Status Quo to headline at Inverness charity gig

Band to take the Bogbain stage in aid of hospice

Published:

ALL OVER THE WORLD: Francis Rossi in action with Status Quo

Rock band Status Quo are to perform at a concert in the Highlands next year, it was announced yesterday.

The group is headlining Rock For Life at Inverness on May 1, in aid of the Highland Hospice charity.

Crowds of 20,000 people will attend on each day of the two-day festival at Bogbain Farm on the southern outskirts of the Highland capital.

Organisers have revealed that another major rock act will perform on the second day, although the identity of the individual or band is being kept secret.

Tobias Leask, director of Caledonian Productions, said: “Rock For Life will be the biggest music day in the Highlands for years.

“To have Status Quo coming here is amazing, and it’s all in aid of a great cause.”

Cash raised at Rock For Life will be donated to Highland Hospice, which cares for hundreds of people each year who are terminally-ill.

Mr Leask said: “We believe Rock For Life will be the biggest open air concert to be staged in the region.

“This will be the first of its kind in the Highlands. Rock For Life will be a fantastic event, which will continue for years to come, raising cash for a host of local charities.”

Formed in 1962, Status Quo now stand in the silver medal position on the all-time table of album sales, with only The Rolling Stones ahead of them.

Band member Francis Rossi said: “Playing to our fans is still, and has always been, the most important thing for the band.

“Nothing beats playing live and we always look forward to performing to a lively Scottish crowd.”

David Welch, Highland Hospice fundraising director, said: “We are delighted to be the beneficiary of the Rock For Life event.

“It promises to be a huge success both for the area and for Highland Hospice.”

The charity has a 10-bed inpatient unit and a day hospice on the same site, and also provides bereavement counselling for relatives.

Rock For Life will be opened by Donnie Munro, the former lead singer of Runrig, with The Vatersay Boys and Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel also performing.

The announcement comes less than three weeks after Rod Stewart announced he is to play a gig at Caley Thistle’s Caledonian Stadium on July 17, which is already sold out.