Robert Adrian Catley (born 11 September 1947) is an English singer. He is the lead singer of the hard rock band Magnum, sings for Avantasia, Hard Rain, and is also active as a solo artist. He has also collaborated multiple times with Gary Hughes, the lead singer and songwriter for fellow British melodic rock band TEN, who wrote some of Catley's solo albums. Catley was born in Aldershot but raised in Birmingham, England.
He attended Central Grammar School for Boys (Birmingham) and began an appre...
Robert Adrian Catley (born 11 September 1947) is an English singer. He is the lead singer of the hard rock band Magnum, sings for Avantasia, Hard Rain, and is also active as a solo artist. He has also collaborated multiple times with Gary Hughes, the lead singer and songwriter for fellow British melodic rock band TEN, who wrote some of Catley's solo albums. Catley was born in Aldershot but raised in Birmingham, England.
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 Catleyâs career. Despite line-up changes, his partnership with guitarist/songwriter Tony Clarkin anchored the bandâs sound. Magnum started as the house band at Birminghamâs Rum Runner before developing their signature melodic rock. Early success came with Chase the Dragon (1982), featuring future live staples âSoldier of the Line,â âSacred Hour,â and âThe Spirit.â Their breakthrough On a Storytellerâs 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 Matthewsâ cover art. Following Tony Clarkinâs death in early 2024, Magnum initially disbanded. **Later in 2024, Catley re-formed Magnum to play a farewell tour in tribute to Clarkin, with Clarkinâs long-time guitar tech Brandon Riley stepping into guitar duties. The response proved so strong that Magnum now continue to tour under Catleyâs leadership, honoring Clarkinâs 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 OâRegan, 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 Sammetâs symphonic/rock opera project. He appears across major Avantasia releasesâfrom The Metal Opera through The Mystery of Time and A Paranormal Evening with the Moonflower Societyâand performed on the 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2016 world tours (captured on the first tour DVD).
