Let’s go, Status Quo!

★★★★☆ (4/5)

STATUS QUO PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S KELVINGROVE BANDSTAND
PHOTOCREDIT: STUART WESTWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY

Status Quo came to Glasgow for two nights of their move-your-feet rock style and the fans flocked to it. The outdoor venue, Kelvingrove Bandstand, was luckily bathed in some rare Scottish sunshine and it brought in some happy cheer as the fans filled up the stands. With every getting packed and a growing bar queue, it was clear that excitement was it the air.

Support for the night was the English blues rock guitarist Laurence Jones. Whether the fans knew his name before the night is unclear but it is very clear that the crowd will have gone home with his name in their heads. The sun was still out as Jones bright smile appeared on the stage and quickly the fans warmed to him instantly with his opening track ‘What’s It Gonna Be.’

Jones is an experienced musician and this was clear in his performed as he smoothed between hard rock and power riffs with some more groovy beats trickling through. He has the seasoned style of an old rock and roller 30-years his senior - quite fittingly for the night -and it kept eyes fixed on him. His set list included a standout cover of The Jimi Hendrix Experience classic ‘Voodoo Child’ which Jones kept loose and free.

With the crowd now suitably riled up, the stage was reset for the night’s classic hero’s Status Quo. Since formation in 1962 with members Francis Rossi and Alan Lancaster, the group found it’s groove in 1967 and achieved success throughout the next couple of decades. They have always strived to keep their fans happy with punchy live shows; and albums filled with colour.

It is no surprise Status Quo still drew in such a crowd for each night and for many this was not their first Quo rodeo. A drunken roar was let out and the band took to the stage and took in the sights. The sun was starting to set over the rabble of happy faces who stood before them. Rossi looked chirpy, dancing sillily before hitting out with the racy guitar of their first track ‘Caroline.’

Initially, the group had some kinks to adjust. Playing at minor outdoor venue creates a unique experience but things seemed slightly quiet to begin with. With good humour and knowledge, Rossi takes it in his stride and the group are into their swing a couple of tracks later with ‘Hold You Back’ followed by an incredible medley of tracks including ‘What Your Proposing,’’Down the Dustpipe’ and ‘Railroad’ - to name only a few songs featured in this epic composition.

Fans were in their element as Quo ran into an incredible finally of their biggest hits ‘Down Down,’’Whatever you Want’ and ‘Rockin’ All Over the World.’ Rossi continued to show his quirky and lighthearted take on life as filled these beloved songs with personality.

Status Quo can still give the crowd exactly what they fell in love with half a century ago. Francis Rossi is charming and delightful and to be able to give a performance with such bounce at 75 years old is an incredible feat. Rossi is true icon of British rock and a living legend.