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(from scrapbook 2, page 24)

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Status Quo/Rainbow

A TOUR'S NEAR an end, and as far as the kids at Finsbury Park were concerned, their own local heroes were home and dry. To them, at the time, there wasn't a band as good in the World. As Mike Rossi punctuates each phrase with "guv'nors", he unsubtlely prompts a full-bodied cry of Nationalistic approval.

Criticing Quo's act on musical merits isn't really valied [sic] either. They play ably enough, through blues and boogie. Richie Parfitt, Alan Lancaster and Rossi sing just right for the mood, with some distinctive harmonies. But of more importance is the fact they're still going forward.

Numbers like "Claudie" and "Roll over, Lay Down" from "Hello" prove it. The first one is the finest song they've written with a stronger sense of melody, and a hush on the usual brash barrage of riffs.

And there can be no denying that people get off on this out-and-out brand of rock. The first number had bearly [sic] started when the kids flocked down the aisles, much to the annoyance of the usually invincible body of gents who are know [sic], among other things, as bouncers.

You don't take granny to a Status Quo performance, that's for sure.

Parfitt strides the length of the stage, every inch the part of the arrogant school bully, as he sneers threateningly at the odd one or two not up on their feet. (And odd they must be to remain seated). Lancaster and drummer John Coughlan [sic] tend to be the demon rhythm section generally in full flight.

Honest, I love their act. It's fun as Rossi shouts: "'ere, there's a fella lighting a fag over there - hey, we ain't finished yet." Then the band will implore one and all to participate.

Unless I'm sadly misguided that makes a good concert. Quo just drive like an uncontrolled steamroller through their repertoire. Time signatures change, and it goes from one piece to the next, with barely time for a thank-you.

It's not like Sabbath or some other heavy metal brothers, because Quo can play well. The only danger I can forsee [sic] for them is turning that volume up, and requesting a crowd to dig noise, instead of music.

It seemed to happen now and again at the Rainbow.

Tony Stewart