink Cream 69 and Unisonic bassist Dennis Ward has replaced Barrow with immediate effect and he’s contributing to Magnum’s 21st studio album, which is due for release in early 2020.
Magnum’s full statement reads:
“Hello everyone
“We want to share with all you guys the news that Al has decided to leave the band. He has been finding it increasingly difficult to spend so much time away from home now that he lives in America.
“We’re all going to miss him very much, not just what he brought musically but his company and character. His tireless efforts in helping with putting our albums together, social media, website, and promotional literature have always been massively appreciated, especially when we didn’t pay him for them (JK)!!
“We wholeheartedly wish him the best in all his future projects both musical and personal. We’ll be keeping in touch, and for the time being he will still be helping out on this page.
“Stepping in to his shoes we are pleased to announce that Dennis Ward (Pink Cream 69, Unisonic) will be joining us effective immediately. We’ve already been working hard with him on the new album - due for release early 2020, with artwork by Rodney Matthews.
“We’re all very excited by this next chapter in the Great Adventure that is Magnum.
“Thank you for your continued support and hope to see on tour next year.
“Tony, Bob, Rick and Lee.”
Barrow has also recorded a video message explaining the reasons for his departure and thanking fans for their enduring support, which you can watch right here:
Magnum played a select number of headline UK shows earlier this month alongside festival appearances in Europe.