Frantic Four 2014 : Status Quo, Hammersmith Apollo, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (GB) - Mar 29, 2014

I've never been what you'd call a fan of Quo. Like most people, I know most of their big hits which in fairness I'd happily concede are classics but I've never felt the urge to find out more about their back catalogue or play the tracks I already know. That said, I'd already seen them twice. Once at Live Aid in 1985 and again at Knebworth in 1990 for the Silver Clef award winners concert, both festivals where I was actually there to see other acts! Both featured the modern line up and both were great fun but I've never really understood what gave Quo the massive following of hard core rock and metal fans and I've never thought of just going and seeing Quo! I have no idea why, but when I heard that the vintage line up of Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan were reuniting, possibly for the last time, I thought maybe this is a concert that deserves to be seen. What a good call! Quo were outstanding! In the first hour of their set, they played all early 70's album tracks and I only knew one of them! That may sound as if this was a concert only for the hardcore Quo fan but not at all because each of those tracks, was absolutely fantastic and as heavy as you like! The audience (probably the oldest rock audience I've ever been in, LOL!) were loving it and so was I! Of all their huge back catalogue of singles, they only played 'Down Down' and 'Caroline' but nobody seemed to care, such was the quality of the setlist. Not only do I rate this as a one of my favourite ever concerts, but I will definitely have a go at acquiring some of Quo's early 70's albums.
Support was from the Legendary Wilko Johnson of Dr Feelgood who I have to say, the audience really enjoyed and he was undoubtedly good but I just couldn't get into. Special mention for Quo's blistering cover of The Doors' classic, Roadhouse Blues!