PART 1 - 1962 to 1973

In 1962 Alan Lancaster (Electric Bass), Alan Key (Electric Guitar) and Francis Rossi (Acoustic Guitar) form a trio. Originally a trad group they soon realised their future lay in a beat combo. They named this band The Scorpions. Alan Key left soon after to concentrate on his education and Jess Jaworski (organ) was quickly recruited and also a quick name change to The Spectres followed. They meet John Coghlan (drums) at a rehearsal session and duly get him signed up.

The Spectres are approached by Pat Barlow who becomes their manager. A resident Monday night session at the Cafe Des Artistes was secured.  Francis Rossi now moves to a Semi-acoustic guitar. Soon afterwards they are given a chance to impress at an audition for Butlins. They are successful and are given a contract for the summer of 1965 at Minehead.  Jess Jaworski leaves and is replaced by Roy Lynes on organ. While at Butlins they meet up with Rick Parfitt who was performing as a trio called the Highlights. Rick and The Spectres become close friends throughout the summer season.

Early 1966 saw The Spectres cut several demo tracks and on the basis of these were signed up to Pye's Piccadilly label. Their first single "I (Who Have Nothing)" is released and sinks like a lead balloon, as do two other releases. Name changes include The Traffic and The Traffic Jam. Now 1967, a fourth single is released and again flops. Rick Parfitt (Electric Guitar) joins the band and another name change takes place. The Status Quo is born, just in time for their next single "Pictures Of Matchstick Men"......

More singles were released (including "Ice In the Sun"), as was their first album (Picturesque Matchstickable Messages From The Status Quo) and subsequent album (Spare Parts) Yet again another name change, but this time "The" was dropped to simply become Status Quo. Now in the 70's and change in musical direction away from the psychedelic towards the "boogie shuffle" and "Down The Dustpipe" hit the charts. Status Quo record their third album called "Ma Kelly's Greasy Spoon" which cements their outlook and new direction.

Roy Lynes leaves the band and Status Quo now become a 4-piece. They build up a reputation with their harder sound, their relentless touring (Do they ever slow down? - Ed) and live performances. Another album is released (Dog Of Two Head), this raw down to earth rocker is their last "official" long player on the Pye label.

Colin Johnson gets Quo signed up to the fledgling Vertigo label and start to work on their next album. In January the following year (1973) Piledriver hits the charts and manages a very respectable top 5 position. This album gives Quo the breakthrough they've been working towards for so long. Tours to Australia, Europe and America followed. Quo return to the UK and perform at the Reading festival to critical acclaim. "Caroline" is released as their latest single soon after. September sees the album Hello launched. This is the first of many number 1 albums for the group. A full UK tour commences.