Status Quo

Once again Status Quo decided to bring their music to their fans by doing yet another tour; this time around it was part of the 'Quid Pro Quo' tour. I believe this is their 41st year together and so trying to write a review without mentioning things that would have already been said about this band is quite difficult.

Sure I could make reference to the "3 chord wonder" label that seems to always circle Status Quo whenever you mention their name to people who are musically ignorant. Like most media labels this just would be untrue as 99 percent of their songs of more than three chords. I imagine this stereotypical label came about due to Status Quo having created their unique sound (which is a rarity nowadays.)



I could even make reference to the fact that the band members are reaching their senior years and who wants to see some golden oldies clinging onto the last threads of fame. Again in their defence why should they stop playing live? They are talented and enjoy being up on stage in front of their fans so as long as the band are happy to keep performing, fans will be always happy to keep listening.

Anyway I could go on and on about the numerous criticisms that Status Quo have endured throughout the years, however moving away from media sensationalism and some serious facts about the band.

Status Quo have been to together for 41 years (not many bands can say that) they have had 22 chart hits and 32 albums in the British charts, which I believe is still an unbeaten record at the time of writing this review.

Admittedly they no longer dominate the top spot of the charts currently, but then again I don't think Francis and Rick would be that bothered as they are a band that have been there don't that and got the t-shirt.



However when it comes to live performances they are in a league of their own, and this was demonstrated at Nottingham Arena.

The band came onto the stage amidst a blue haze of lights. You could just make out the silhouettes of the band members as they got into position for the opening. Almost as if they were teasing the fans by letting them see just a little bit of the band before the guitars kicked in with the intro to 'Caroline'. Even today it is still an infectious kick ass riff.

As per usual the fans wasted no time jumping to their feet and dancing and singing along.

Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt were wearing their usual stage attire consisting of white trainers and black denim jeans.



With over 40 years in the business it is hard to create a set list that will cater for everybody. However on this occasion Status Quo seem to have got it spot on. Sure, the classics were still there such as 'In The Army Now', 'Whatever You Want' and 'Down Down' as well as 'Rockin' All Over the World'.

Mixed in with the crowd favourites were songs that haven't really been included for a while in the set list such as '4500 Times' and 'For You' which was a nice addition to the set list. The band even threw in a drum solo in between 'In The Army Now' and 'Paper Plane'.

What more could you ask for? Great music, great show, with a band that genuinely is appreciative of their fans, in fact due to the loyalty of the same faces being in the first front rows at most Quo shows, it wouldn't surprise me if Francis and Rick actually knows each individual name of the people in the front row.

Despite their advanced years, Status Quo still put on a live show which sets the benchmark for all of the younger bands currently touring.

FUTURE GIGS