Status Quo – Hammersmith Apollo – 16^th March 2013

View: rear balcony

Twenty-five years ago there appeared to be little prospect of the classic line-up of Status Quo ever sharing a stage again, but here they are again on a UK tour. If that wasn’t enough cause for celebration, they’re basing their set on the classic 1977 “Live” album.

As the lights go down we get Jackie Lynton’s introduction from the aforementioned “Live” album and the band crash into “Junior’s Wailing”. Lancaster and Coghlan look in fine fettle, whilst Rossi and Parfitt seem to be more energised than they have been for years. Rossi’s playing in particular seems to have gone up a couple of levels.

They follow the “Live” album tracklisting for the first five songs before they play “Blue-Eyed Lady” from the “Hello!” album. Then after “Little Lady” and “Most Of The Time” they go well and truly off-piste with “(April) Spring Summer and Wednesdays” from “Ma Kelly’s Greasy Spoon” and “Railroad” from “Dog Of Two Head”! Outstanding stuff!

“4500 Times” is a highlight, but seems truncated in comparison with the version from the “Live” album. The main set closes with “Down Down” and “Roadhouse Blues”, and the encores of “Don’t Waste My Time” and “Bye Bye Johnny” bring proceedings to a close after one hour and thirty-five minutes.

Tonight emphasises the superiority of the classic line-up of Quo compared to the cabaret line-up that’s been operating for the last quarter-century. This line-up looks hungry and has teeth. I hope they do more. Bring on the Frantic Four!!!