Born in Aldershot on 11 September 1947, Bob Catley moved with his family to Birmingham, where he attended Central Grammar School for Boys before leaving to begin an apprenticeship at the GPO and later pursuing music after meeting like-minded students at college. He played in several early bands before joining The Capitol Systems, later renamed Paradox, who recorded several tracks for Mercury Records after attracting the attention of Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt, toured Europe, and split in 1970. In 1972 Catley co-founded Magnum with guitarist Tony Clarkin, becoming the house band at Birmingham's Rum Runner and developing their signature style through live residencies, leading to early success with the album Chase the Dragon (1982). The band achieved major commercial success in the mid-to-late 1980s with albums including On a Storyteller's Night, Vigilante, Wings of Heaven, and Goodnight L.A., before losing major label support and eventually disbanding in the mid-1990s. After a brief period with Hard Rain, Catley launched a highly successful solo career beginning with The Tower, written by Gary Hughes, followed by Legends, both praised for capturing the classic Magnum sound, supported by notable live performances and releases that remain essential listening for fans of melodic rock.