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Post by johns on Dec 1, 2017 10:03:14 GMT
Well folks, what can I say?
What a gig. First of all Cats in Space (terrible name) were probably one of the best support acts I've see. Bit of a throwback to the 70's/80's but still sounded modern and a bit proggy in places. I've placed my order on amazon for the album. Can't remember ever doing that for a support act.
On to Quo. Not sure why but I kind of got my excitement back about seeing the band. Maybe it's because of all the naysayers saying they are finished after Rick's passing and I was wanting the band to prove those people wrong. From the drone, into the opening bars of Caroline you could tell this was going to be a great night. I know it will upset a few people but really close your eyes and it's Quo as you want them to be. Bang on form, hot, loud and sweaty. Fantastic venue for them.
Richie nailed Little Lady. The boy can sing. I know people don't like Rhino's vocals, but personally i do and he does the biz for me. Rossi was on form, in fact for me the whole band sounded amazing.
Overall one of the best Quo gigs I've been to since I started seeing them in the late 70's.
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Dec 1, 2017 10:26:58 GMT
High praise indeed!
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Post by craydarr on Dec 1, 2017 10:43:24 GMT
Well folks, what can I say? What a gig. First of all Cats in Space (terrible name) were probably one of the best support acts I've see. Bit of a throwback to the 70's/80's but still sounded modern and a bit proggy in places. I've placed my order on amazon for the album. Can't remember ever doing that for a support act. On to Quo. Not sure why but I kind of got my excitement back about seeing the band. Maybe it's because of all the naysayers saying they are finished after Rick's passing and I was wanting the band to prove those people wrong. From the drone, into the opening bars of Caroline you could tell this was going to be a great night. I know it will upset a few people but really close your eyes and it's Quo as you want them to be. Bang on form, hot, loud and sweaty. Fantastic venue for them. Richie nailed Little Lady. The boy can sing. I know people don't like Rhino's vocals, but personally i do and he does the biz for me. Rossi was on form, in fact for me the whole band sounded amazing. Overall one of the best Quo gigs I've been to since I started seeing them in the late 70's. Good for you, am very pleased you had a good night. Maybe they have the bit between their teeth now as they feel after everything that's happened they have got something to prove.
I really, really, really do hope they come back in 2018 /2019 with a cracking album and knock the ball out of the park, to prove all the naysayers wrong.
Thanks for the report.
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Post by smokie on Dec 1, 2017 11:07:38 GMT
Thanks for report johns .
Sounds as if you had a great night.
I know that some won't like parts of your review but it merely confirms that Richie is a great guitar player and singer too.
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Post by johns on Dec 1, 2017 11:12:04 GMT
I know this definitely won't go down well with some, but they actually seem more of a "band" than just the Francis and Rick show. The vocals being shared is great, Francis interacts with the whole band more than I have seen him do for years and the chemistry seems to be flowing. They all look like they are having a great time between themselves and that in turn i think made it a better experience for the crowd.
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Post by smokie on Dec 1, 2017 12:41:29 GMT
...but they actually seem more of a "band" than just the Francis and Rick show. This seems to be a recurring observation from fans who have seen the current line up.
I think snakelady has already remarked upon this and others on here have too.
Interesting.
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Post by Crapmodem on Dec 1, 2017 14:03:03 GMT
Well I guess that has helped to make my decision. I have a ticket for Aquostic at Hammersmith this month. This was going to be my 3rd Aquostic night and my 350th (and final) Status Quo concert.
I was debating whether to go or ask for a refund as the concert is not what I expected when I bought the ticket. johns is the latest of many long-term fans for whom I have great respect and who have spoken positively about the current tour.
I will go along and see for myself.
I still expect it will be my last. I am getting too old. In my opinion.
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Post by coldwarkid on Dec 1, 2017 14:53:12 GMT
Well I guess that has helped to make my decision. I have a ticket for Aquostic at Hammersmith this month. This was going to be my 3rd Aquostic night and my 350th (and final) Status Quo concert.
I was debating whether to go or ask for a refund as the concert is not what I expected when I bought the ticket. johns is the latest of many long-term fans for whom I have great respect and who have spoken positively about the current tour.
I will go along and see for myself.
I still expect it will be my last. I am getting too old. In my opinion.
You're never too old to rock and roll, you just sit down to give the knees a rest!
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Post by johns on Dec 1, 2017 14:56:48 GMT
Well I guess that has helped to make my decision. I have a ticket for Aquostic at Hammersmith this month. This was going to be my 3rd Aquostic night and my 350th (and final) Status Quo concert.
I was debating whether to go or ask for a refund as the concert is not what I expected when I bought the ticket. johns is the latest of many long-term fans for whom I have great respect and who have spoken positively about the current tour.
I will go along and see for myself.
I still expect it will be my last. I am getting too old. In my opinion.
Not sure if Hammy will be they same Crappy as it's bigger than Reading by some way. I hope it is a good one for you. And your never to old ya old fart
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Dec 3, 2017 9:22:54 GMT
I still expect it will be my last. I am getting too old. In my opinion.
I suspect the same for me in Newcastle next week. I was at a Diamond Head gig on Friday night (remember them? ) and I really felt my age. Surrounded by post-middle aged men in denim 'suits' with long grey hair. And next morning I ached from head to toe. You can retire from more than your work
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Post by snakelady on Dec 3, 2017 9:29:59 GMT
I still expect it will be my last. I am getting too old. In my opinion.
I suspect the same for me in Newcastle next week. I was at a Diamond Head gig on Friday night (remember them? ) and I really felt my age. Surrounded by post-middle aged men in denim 'suits' with long grey hair. And next morning I ached from head to toe. You can retire from more than your work I'd bet when the band will be back refreshed in 2019 with a new album and new set so will the two of you . You can't just leave being a nearly life-long fan behind. You're going to itch to be there. It's an addiction and no cure available .. .
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Dec 3, 2017 9:57:59 GMT
I suspect the same for me in Newcastle next week. I was at a Diamond Head gig on Friday night (remember them? ) and I really felt my age. Surrounded by post-middle aged men in denim 'suits' with long grey hair. And next morning I ached from head to toe. You can retire from more than your work I'd bet when the band will be back refreshed in 2019 with a new album and new set so will the two of you . You can't just leave being a nearly life-long fan behind. You're going to itch to be there. It's an addiction and no cure available .. . I know. I'll no doubt get the bug back At the moment, age is as much a factor as anything if I'm being honest with myself. I've found enthusiasm waning for all sorts of things in the past few years. And getting ready to go out and do a gig is certainly one of them! It's not the gig itself, it's everything before and after. Travel, cost, all the usual pain in the backside add-ons. Quo are an addiction, everything else isn't.
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Dec 3, 2017 10:05:16 GMT
Again, being brutally honest, I'd give Newcastle a miss as well but my sister is really looking forward to it so we're not going to let her down. We're exactly the same as Crapmodem in that we bought tickets for Aquostic concerts and feel we've been sort of conned into seeing the full electric show. Which we'd decided we were not going to do this winter. That goes a long way to explaining the lack of enthusiasm at the moment. We're doing something we never intended to do in the first place at considerable cost. I think I'm becoming a mean Scotsman. Certainly more frugal But we'll enjoy it. We always do. And I'm really pleased that others are loving it. I like Quo to do well no matter what.
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Post by Crapmodem on Dec 3, 2017 11:01:14 GMT
Observation:
I never said I would stop being a fan. I am a Status Quo fan and I am sure I will be until the day I drop.
However, I am no longer emotionally motivated to go to the gigs. The sad passing of Rick Parfitt no doubt is a major part of the reason.
But the truth is that I am old, tired and bored. By the time the 4th song in the set comes round, regardless of what it is, I am already looking at my watch.
I do not begrudge the band at all - they are doing their job and supremely well by most accounts.
I would not dream of criticising those that are still attending gigs - if they are enjoying, good for them.
For me, at almost 60 years old and after 350 gigs in more countries than I can count, it is at last time to move on.
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Dec 3, 2017 11:54:03 GMT
Observation:
I never said I would stop being a fan. I am a Status Quo fan and I am sure I will be until the day I drop.
Ditto.
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Post by problemshalved on Dec 3, 2017 18:13:09 GMT
Observation:
I never said I would stop being a fan. I am a Status Quo fan and I am sure I will be until the day I drop.
However, I am no longer emotionally motivated to go to the gigs. The sad passing of Rick Parfitt no doubt is a major part of the reason.
But the truth is that I am old, tired and bored. By the time the 4th song in the set comes round, regardless of what it is, I am already looking at my watch.
I do not begrudge the band at all - they are doing their job and supremely well by most accounts.
I would not dream of criticising those that are still attending gigs - if they are enjoying, good for them.
For me, at almost 60 years old and after 350 gigs in more countries than I can count, it is at last time to move on.
I guess the question is, is the boredom caused by over attending. I would say there is a hardcore of multi gig attendees and over the years this hardcore has started to dwindle due to a combination of age and a realisation of why am I doing this apart from habit. I have limited myself to 1 gig a year over the last few years and even though I knew what was coming I was able to immerse myself enough to avoid boredom. I chose not to attend this year as Acoustic was not for me and I always thought it should have been lef5 as a one of project. When they changed back to Electric, as Bournemouth had been changed from the normal standing set up on the floor to all seated to accommodate Aquostic I had no interest as Bournemouth was always about standing for me and it allowed me to fully immerse myself.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2017 11:08:38 GMT
I was looking forward to the Manchester gig but couldn't go last minute due to work, so my brother had my ticket and went.
I'm up in Glasgow with work later this week but could very easily have changed things around so I was there Tuesday night and got myself a ticket to the gig. In years gone by I wouldn't have hesitated but the set list bores me to the point now where I can't be bothered.
Back in the noughties I used to take a week or two off work and me and a few mates used to cram in as many gigs as we could, lots of beers and even more laughs, loved it. Last time I did it was 2013 for the FF reunion, did 6 gigs over the course of a week, up and down the country. The 'new' setlist was one of the big drivers.
I hope that they come back in 2019 with a totally new set. Not a few token changes but a complete overhaul. Maybe have an acoustic spot within the middle of the set, not with all the backing musicians, there must be a few songs that don't require it? Throw some golden oldies in to the electric part, Slow Train, What To Do, Dirty Water, Runaway, etc. Maybe play an album in full or have 1 song from each album (give or take). Loads they could do and it would without doubt revive my interest.
It's been debated over the years as to whether it's Rick or Frame who was resistant to change it. Maybe it was both, who knows? Sadly that debate is no longer valid and the 'blame' lies firmly at the door of Mr F Rossi.
I'm one of the most laid back Quo fans out there. Most of the 'hysteria' that goes on just floats over my head. If Frame's refusal to mix it up has driven even me away then I really don't think there's much of a future for the band, what with all the other issues, 'No Rick No Quo', etc.
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Dec 4, 2017 11:33:32 GMT
The question of the set list rears it's head every year. And has done since we had message boards. And this year, despite the changing circumstances, it's no different. I tend to agree with problemshalved that the multi-gig core have dwindled significantly. I know, because like others on here, I was one. As was my wife. As was my sister. Not now. A mixture of expense, ageing lethargy and unquestionably the set list has had an impact. It's one of the reasons I wanted to see a few more Aquostic gigs. I hadn't a clue what was coming next. It was the same with the FF reunion. It's also why I go to see Rhino whenever I can. There is a dichotomy of sorts here I suppose. The band (or whoever) would say the set is relatively static because that's what people want to hear or they wouldn't come year on year. That might actually be a valid point. The dichotomy is in trying to keep ALL fans happy. Personally, I think with Quo's huge back catalogue that could easily be done. But the willing appears not to be there. When was the last time they played a song we'd never heard live before and it wasn't from a new album? I think it was probably For You. OK, a little underwhelming but it was at least something. Quo are still a fabulous live act. Very few can dispute that; only the blinkered. But would they be even more fabulous putting together a set of hits, a couple of more obscure album tracks and a nice Aquostic bit in the middle? I think they would. But who cares about li'l ole me?
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Post by Crapmodem on Dec 4, 2017 12:26:04 GMT
Some years ago, at an appropriate place and time, I tried to have a conversation with Francis on the subject. I said that I agree with him that the hits should be there and as many as possible.
However, I continued, if they were to take out a few of the NON hits (such as Creeping Up, Oriental, Gerdundula, Bye Bye Johnny, even Don't Waste My Time and Big Fat Mama), they could replace them with other NON hits, or even a few more of the many hits not presently being aired.
This would keep things fresh for both regular and once a year concert goers.
He immediately started a different conversation.
So, while I am not in the "Everything is Francis Rossi's fault" camp, it became clear to me that he is certainly a large part of the reason for the relatively static set list.
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mortified
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Post by mortified on Dec 4, 2017 14:39:44 GMT
Some years ago, at an appropriate place and time, I tried to have a conversation with Francis on the subject. I said that I agree with him that the hits should be there and as many as possible.
However, I continued, if they were to take out a few of the NON hits (such as Creeping Up, Oriental, Gerdundula, Bye Bye Johnny, even Don't Waste My Time and Big Fat Mama), they could replace them with other NON hits, or even a few more of the many hits not presently being aired.
This would keep things fresh for both regular and once a year concert goers.
He immediately started a different conversation.
So, while I am not in the "Everything is Francis Rossi's fault" camp, it became clear to me that he is certainly a large part of the reason for the relatively static set list.
It would be genuinely interesting to know why he might be so against wholesale changes. Could it be fear of losing the audience they'd built up and who were now accustomed to familiarity? There have been slight hints at that recently with Francis talking of bemused faces when they play something different. And I can also see the sense in it IF it were justified. This year could just be a watershed on that point of view. Although I seriously doubt it. You can see how the set goes down a storm at festivals packed with non-Quo fans. And these festivals presumably provide a tasty fee with considerably fewer outlays incurred. Again, a sensible approach. I just don't see the point in not saying it exactly how it is. Or is it a case of trying not to displease anyone at any stage? Surely impossible. We can all take it even if we don't like it. But some of us have been waiting and waiting for some changes but apart from the promotion of the Quid Pro Quo album, there have been precious few since 2008. These were extremely welcome but none of them are still in the set. Believe me, I'd take anything over a dreadful and unnecessary rendition of Walking In A Winter Wonderland! This is not the first year I've not gone to gigs because of boredom and disappointment with the set. I did it in 2011 when I couldn't be bothered going to Nottingham the night after the Liverpool gig. Someone within the camp a month previously in Paris said there'd be big changes because they'd been rehearsing them; there weren't any. This time I'm 6 years older and 6 years more bored. 7 years is more than just bad luck.
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Post by I Ain't Complaining on Dec 4, 2017 14:56:27 GMT
I'm one of the most laid back Quo fans out there. Most of the 'hysteria' that goes on just floats over my head. Love that quote!
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Post by linuxyeti on Dec 4, 2017 15:56:45 GMT
I saw them last night, in Wolverhampton, and like the original poster, I've been following them since the 70's, and I too thought it was one of the best quo gigs I've ever been to, irrespective of the lineup. It was more like a single unit, than I can ever remember it being in the past, with all members taking lead vocals, and, boy did they rock !! And yes, even Cats In Space were good. I've missed a couple of years, but I thought the set list was good, with full versions of Rain, something'bout you baby, don't drive my car etc. I do so hope they record a new album, and use the impetus that Ritchie has given them to promote it live !! There was only 1 fly in the ointment last night, some sub human **** threw a bag of onto the stage, the band handled it with good humour though, so it didn't detract too much from the night, whoever flung it, no doubt comes from either Low Hill or the Dovecotes, pure and utter scum.
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Post by pressbutton on Dec 4, 2017 16:18:04 GMT
I know this definitely won't go down well with some, but they actually seem more of a "band" than just the Francis and Rick show. The vocals being shared is great, Francis interacts with the whole band more than I have seen him do for years and the chemistry seems to be flowing. They all look like they are having a great time between themselves and that in turn i think made it a better experience for the crowd. Yep. I concur as that was what it was like in Bournemouth.
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Post by pressbutton on Dec 4, 2017 16:25:51 GMT
Observation:
I never said I would stop being a fan. I am a Status Quo fan and I am sure I will be until the day I drop.
However, I am no longer emotionally motivated to go to the gigs. The sad passing of Rick Parfitt no doubt is a major part of the reason.
But the truth is that I am old, tired and bored. By the time the 4th song in the set comes round, regardless of what it is, I am already looking at my watch.
I do not begrudge the band at all - they are doing their job and supremely well by most accounts.
I would not dream of criticising those that are still attending gigs - if they are enjoying, good for them.
For me, at almost 60 years old and after 350 gigs in more countries than I can count, it is at last time to move on.
I guess the question is, is the boredom caused by over attending. I would say there is a hardcore of multi gig attendees and over the years this hardcore has started to dwindle due to a combination of age and a realisation of why am I doing this apart from habit. I have limited myself to 1 gig a year over the last few years and even though I knew what was coming I was able to immerse myself enough to avoid boredom. I chose not to attend this year as Acoustic was not for me and I always thought it should have been lef5 as a one of project. When they changed back to Electric, as Bournemouth had been changed from the normal standing set up on the floor to all seated to accommodate Aquostic I had no interest as Bournemouth was always about standing for me and it allowed me to fully immerse myself. I've been going to Quo gigs since 2002, and I'm now 57. I've never gone to more than 4 in a year, usually it is more like one or two. Personally it is due to finance, I just can't afford to go to multiple gigs per year, and in a way I'm glad. I look forward to my annual trip to Bournemouth, and unlike Crappy, I was not in the least disappointed when they changed the Aquostic gigs to electric. I much prefer the electric gigs, and was happy to go. As it was all seated it was a bit strange this year, I didn't need to queue up from mid morning, and wasn't crushed against a metal railing with very little room to move. So move I did, throughout the 90 minute set. Having some chair backs to hold onto during HYB and BB was very helpful too. Everyone around me stood up as well.
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Post by I Ain't Complaining on Dec 4, 2017 16:32:35 GMT
I guess the question is, is the boredom caused by over attending. I would say there is a hardcore of multi gig attendees and over the years this hardcore has started to dwindle due to a combination of age and a realisation of why am I doing this apart from habit. I have limited myself to 1 gig a year over the last few years and even though I knew what was coming I was able to immerse myself enough to avoid boredom. I chose not to attend this year as Acoustic was not for me and I always thought it should have been lef5 as a one of project. When they changed back to Electric, as Bournemouth had been changed from the normal standing set up on the floor to all seated to accommodate Aquostic I had no interest as Bournemouth was always about standing for me and it allowed me to fully immerse myself. I've been going to Quo gigs since 2002, and I'm now 57. I've never gone to more than 4 in a year, usually it is more like one or two. Personally it is due to finance, I just can't afford to go to multiple gigs per year, and in a way I'm glad. I look forward to my annual trip to Bournemouth, and unlike Crappy, I was not in the least disappointed when they changed the Aquostic gigs to electric. I much prefer the electric gigs, and was happy to go. As it was all seated it was a bit strange this year, I didn't need to queue up from mid morning, and wasn't crushed against a metal railing with very little room to move. So move I did, throughout the 90 minute set. Having some chair backs to hold onto during HYB and BB was very helpful too. Everyone around me stood up as well. Hi. What's your 'Quo story'? How come you (only) started going to see them at 42?
Glad you enjoyed the gig as usual
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