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(from scrapbook 2, page 37)

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STATUS FOR EVERYMAN

ROCK, LONG static after reaching a musical impasse, could owe its shaky future to Status Quo. It looks as though lead man Mike Rossi has gathered his band around him, stood thoughtfully at the crossroads and decided to take the low and easy path.

That's the good thing about Status Quo. They have no illusions or pretentions about their music: in short, Quo have brought back everyman's rock.

They did a half-empty Plymouth Guildhall to an audience who were caught up in Rossi's simple but near spellbinding harmonies, balanced delicately on a knife-edge and moved to their feet. And there they stayed for the rest of the gig - reeling like dervishes.

It was really a helluva night. From Rossi's lead riffs on "Junior's Wailing" and the last single "In My Chair" to Alan Lancaster's superb bass runs on Ma Kelly number "Gotta Go Home" it was great.

Richie Parfitt on second guitar really got going on "Johnny B. Goode" one of three raving encores - drummer John Coughlan made nice noises and roadie Rob Young joined in on harmonica in "Road House".

Apart from that, they did "Someone's Learning", "Railroad" and "Mean Girl" from "Dog Of Two Heads" and Big Fat Mama Men a fresh album currently being recorded.

I've said it before - Status Quo have put rock back into rock and roll and even a dope would know it. - DAVID HARRIS.

Image caption: STATUS QUO: a helluva night