Francis Rossi is the front man. His instantly recognizable
voice and the twin guitars of Rossi and Parfitt are
the main ingredients of Status Quo. Known to everyone
in the band as 'Frame' or 'The Gomorr' (the grand old
man of rock and roll). Francis on stage is an outgoing
and charismatic showman but has been labelled a recluse
because he rarely goes to parties or big social occasions,
preferring to stay at home (If you saw his house you'd
understand why!). Musically he still loves playing,
performing and writing as much as ever and is always
involved in the production of Quo records. When not
touring, Francis keeps fit by swimming and exercising.
He is a collector of Koi Carp, likes Clay pigeon shooting
and is probably the English pasta-eating record holder.
Rick Parfitt is one of Englands' greatest rhythm guitarists,
his rock solid style has always been the core of the
Quo sound. Also known as 'The Womorr' (The Wild Old
Man Of Rock and Roll) , he has written some of Quo's
most memorable songs including '"Whatever You Want",
"Backwater" "Living on an Island"' and "Rain". If you've
seen Quo live you'll know the rush you get when Rick
steps up to the front of the stage and hammers out the
intro to 'Caroline' or 'Paper Plane'. The enduring partnership
of Rossi and Parfitt is the thing that keeps Quo rocking
and even though they are very different characters,
after more than 30 years together they are still the
best of mates. Once known as the 'Wild Man' of rock,
Rick insists that he has learnt to relax and now is
a 'Mild Man' of rock, (If you believe that you'll believe
anything!!)
Andrew Bown, otherwise known as 'Acid Man' because of
his acerbic wit, is the multi-instrumentalist of the
band and whilst he wouldn't admit it, is a fantastic
musician. Besides the keyboards, harmonica and guitar
that you see him playing on stage with Quo, he is a
great bass player, in fact not many people are aware
that bass is his main instrument. He is also by his
own admission the worst drummer in the world! A full
member of the band since 1976, he has contributed some
great songs to the Quo hit list including 'Whatever
You Want' and 'Burning Bridges'.
John 'Rhino' Edwards has played with many other artistes
but for him there is only one band and he is where he
wants to be, in the engine room of Status Quo. He is
known to all as 'Rhino' and also as 'The Bludgeon' because
he is the clumsiest man in the world and somehow he
manages to break things wherever he goes. . Rhino loves
touring and when Quo are on the road, he and Andrew
can often be found wandering the streets, taking in
Art Galleries, seeing the sights and tasting the local
brews. With possibly the biggest stereo system in West
London and the best neighbours (not), he is a musicoholic,
always listening to new and old records of all kinds
and recording tracks in his home studio.......loudly.
With Rhino in the band, Quo will never stop rocking.
Matthew 'Matt' Letley Born on 29th March 1961, he's
recorded and toured with (amongst many others) Bob Geldof,
Aha, David Essex, Hank Marvin, Gary Brooker, Snowy White
and Vanessa-Mae. He also played with Rhino, Francis
and Rick on tracks for Rhinos solo album Rhinos Revenge.
Matt plays Remo Drums, Zildjian Cymbals and Drumcat
Electronics, and is an experienced sight reader. Matt
is a great guy, and unlike the other members of Quo
he's a quiet guy. But once on stage, he becomes a real
animal. |
