When Quo fans go, they go hard. And they were Out Out Quoing at P&J Live last night.
If you were on one of the packed buses on the way to what many would class as the gig of the year, there was one word being passed around the excited commuters. Heroes. Because everyone was on the way to see not one, but two of the musical legends that they grew up with.
It’s safe to say that there was a certain demographic lining up to see the rock and roll icons that had everyone rocking all over the world throughout the 70s and beyond, but to have Shakin’ Stevens as an opening act? Well, this was set to be a night that had revellers of all ages grooving.
Christmas was all around as Shaky gave the fans what they wanted
We have to take a moment to appreciate Shaky here. Not only did the hip-swinging chart topper have us dancing in the aisles from the word go to hits such as Green Door and This Old house, but he indulged the Christmas fanatics (like myself) by finishing with Merry Christmas Everyone.
The festive spirit was almost palpable, just as if snow really was falling all around us – and that’s just about the most cheesy thing you’ll hear me say this season – I have no shame.
Neither did the die-hard fan that screamed “Shaky! I’ve loved you since I was 12!” to the uproar of agreement from the audience.
The double denim army were on the edge of their seats
After an intermission, a stadium-worthy light show and rolling drum beat kicked in, and anticipation swept through the crowd as it became clear that The Quo were about to erupt on to the stage, and erupt they did.
Smash hit Caroline had the seated audience standing within seconds, camera phones at the ready, to commemorate the electric performance that began, and continued to take the wave of dedicated Quo lovers through a musical back catalogue of rock classics.
When I say that the majority of the concert-goers are dedicated to the fandom, it’s a big understatement. I bumped into one that even claimed to have been to every gig ever played in the UK since 1977. A bold statement? Maybe, but with a tattoo to prove it, you might just believe it.
Now that’s commitment.
Chants of “Oh-oo-oh” ricocheted around the arena, begging for fan-favourite In The Army Now to commence, but not before Francis Rossi had arms reaching for the roof as he belted out other much-loved hits like Rain and Roll Over Lay Down.
The band bounced around the stage in unison as if it was their first-ever gig, with an energy that can only hail from mirroring the audience that so clearly adores them.
Epic guitar riffs spurred air-guitar battles in the aisles
Tour T-shirt clad crowd members struggled to stay seated, with scores of enthusiastic rockers taking to the floor to (air) jam along to every classic song, but let’s face it, we were all waiting for What Everyone Wants, which as expected, they saved until the blistering show was all but done – it was worth the wait.
How did they close the nostalgic song-fest? By Rocking All Over The World, of course. It was the encore that would have caused severe disappointment if it didn’t materialise, but thankfully, The Quo know what the fans want, and clearly still delight in giving it to them.
With comedic intervals of connecting with the crowd through tales of life as an aging rocker, nose hair trimming and all, Francis and the band made every person there feel like they were part of a life-long community.
It was one of those gigs that really does connect people.
I’ll confess, I wouldn’t necessarily have classed myself as a Status Quo fan before last night, but now? Let’s just say I’m in the club.
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