'Status Quo British Motor Show'
Excel Arena, London, July 24th 2008
Review by Metal Mick 'the beard' Staley

Last time I saw the Quo was in 1986 at Milton Keynes Bowl on their “Farewell” tour, and 22 years later they are still touring ! Must be the longest farewell tour in history!!!!!!!!!
Joking apart though, if someone had said 22 years ago, that Quo would be still touring and recording now, everyone including Quo would have told you where to get off.
Here they are though, at the British Motor Show of all places. Francis Rossi himself saying, “ a strange place for a gig is this.”
Not so strange as you might think, loads of blokes, cars and scantily clad women, followed by a rock concert, what more do you want!
This event is on from 23rd July to 2nd August with a different band every night, so try it out. Bands on this week Deep Purple on 30th July and Meatloaf  2nd August and priced around £37 all in, tickets at live nation.

Now back to Quo, although its obvious that these guys are getting on a bit, they put on a good show. They don’t take themselves too seriously as they make references to their age and the elusive fourth cord !
Speaking of which is the title of their latest recorded offering, and from what they played from said album, sounds like it is worth a second look.
As the performance went on all the old favourites were played, “Caroline”, “Down Down”,” Living on an Island,” Rocking all over the world” you name it and it was there.
They even strung a couple of melodies together so they could fit in the back catalogue.
Some of you out there may have been sucked in by the old fourth cord myth and joined the many anti Quo snobs, so be it, but I can assure you that some of the guitar solos on offer rival the best out there. If you are one of these “rock snobs”,  you are denying yourselves a chance to go to a real feel good concert experience, because from a Quo concert you can only leave feeling up beat. Granted some of it is cheesy, but it is good old style rocking at its best. There was even a drum solo, what more do you need.
I certainly wont leave it another 22 years before I see these guys again, thanks for a great night Quo and turning back the years for me.

 

Special congratulations to Rick on the birth of his twins, it didn’t affect your performance. Hope you got the Metalgods Teddy Bears see you soon!!

www.Quo.com