'Status Quo? All their songs sound the same and they only know three
chords' Really? This retrospective of one of Britain's most successful
bands takes this lazy criticism and puts it to the sword. Spanning the
period 1970 to 1984, the creative peaks and troughs of all the songs
recorded by 'The Frantic Four' are examined in detail by a fan who can
play guitar a bit, and also knows his Bach from his byte. Francis Rossi,
Rick Parfitt, Alan Lancaster, and John Coghlan withstood the slings and
arrows of unending criticism to become a national institution, even
playing to Royalty along the way. After their early,
psychedelic-influenced and fleeting pop success, Quo underwent a
dramatic and natural re-invention, unleashing a series of innovative
albums and hit singles, such as 'Down Down' and 'Rockin' All Over The
World' that established their unique sound and style. Relentless
touring, changes in musical direction, unwise choices of producer,
substantial substance abuse, and personality clashes, all played their
part in the collapse of the classic line-up before a brand re-launch in
1986 that enjoys continued success to the present day. Status Quo - The
Frantic Four Years on track examines the band's groundbreaking first era
with critical detail and honest opinions.
