PART 2 - 1974 to 1985

Now 1974, Quo return to the States for a run of concerts but eventually return due to illness. Another single entitled "Break The Rules" is released soon afterwards their next album hits the charts and climbs to number 2. Simply called Quo, this album was an all out rocker and to date is the heaviest album they recorded. Later that year "Down Down" is released and peaks at number one early the following year. Work continues on their next album and On The Level hits the streets in March hitting the magical number 1 spot. A new single is earmarked for release but this time it's with a difference. This three track live EP called "Quo Live!" was recorded at the Kursaal (Southend) and Trentham Gardens (Stoke on Trent). Tracks included were: Roll Over Lay Down, Gerdundula and Juniors Wailing. This EP peaks at number 9 in the singles charts, quite a feat considering the last band to achieve a top 20 hit with an EP was The Beatles some 8 years earlier! Ending the year on a high note, Quo headline the Great British Musical Festival.

We arrive at 1976 and having completed the recording of their next vinyl creation they issue "Rain" as their new single. Shortly afterwards an 11 date mini UK tour commences and the newly released Blue For You enters the charts at number 1! In July they headline the gig at Cardiff Castle with a vast array of support acts including Budgie and Hawkwind. Later in the year they record the three concerts at the Glasgow Apollo. Tracks from these recording are combined to become their next (double) album, called Status Quo Live! to be released in March the following year. December saw the release of the highly successful country-esque "Wild Side Of Life". 1977 saw the band work on what was to become the Rockin' All Over The World album. The same titled single was released and became an instant hit climbing to number 3 in the UK chart. In the following weeks the album was launched with very mixed reviews still reaching number 5 in the album charts. A massive 40 date UK tour obviously helped to promote the album!

Early 1978 and Quo find themselves in Holland recording material for their new album. An array of European dates are cancelled due to Rick Parfitt being diagnosed with arthritis. "Again and Again" is released by Vertigo and becomes another hit. A few months later see their new album (If You Can't Stand The Heat) hit the record shops topping out at number 3 in the charts. Work already commences for the next album. They start the new year touring Germany. Later on a 24 date UK tour is announced but this is quickly extended to 33 dates. The single "Whatever You Want" is released hitting number 4. The album of the same name is released shortly afterwards reaching number 3. The softer and different "Living On An Island" follows up rather successfully.

1980 and Quo are now back in the studio recording more material. This material becomes two albums (Just Supposin' & Never Too Late) with the later being released the following year. The massive single "What You're Proposing" climbs to number 2 in the UK The album (Just Supposin') reaches number 4. Other singles include "Don't Drive My Car" and "Lies". Rick Parfitt suffers heartbreak when his two-year-old daughter is found drowned in the family's pool. The following year a total sell out UK tour commences. The cover of "Something 'Bout You Baby I Like" hits the UK singles charts giving the band yet another top 10 hit. Recorded the previous year, Never Too Late is released and reaches number 4. Yet another European tour goes ahead. The track "Rock 'n' Roll" from the Just Supposin' album is released as the new single topping out at number 8.

The band return to the studios to record material for the new album but after differences and arguments about the musical direction of the band, founder member John Coghlan decides to call it a day and is replaced by Pete Kircher on drums. Thus ending the era of the "Frantic Four". Three years later Status Quo announce their "End Of The Road Tour" which was, as the title suggested, meant to be their last tour.

The next year (1985) saw the band reform to open up the Live Aid event with the anthemic "Rockin' All Over The World", "Caroline" and the classic "Don't Waste My Time". This was the last time that founder member Alan Lancaster performed with the band. Status Quo returned in 1986 with a new line-up; Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, John "Rhino" Edwards (bass), Jeff Rich (drums) and Andy Bown but that's another story...