QUO ARE BACK ROCKIN’ ALL OVER THE ARMADILLO
Once referred to as the number one rock and roll band in the land, Status Quo must be one of the hardest working bands in the history of British rock music. Well theyre back again on another winter tour of the UK, and back to Glasgow’s Armadillo for a sell out show for their army of loyal fans.
Support on this tour is 80s legend Shakin Stevens. With 22 top 20 hits to his name including 4 number 1’s, he is up there with the most successful artists of the decade, which is no mean feat considering he has been around since the 60s. Originally Shakin Stevens and the Sunsets, they performed as a 50’s inspired group and toured with the likes of The Rolling Stones as they tried to establish themselves. It was only after a change of management and going solo from The Sunsets that he achieved fame with his cover of the 1956 track by Buck Owens Hot Dog in 1980. Many of his top hits would be covers of 50s original tracks, but Shaky made them his own, and continues to write new music to this day. His set was mainly new material, but got the crowd on their feet with his top tunes Marie Marie, Green Door and This Ole’ House. He left stage to a huge applause and warmed the crowd up nicely for the main act.
Now time for Status Quo, who were officially formed in late 1967. Initially a psychedelic approach to their sound, this would soon change at the end of the decade and the rock and roll, double denim image we associate them with was created. Theres been more than a few changes to the line up over the years, and none more so when half of the main duo, Rick Parfitt passed away in 2016, but Francis Rossi carries on, with Richie Malone being a fine stand in for the late guitarist. Still performing to sell out crowds all over the world, tonight is no exception with hardly an empty seat in the house. The Quo Army are certainly amongst the most loyal music fans going.
Taking the stage to the usual deafening roar, the band opened with 1973 hit Caroline, quickly into Rain and Little Lady. The venue may be all seated but nearly everyone was on their toes throughout the show. All the big Quo numbers followed on, from Softer Ride, Hold You Back and In my Chair to newer tracks Beginning of the End, The Oriental and a couple from the latest Backbone album, Cut Me Some Slack and Liberty Lane. Of course the biggest cheers were for the classics In The Army Now, Roll Over Lay Down, Down Down and the anthemic Whatever You Want. It seems obligatory now for a Quo gig to finish on the John Fogerty penned Rockin’ All Over the World before they leave for a short break. Returning for one more song as an encore, they wouldn’t dare play Glasgow and not cover Burning Bridges, last chance of the evening to do the bouncy, and before you know it, another Quo gig was done.
The band continue rock and rolling, they still record new material, they show no signs of slowing down, and on tonight’s form long may it continue. Francis Rossi may well be into his seventh decade but he could put front men half his age to shame. Status Quo may seem cheesy now to some, but they still put on a cracking show, and its always a great night out.
Review & Photographs by Stephen Wilson
