In this world nothing can be certain, except death, taxes and that, if you wait long enough, Status Quo will come around again. They may have been off the road for eighteen months, during which time Francis Rossi was performing in theatres with his one man show, but there were no signs of ring rustiness as they offered up a vibrant and energetic ninety five minutes. Taking the stage in their trademark dark jeans and crisp white shirts (and, of course, Rossi sporting his waistcoat), the five piece launched into ‘Caroline’ and, somehow, everything seemed all right again.
Now part of the furniture for some eight years and counting, it has become more natural to see Richie Malone to Rossi’s right hand side. He nails both his rhythm guitar duties and vocal spotlights during ‘Little Lady’ and ‘Mystery Song’. With Rhino gurning merrily at the front rows, and Andy Bown pulling double duties on keyboards and additional guitars, the band were clearly enjoying being back together on stage again. Rossi found time for a bit of his between song banter, and although he may have just turned 75 his playing and vocals still hit the spot. The set list has hardly changed, of course, with Quo it rarely ever does; but no one could complain at hearing ‘Rain’, ‘Hold You Back’ and the ‘Proposing Medley’ one more time.
This was a show that proved as long as Rossi still has the appetite to tour then the audience will still come out in force to live in the moment and enjoy old favourites such as ‘Down Down’, ‘Whatever you Want’, ‘Softer Ride’ and ‘Rockin’ All Over the World’. No matter if you are seeing them for the first time, the fifth time or the fiftieth time then Quo are still delivering the goods.
Set list:-
Caroline
Rain
Little Lady
Softer Ride
Beginning of the End
Hold You Back
What You’re Proposing / Down the Dustpipe / Something ’bout You Baby I Like / Wild Side Of Life / Rollin’ Home / Railroad / Again and Again / Mystery Song
The Oriental
In My Chair
In the Army Now
Roll Over Lay Down
Down Down
Whatever You Want
Rockin’ All Over the World
Burning Bridges (On and Off and on Again)
