Status Quo: Live At The BBC

Meticulous trawling of the archives has been the backbone of this expansive set that pulls together all of the legendary Status Quo's BBC sessions and live broadcasts from throughout their 40-something year career. Available in a range of formats the core release is the 4 disc, 105 track collection that takes in sessions for shows hosted by the likes of David Symonds, Dave Lee Travis, Steve Wright and Ken Bruce together with live performances such as the legendary and much-bootlegged Paris Theatre set from 1973, and shows in Wembley, Birmingham and Brighton. The relationship between Quo and the Beeb has not always been a happy one with the band once taking the National broadcaster to court for failing to playlist one of their 90's singles, an action that the rockers subsequently lost. However, with this set seeing the light of day all of that is now clearly water under the (burning) bridge.

Quo's 60's flower power era is well documented here with "Pictures of Matchstick Men", "Spicks and Specks" and "Black Veils of Melancholy" nestling amongst covers of "Gloria" and "The Price of Love". By the 70's they were transformed into a heads down, no nonsense, denim clad rock band and the stunning performance from London 73 includes a barnstorming "Juniors Wailing" and the epic, twenty odd minute, show stopping "Roadhouse Blues" / "Bye Bye Johnny" finale. A great example of the Rossi – Parfitt- Lancaster- Coghlan line-up at their live peak. By the late 80's only Rossi and Parfitt remained but Quo pushed on regardless with hits such as "In The Army Now" and "Burning Bridges" ensuring they remained an immensely popular live draw. Several versions of the likes of "Caroline", "Rockin All Over The World" and "Paper Plane" are proof of their enduring legacy and it all equates to a joyous romp through their live history. Simply classic stuff from beginning to end this is an essential purchase for the Quo Army.

Still gigging as hard as ever in 2010, Quo will shortly be kicking off their annual Winter Tour of the UK that takes in theatre and arena shows up and down the country. Check out the link below for the full track listing and details of the various formats of Live At The BBC.

Added: October 2nd 2010
Reviewer: Dean Pedley
Score:
Related Link: Tracklist and Formats
Hits: 1817
Language: english

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