The Tameside Radio presenter went to see legendary rock band Status Quo as they brought their new tour to Manchester.

It’s been 60 years since Francis Rossi, one of the most recognised and iconic frontmen and guitarists in the history of rock, formed the band that would become Status Quo. 

For six decades the band toured almost constantly, having more chart hits and making more Top of the Pops appearances than any other band ever. 

Live shows were loud and performances perfect, until in March 2020 the band had to stop working due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

They had released ‘Backbone’ just a few months before, the band’s best-selling album for more than 30 years, and were ready to tour the world with it. 

The lockdown meant the band were off the road for the longest time ever since forming, other projects were taken up, including Rossi co-writing, producing, and performing on his cousin Lee O’Brien’s debut album, ‘This Is Me’, one of the best albums released during lockdown. 

Out Out Quoing

Fast forward to February 2022, and after such a long time off the road, the band were back ‘Out Out Quoing’, the aptly named title of the tour. 

On Monday, the band arrived in Manchester, and played to a packed out Bridgewater Hall. 

I went along, and it was the second time I’d seen them on this tour, I’d been up to Hull the week before to watch them. I was blown away both times. 

Considering the length of time the band have been apart, it was amazing to see Francis Rossi, Richie Malone, John ‘Rhino’ Edwards, Andy Bown, and Leon Cave, in the form of their lives, and it was obvious to see they are loving every minute. 

The capacity Manchester crowd loved every second, the band performed almost two hours of anthem after anthem, including four tracks from the latest album ‘Backbone’, which fitted in perfectly. 

An album well worth checking out if you’ve not heard it. The age group in the ecstatic crowd was from young to old, although age or generation didn’t matter, they were all there to see one of the world’s most loved rock ‘n’ roll bands. 

The venue rocked, and the packed out crowd sang along with every word, to every song. Since the passing of Rick Parfitt in 2016, replacement Richie Malone has more than settled into his role, now over half a decade on. 

Contagious

There is a new lease of life in the band, the happiness on stage is contagious, and I think everybody who has seen the band on this tour would agree, Richie has more than made his mark on the band and the role is now firmly his own. 

This is Status Quo 2022, past members will never be forgotten, but with Rossi’s 60 years of service, over four decades of Bown and Edwards, a decade of Cave, and the shining light that is Richie Malone, Status Quo still put on a live show that cannot be beaten. 

A Quo gig is one of the most uplifting occasions you can be at, and long may it continue. 

This particular tour finishes this weekend, before the band has a hectic summer of worldwide festivals. 

The band are back in the UK for another huge tour later in the year, and although no Manchester date is yet planned, Quo will be back in the North at Leeds Arena on Monday, November 28, as well as various other arenas around the UK and Europe, leading up until Christmas. 

Status Quo blew the roof off the Bridgewater Hall on Monday, and reports show the same has happened at every venue they’ve played at since being back Out Out Quoing.

Long may this one band, and five figureheads of rock continue, Status Quo have so much more to give. I highly recommend getting tickets for the end of the year tour. You’ll have the time of your life. 

You can listen to Dave on Tameside Radio 103.6FM on Monday evenings from 7pm to 9pm. Click here to subscribe and catch up on previous shows.

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