Status Quo - CIA, Cardiff - December 10th 2010 (Live Review)
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
Written by Matthew Batte
I went along to see the Quo thinking to myself, “What am I doing,” I was surrounded by denim jackets and waistcoats, mullets and inflatable guitars… this has to be more suited to my Dad! However I found myself tapping my feet, clapping my hands and even singing along to the likes of 'Caroline', 'Down Down' & 'Rockin' All Over The World'.
Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt have been banging out the tunes for 43 years so they really do know how to play. I would challenge any non believer in Status Quo to go along to one of their gigs – you really will enjoy it.
The stage set-up wasn’t huge but they did have their signature white marshal stacks, with some screens across the back which showed animated images which enhanced the visual experience. The lighting was great, just what you’d expect from a rock band – colorful, bold, bright and flashing!
There was some interaction with the audience from Rossi, he tended to aim most of it at the ladies unfortunately! Rossi (vocals/lead guitar), Brown (keyboards/guitar/harmonica), Parfitt (guitar/vocals) and Edwards (Bass) all looked like they were thoroughly enjoying themselves with their signature quo dancing and back to back guitar playing!
Vocally, Francis Rossi was superb considering he is not as young as he once was – the only thing missing from his performance was his pony tail! Rick Partfitt did seem to struggle with his vocals, he sounded husky and strained but you could argue that it suited the rock sound – still great on the guitar.
John Edwards (Rhino) on bass was a great sight, he was clearly enjoying himself walking around the stage making bizarre faces at the crowd and head banging! Andy Brown's performance was outstanding – the fact that he goes between vocals, guitar, keyboards and harmonica shows what a versatile performer he is. Matt Letley was on drums and again, he was fantastic. The drum kit sounded amazing and his ‘Killer’ drum solo was awesome!
Set list:
1. Caroline
2. Something 'Bout You Baby I Like
3. Break The Rules
4. Mean Girl
5. Softer Ride
6. 4500 Times
7. Rain
8. Beginning of the End
9. Mystery Medly (Mystery Song/Railroad/Spinning Wheel Blues/Wild Side of Life/Rollin' Home/Again and Again/Slow Train)
10. The Oriental
11. Creepin' Up On You
12. For You
13. In The Army Now
14. Killer - Drum Solo
15. Paper Plane
16. Roll Over Lay Down
17. Whatever You Want
18. Down Down
19. Rockin' All Over The World
Encore:
20. Don't Waste My Time
21. Rock N Roll Music/Bye Bye Johnny
You really don’t expect a band like Status Quo to do such a big set considering their age – but they were on stage for a little short of two hours.
The loud rocking guitar solos and awesome drums were just what you’d expect from the Quo – they captivated both young and old members of the audience. You got the impression that everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I certainly left the CIA with a smile on my face.
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The stage set-up wasn’t huge but they did have their signature white marshal stacks, with some screens across the back which showed animated images which enhanced the visual experience. The lighting was great, just what you’d expect from a rock band – colorful, bold, bright and flashing!
