Ian Waller enjoys an evening of classic rock with one of the elder statesmen of British pop
An evening with the grand old, slightly embarrassing uncle of British rock saw Francis Rossi take to the stage – or rather, to a giant red armchair – joined by Andy Brook on guitar and backing vocals. What followed was a casual, thoroughly enjoyable night with an informal, almost unrehearsed feel, despite it being part of a 62-date tour.
The audience, mostly of a certain age, clearly relished the chance to spend time with the frontman of Status Quo, one of Britain’s most enduring bands. After all, this is the group that opened Live Aid, released 33 albums and played thousands of concerts worldwide.
Tonight, though, was a more intimate affair. The songs took us from their 1968 breakthrough Pictures of Matchstick Men through to the classic hits, with a few lesser-known numbers thrown in for good measure – all warmly received. Rossi was in good form throughout, despite the occasional croaky moment, and quick to brush off the old jibe that Quo were ‘three-chord wonders’. He reminded everyone what an impressive guitarist he still is, and just how many great riffs he’s responsible for.
As the evening went on, the hits emerged one by one – Down Down, Rockin’ All Over the World, Caroline and more – each met with enthusiastic singalongs and knowing smiles from the crowd.
By the time Rossi was wandering around the stage during Caroline, grinning and encouraging the audience to join in, he looked uncannily like Mr Burns from The Simpsons – but that only added to the charm. This was a night of fun, nostalgia and genuine affection for one of rock’s most enduring figures, still doing what he loves and still making it look easy.
Check out upcoming events at The Forum Bath at bathforum.co.uk
