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“Is there anybody out there that wants to rock?
Is there anybody out there that wants to roll?
And is there anybody out there that wants to BOOGIE?
Tonight, live, from The Apollo, Glasgow,
We have the number one Rock and Roll band in the land,
Will you welcome the magnificent…STATUS…QUOOOOO!!”
Best. Introduction. Ever. What makes it even better is that after a few moments of the band tuning up, Quo’s Francis Rossi asks as nonchalant as you like: “How are ya then? Alright?” – cue mass hysteria from the Quo Army. Sorry, Gene Simmons, but your whole “You wanted the best, you got the best…” blah-blah-blah pales into insignificance compared to MC Jackie Lynton’s introduction on what is generally regarded as one of the Top 3 live albums of all time: 1977’s ‘Status Quo – Live!’
Originally released on double vinyl as an amalgamation of 3 gigs at the legendary, and somewhat infamous, (this reviewer got a smack in the face of a bouncer there during the 1981 ‘Never Too Late Tour’ for the crime of trying to get to the stalls from a seat in the circle) Apollo Theatre in Glasgow on 27th, 28th and 29th October 1976, ‘Live!’ was Quo’s first live album (and, obviously, their best) and showcased the ’nuff said, heads-down boogie rock ‘n’ roll of the classic Frantic Four line-up that featured Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt on guitar/vocals, Alan Lancaster on bass/vocals, and lunatic drummer John Coghlan (aka Spud, or The Mad Turk). The venue chosen for the recordings was crucial, and the much-missed Apollo with its bouncing upper circle, and Mr. Chips chippy next door on Renfield Street was the obvious choice. A venue where Quo headlined so many times that band and venue became synonymous with one another.
In addition to the original album, which has been newly mixed and mastered, this stunning 8CD collection offers up, for the first time ever, the full live sets from each of those legendary nights in 1976. Housed in a deluxe 7″ box format, with the 8CDs, fold-out wallets, and a 24-page illustrated booklet, it is bloody gorgeous. Sure, you have to be careful sliding the discs out of the covers, as with most digipak covers, there is always the fear of ripping, but it truly is something special. And, a touch bittersweet as well when you notice the reprints of the original large picture inner sleeves featuring portraits of the 4 band members: RIP Rick Parfitt, and Alan Lancaster.
Critics/cynics might point out that each of the three nights featured the same setlist, so it’s the same setlist four times over. But Quo fans are among the most die-hard out there, and the word “completist” seems to have been invented for them, and speaking as someone who has purchased two copies of this bundle (one to play, and one to keep sealed), this reviewer has no issues with multiple versions of the gradual build of ‘Backwater’ leading into ‘Just Take Me’ because that means getting goosebumps several times over. Likewise, multiple versions of ‘Rain’ are not overkill because of the immense nostalgic flashbacks that it conjures up. Or ‘Roll Over Lay Down’, or ‘Big Fat Mama’, or ‘Caroline’, or personal favourite ‘Don’t Waste My Time’.
The main difference between nights can be found in the mega-jam that Quo cooked up each night on fan favourite ‘Forty-Five Hundred Times’. It’s easy to go insane comparing each night by constantly darting back and forth between recordings, but the final night (29th October) seems – at least to these ears – to be the main difference from the original album. 17 minutes long, it is raw, rough, and totally rocking. Sitting still is not an option, and it’s easy to imagine the balcony bouncing to this one. And if you don’t well up with Rick Parfitt singing: “There’s nobody on the end of my line/I’m in time but somebody’s missing/Maybe I can find a hand for my hand, if I find a well for my wishing/Be my friend, be my friend…” then you have a cold, dead, black heart.
If we were a points-based site, then this release would get a 10/10 score. The new mix is crystal clear, and it’s as if the listener is sitting alongside John Coghlan. Full marks to everyone involved in the restoration, as they have done an incredible job of making what was already a special recording even more special.
Quo fans finally have the super duper deluxe version of the original that they have been waiting on for decades, landing somewhat surprisingly one year away from the 50th anniversary of the gigs, which begs the question: what the hell do Quo have planned for the 50th itself?
Available now via Edsel Records, more information, HERE.
Review – Dave
Photo credit – Chris Craske
