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Post by rosi on Sept 13, 2017 19:43:32 GMT
For the first time since I became a Quo fan there was a M&G competition in Belgium. Needles to say: I did not win . But there is always next time… I hope! Or better: the meets you do not know about on beforehand but do happen (like @ the RAH on July 1st ). Well, I would not mind another “posed” picture with Francis …. Anyway, again, it was a warm day and I arrived around 15h00 as I wanted to be at the front. The stage was rather high (see added clips). As it was also a family day the first few concerts were kids oriented. The first concert I saw was Niels Destadsbader but as he sings in Dutch probably no one here heard of him (with the exception of the other members from Belgium….). Can't say I knew any of his songs, but I am not in my teens/early 20s anymore ... Then we got Matt Simons which I actually kind of liked despite only knowing the few songs I looked up on the internet a few days prior to the concerts (one of his famous songs: Catch & release). He played piano and saxofoon which I liked. The first concert I really wanted to see was Soulsister (“The way to your heart”…) . Luckily for me it was a festival setlist and I knew every song. So this was a good “warm up” as then it was time for…. QUO! I was in front between Richie & Francis. Richie came to the front quite a lot and the band were enjoying themselves. Well, I know I always say that, but it is true… especially compared to let’s say: a few years ago when it all seemed more…. An obligation? No real joy as it seemed back then but now… they really rock again! Just as earlier in the month, it was a short set as - again - they only played for about 70 minutes. They were not allowed to play longer as Zucchero would be on stage later on (not my thing either, but well, I can say I saw him live on stage... from the back of the field). The connection was good with Francis & also Richie. Can I say that Richie brought/brings a new vibe to the band? A rejuvenating and enthusiasm that makes it a real joy to go and see Quo live on stage. It is great to see them smile and interact and enjoy themselves. Yes, Rossi smiles more on stage now... as I wrote before: he seems to enjoy it all again. Which could be good as it would mean he won't quit just yet... It was over way too soon and it is a long wait for the next Quo gig…in November.... Caroline (I am NOT the one screamin' "who who who"....!!!).... Proposin' Medley/Paper Plane: first few seconds are filmed in the "wrong" direction, but did not want to cut it out as to keep it more complete.
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Post by I Ain't Complaining on Sept 14, 2017 12:13:26 GMT
For the first time since I became a Quo fan there was a M&G competition in Belgium. Needles to say: I did not win . But there is always next time… I hope! Or better: the meets you do not know about on beforehand but do happen (like @ the RAH on July 1st ). Well, I would not mind another “posed” picture with Francis …. Anyway, again, it was a warm day and I arrived around 15h00 as I wanted to be at the front. The stage was rather high (see added clips). As it was also a family day the first few concerts were kids oriented. The first concert I saw was Niels Destadsbader but as he sings in Dutch probably no one here heard of him (with the exception of the other members from Belgium….). Can't say I knew any of his songs, but I am not in my teens/early 20s anymore ... Then we got Matt Simons which I actually kind of liked despite only knowing the few songs I looked up on the internet a few days prior to the concerts (one of his famous songs: Catch & release). He played piano and saxofoon which I liked. The first concert I really wanted to see was Soulsister (“The way to your heart”…) . Luckily for me it was a festival setlist and I knew every song. So this was a good “warm up” as then it was time for…. QUO! I was in front between Richie & Francis. Richie came to the front quite a lot and the band were enjoying themselves. Well, I know I always say that, but it is true… especially compared to let’s say: a few years ago when it all seemed more…. An obligation? No real joy as it seemed back then but now… they really rock again! Just as earlier in the month, it was a short set as - again - they only played for about 70 minutes. They were not allowed to play longer as Zucchero would be on stage later on (not my thing either, but well, I can say I saw him live on stage... from the back of the field). The connection was good with Francis & also Richie. Can I say that Richie brought/brings a new vibe to the band? A rejuvenating and enthusiasm that makes it a real joy to go and see Quo live on stage. It is great to see them smile and interact and enjoy themselves. Yes, Rossi smiles more on stage now... as I wrote before: he seems to enjoy it all again. Which could be good as it would mean he won't quit just yet... It was over way too soon and it is a long wait for the next Quo gig…in November.... Thanks for your gig reports Rosi. It's good to get a feel for the gig, and great to hear how much you enjoyed yourself
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Sept 14, 2017 12:38:59 GMT
I love an enthusiast! Tell you what, I wouldn't mind watching Quo in warm weather. I could count on the fingers of one hand how many times that's happened in 45 years!!
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Post by rosi on Sept 15, 2017 22:40:10 GMT
.... Those words of yours, "...when it all seemed more... An obligation? No real joy as it seemed..." had me thinking. I guess you're probably right. Some gigs in recent years might have felt like something they just had to do, even though they never tired of saying that they always gave their all, that each gig was special and the fans deserved to get the best. But were they really giving their all when Francis forgot to sing or started slurring his lines or sometimes played his solos in a way that it actually hurt your ears? They were probably just bored stiff. But they had only themselves to blame for playing the same set over and over again. I'd say they looked the part between, say, 2010 and 2013. The way they dressed (white shirts, black jeans, boring) and how they interacted on stage (same steps, same smiles, same moves) made them come across as being on auto-pilot, as Rick later so adeptly called it. Mind you, they have always felt committed to their fans, and I'd never say they didn't give their all. There's always been high energy at a Quo gig, and I've never left a gig feeling disappointed. Or was it something else entirely? Something was totally different (again) during the reunion tours, and something was certainly different on the LNOTE tour last winter. As you said, Rosi, they really rocked again, and there was a different kind of 'interaction' palpable on stage. There's no denying it. I guess you're right in saying that Richie has brought a new vibe to the band. It's what Francis has stated as well in recent months, and having seen the Rick-less band in November last year, I cannot but agree. It's as if they shifted off a burden right then and didn't have to worry about or feel responsible for a certain band member anymore. It pains me a lot thinking Rick might have been a 'problem', a 'liability' for the band in recent years. They do seem to have got a new lease of life and enjoy playing together again more than ever. So I don't think they'll stop any time soon. They're all fit and healthy, and apparently touring and playing live isn't tiring anymore. People will have the good fortune to see the band play on and on. Well, some will. It's just a feeling I have when I compare the recent concerts to those from some years ago. The auto-pilot is off... Don't get me wrong: I always loved to go and see them live. Obviously I still do. I never minded the mistakes or forgotten lines (how could I ). I agree they always felt committed to their fans and they give their all, but it does feel different now. I never left a gig feeling disappointed either (well, maybe because it was over all too soon... but that's something different). I was glad with the reunion tour as I never dared to hope to see the original band live on stage and you are right as there was a vibe on stage then too. (But I do believe Francis made the right decision not to continue...). I first thought with the LNOTE it was all due to being "the last nights": Rossi more than once said he wanted to stop (because of Rick's health?) the rockin' touring schedule and knowing it would all end when the year 2016 finished, to continue aquostic.... well, he wanted to give the best rockin' performance possible: one "last" time... Now I get the impression he wanted to do that for Rick.... Rick was in Quo for 50 years and I think Rossi - despite everything - felt a 'liability' towards Rick... even taking the blame they would stop the electric concerts.... Rick is still missed and no one can change what happened, but I am glad Quo did not stop and they found a suitable young man to make Quo continue. I agree that with the new lease of life and their enjoyment on stage, it won't stop soon. As long as they all stay fit and healthy, and they want to continue, I will keep on Quoing (or if Francis finally decides to release his solo album, I want to be there when he tours it).
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Post by snakelady on Sept 19, 2017 7:51:11 GMT
.... Those words of yours, "...when it all seemed more... An obligation? No real joy as it seemed..." had me thinking. I guess you're probably right. Some gigs in recent years might have felt like something they just had to do, even though they never tired of saying that they always gave their all, that each gig was special and the fans deserved to get the best. But were they really giving their all when Francis forgot to sing or started slurring his lines or sometimes played his solos in a way that it actually hurt your ears? They were probably just bored stiff. But they had only themselves to blame for playing the same set over and over again. I'd say they looked the part between, say, 2010 and 2013. The way they dressed (white shirts, black jeans, boring) and how they interacted on stage (same steps, same smiles, same moves) made them come across as being on auto-pilot, as Rick later so adeptly called it. Mind you, they have always felt committed to their fans, and I'd never say they didn't give their all. There's always been high energy at a Quo gig, and I've never left a gig feeling disappointed. Or was it something else entirely? Something was totally different (again) during the reunion tours, and something was certainly different on the LNOTE tour last winter. As you said, Rosi, they really rocked again, and there was a different kind of 'interaction' palpable on stage. There's no denying it. I guess you're right in saying that Richie has brought a new vibe to the band. It's what Francis has stated as well in recent months, and having seen the Rick-less band in November last year, I cannot but agree. It's as if they shifted off a burden right then and didn't have to worry about or feel responsible for a certain band member anymore. It pains me a lot thinking Rick might have been a 'problem', a 'liability' for the band in recent years. They do seem to have got a new lease of life and enjoy playing together again more than ever. So I don't think they'll stop any time soon. They're all fit and healthy, and apparently touring and playing live isn't tiring anymore. People will have the good fortune to see the band play on and on. Well, some will. It's just a feeling I have when I compare the recent concerts to those from some years ago. The auto-pilot is off... Don't get me wrong: I always loved to go and see them live. Obviously I still do. I never minded the mistakes or forgotten lines (how could I ). I agree they always felt committed to their fans and they give their all, but it does feel different now. I never left a gig feeling disappointed either (well, maybe because it was over all too soon... but that's something different). I was glad with the reunion tour as I never dared to hope to see the original band live on stage and you are right as there was a vibe on stage then too. (But I do believe Francis made the right decision not to continue...). I first thought with the LNOTE it was all due to being "the last nights": Rossi more than once said he wanted to stop (because of Rick's health?) the rockin' touring schedule and knowing it would all end when the year 2016 finished, to continue aquostic.... well, he wanted to give the best rockin' performance possible: one "last" time... Now I get the impression he wanted to do that for Rick.... Rick was in Quo for 50 years and I think Rossi - despite everything - felt a 'liability' towards Rick... even taking the blame they would stop the electric concerts.... Rick is still missed and no one can change what happened, but I am glad Quo did not stop and they found a suitable young man to make Quo continue. I agree that with the new lease of life and their enjoyment on stage, it won't stop soon. As long as they all stay fit and healthy, and they want to continue, I will keep on Quoing (or if Francis finally decides to release his solo album, I want to be there when he tours it). This I didn't see them this summer, but what was easy to notice last winter was, they were more of a band again, less Francis+Rick and rest. And that was one of the most important things, which I wrote in my gig report then too, what made the gig so enjoyable. Would I for next year want Quo to continue or would I prefer Francis (and Rhino ..) going solo though ? Not sure actually - I think, if they don't drastically change the set, I'd prefer the solo option ..
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Post by rosi on Sept 20, 2017 15:44:31 GMT
Quote snakelady: "Would I for next year want Quo to continue or would I prefer Francis (and Rhino ..) going solo though ? Not sure actually - I think, if they don't drastically change the set, I'd prefer the solo option .." The static setlist can be a drag, and I wouldn't mind some changes either, but I fear this is wishful thinking. Although as they have to switch between acoustic and electric later this year.... it could be an opportunity to at a few "new" (aka not much played) songs to the setlist.... fingers crossed. Or maybe with the English tour later this year under the new "Plugged In: Live and Loud..." banner?? Hopefully! Suppose we just have to wait and see.... and hope they will make some changes. If Francis decides to (finally ) release his next solo album and tour it (mainland Europe preferably) I definitely be there!
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Sept 21, 2017 6:27:58 GMT
That recent interview given by Francis before the Wacken gig indicated that the recent live album ( Last Night of the Electrics) had been very successful. That being the case, I wouldn't expect anything to change much. He also said it was the first full live album they'd released in a very long time. Is he blissfully unaware of all the live releases via "Live Here Now" or whoever over the last 10 years? I don't suppose he counts the reunion albums because, for him, that wasn't the band. Or even the full Aquostic one. He should be on this side. There must have been about 30 odd!
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Post by snakelady on Sept 21, 2017 7:33:41 GMT
That recent interview given by Francis before the Wacken gig indicated that the recent live album ( Last Night of the Electrics) had been very successful. That being the case, I wouldn't expect anything to change much. He also said it was the first full live album they'd released in a very long time. Is he blissfully unaware of all the live releases via "Live Here Now" or whoever over the last 10 years? I don't suppose he counts the reunion albums because, for him, that wasn't the band. Or even the full Aquostic one. He should be on this side. There must have been about 30 odd! Yep, that's what I thought We've been showered with live albums over the last decade or so. First one I bought was Westonbirt Arboretum. Got to admit I gave up pretty soon though, when the set pretty much became set in stone. LNOTE did sell and chart well, but again I'm convinced that was mainly because of the 'last' label, same as with the tour tickets. And I'm equally convinced they've got no idea what their fans think, feel or want. He should indeed check this side out, he might learn a thing or two about the band or himself Sometimes when I read or hear interviews I can't help but think, if there's a choice they always draw the wrong conclusions .. Maybe though it's simply that they believe they cater for the general public now and fans have become obsolete - or they aren't able to see where the difference lies - or I don't have a clue (with the last option the likeliest ..).
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Post by snakelady on Sept 21, 2017 7:39:24 GMT
Quote snakelady: "Would I for next year want Quo to continue or would I prefer Francis (and Rhino ..) going solo though ? Not sure actually - I think, if they don't drastically change the set, I'd prefer the solo option .." The static setlist can be a drag, and I wouldn't mind some changes either, but I fear this is wishful thinking. Although as they have to switch between acoustic and electric later this year.... it could be an opportunity to at a few "new" (aka not much played) songs to the setlist.... fingers crossed. Or maybe with the English tour later this year under the new "Plugged In: Live and Loud..." banner?? Hopefully! Suppose we just have to wait and see.... and hope they will make some changes. If Francis decides to (finally ) release his next solo album and tour it (mainland Europe preferably) I definitely be there! I suspect we'll have to fly to the UK to be able to witness that, which I'll happily do. And we'll probably have to wait for that for quite a while. Guess the album with Hannah Rickard will be released next year, so maybe his own solo album will get pushed back yet another year .. I hope not. One of, no, the main reason, why I'm so looking forward to the acoustic tour is the vastly different set !
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Sept 21, 2017 9:12:16 GMT
Are there two solo albums planned by Francis then? One with Hannah and another on his own? I thought there was only the one. I stand corrected. Funny how there's never been a Rossi Young album. Might be pretty good that. The Aquostic set is a real bonus although it does concentrate mainly on the first album. I think there are only 3 songs from the second one in the set. Or there was in the summer. I appreciate winter gigs can be different. As for live albums, the Westonbirt Arboretum one followed fairly swiftly by the Oxford CD were probably the best simply by virtue of them being rare live releases at the time; and with two different sets. That's all changed of course. I have so many containing largely the same set, they are simply collectables. The first two I mentioned above I played quite a lot. I thought the Oxford album was brilliant actually. Funnily enough, if the Aquostic set changes a bit, I wouldn't mind another live album of that. I can be contrary
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Post by smokie on Sept 21, 2017 9:21:06 GMT
Francis said in a recent edition of FTMO that his solo album was "already in the can" but for now, he was concentrating on the album which Hannah R.
And that album was hopefully going to be completed by the end of September.
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Post by snakelady on Sept 22, 2017 7:41:00 GMT
Francis said in a recent edition of FTMO that his solo album was "already in the can" but for now, he was concentrating on the album which Hannah R.
And that album was hopefully going to be completed by the end of September. I remember at the time (2012 ?) someone in the know had mentioned on the mb that the treaty for another solo album had been signed when the band were in Hamburg during their usual autumn/winter tour. The momentum from the first was still there and it were exciting news. It has been a very long wait since with Francis always putting band stuff first, despite it probably having been finished for quite a while. And since last year the HR project obviously has priority. Could be out in time for Christmas. Now I wonder whether they're going to tour it next year and how ? And will she still be part of his band, same as Leon, when the solo album finally hits the shelves and will be toured ? Nowadays Francis seems to have a habit of mixing up his projects ..
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Post by I Ain't Complaining on Sept 28, 2017 13:06:12 GMT
That recent interview given by Francis before the Wacken gig indicated that the recent live album ( Last Night of the Electrics) had been very successful. That being the case, I wouldn't expect anything to change much. He also said it was the first full live album they'd released in a very long time. Is he blissfully unaware of all the live releases via "Live Here Now" or whoever over the last 10 years? I don't suppose he counts the reunion albums because, for him, that wasn't the band. Or even the full Aquostic one. He should be on this side. There must have been about 30 odd! I'm sure he's not unaware of the Live Hear Now releases, he has referenced them a few times during the recording of them.....he just doesn't class them as official releases (because they're not)!
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Post by rosi on Sept 28, 2017 16:36:42 GMT
Quote snakelady: "Would I for next year want Quo to continue or would I prefer Francis (and Rhino ..) going solo though ? Not sure actually - I think, if they don't drastically change the set, I'd prefer the solo option .." The static setlist can be a drag, and I wouldn't mind some changes either, but I fear this is wishful thinking. Although as they have to switch between acoustic and electric later this year.... it could be an opportunity to at a few "new" (aka not much played) songs to the setlist.... fingers crossed. Or maybe with the English tour later this year under the new "Plugged In: Live and Loud..." banner?? Hopefully! Suppose we just have to wait and see.... and hope they will make some changes. If Francis decides to (finally ) release his next solo album and tour it (mainland Europe preferably) I definitely be there! I suspect we'll have to fly to the UK to be able to witness that, which I'll happily do. And we'll probably have to wait for that for quite a while. Guess the album with Hannah Rickard will be released next year, so maybe his own solo album will get pushed back yet another year .. I hope not. One of, no, the main reason, why I'm so looking forward to the acoustic tour is the vastly different set ! You are probably right that we will have to travel to the UK. Although he came to Holland and Belgium in 2010. If so, I really hope it won't be released next year as my days off from work are already half taken with meetings I have to attend at my other job (I work 2 part time jobs). Yes, he gave priority to the Hannah Rickard album... guess we will hear about it once it is ready to be released. It is still a long wait for the acoustic concerts.... Half November.... but it will be nice to hear them play different songs, be it (rockin') acoustic.
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Sept 29, 2017 5:52:04 GMT
That recent interview given by Francis before the Wacken gig indicated that the recent live album ( Last Night of the Electrics) had been very successful. That being the case, I wouldn't expect anything to change much. He also said it was the first full live album they'd released in a very long time. Is he blissfully unaware of all the live releases via "Live Here Now" or whoever over the last 10 years? I don't suppose he counts the reunion albums because, for him, that wasn't the band. Or even the full Aquostic one. He should be on this side. There must have been about 30 odd! I'm sure he's not unaware of the Live Hear Now releases, he has referenced them a few times during the recording of them.....he just doesn't class them as official releases (because they're not)! Despite the fact they get advertised on the official website
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