Status Quo's Francis Rossi on how fame and alcohol caused a rift with Rick

[cyberzeroday]

My status Quo memory is an image that fans may appreciate. I was at the sound check in cork Ireland because my dad was employed as security so i tagged along. I reckon i was 11. I stood practically alone in front of the stage on a beautiful august morning . As francis and rick played a more slower tune i remember my gaze was focused on rick, as he played a big white butterfly circled directly in front of his mic and he seemed to step back in order to fully absorb the moment. I cant say i was a huge fan of the band however i did like the power of their bar chord, loud driving rhythm. After that day whenever i heard status q or heard the sad news about rick i would remember that image on that august day in ireland. Its not a bad one ;)

[kennymcclymont]

I met Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt in the First Class Lounge in Dubai. Both dressed like businessmen and both had tea and biscuits, despite the availability of free alcohol. I was amazed. They were polite and respectful to the staff and impeccably behaved. I was somewhat disappointed that these two legendary rockers hadn’t lived up to their “image” but as I said, impressed by everything about them as gentlemen.

[marksneddon]

So open. So. honest. So respectful.
Such a great interview.
You can hear and feel the love. X

[garrystubbs]

As a teenager in the 1970's, the first two songs I ever played with my first band in front of a live audience were 'Caroline' followed by 'Big Fat Mama'. Thank you Quo for that inspirational kick-start to my musical life !

[CarrigansGuitarClub]

I could listen to Rossi all day long...great tales from the he sometimes mentions his Irish roots)

[derekstocker]

Thank you so much for this, both legends, both fabulous guitarist's and what wonderful sounds they made with the band.
RIP Rick, so missed by so very many, but we can still listen to and love the sounds you guys made, thank you.

[Spoolz]

So sad to see what alcohol does to people. I loved those guys, they were a brilliant band, and they did a lot of good. RIP Rick.

[stevesheppardmusic]

I saw them first in 76, was amazing, little did I know back then, as a 19 year old rock fan, I would, some 40 odd years later, become friends with John Coghlan and get to meet up with another much missed man and bassist in Alan Lancaster, Quos music drove me forward and eventually become a radio presenter that hosts 2 rock shows and own my own radio station, as John Miles once sung, music was my first love and Quos music an integral part of who I am. Sadly I never got to meet Rick, although my kids did, but a big thanks to the Frantic 4, they always brought something special to the party, and always kept it real.

[brianf]

My claim to fame is I packed Rick Parfitts bags in a Safeway supermarket. Lovely chap.

[jxxnrxxi]

R.I.P. Rick, we miss you. Thanks for the memories.

[kevindilks]

Great interview so honest and open .Rick rest in peace.

[skyhigh]

A perfect example of how an individual's perception of themself is often very different to how others see you.

[TheHumbuckerboy]

It seems that there are always relationship / personality clashes within most bands. I have been in two gigging bands and some of the issues that arose hadn't entered my head before the actual experience of being in a band. And yes, there are people who actively try to turn band members against each other .

[-Xzoom-]

Status Quo has had their own sound. Rick has been the backbone of it. When there is no Rick, something is missing. Quite often it was Rick that started to play - and audience was just waiting him to generate the Quo feeling, before Francis joined with his own guitar. I have appreciated Rick highly for generating that sound & feeling.

[CLAelev]

“Pictures of Matchstick Men” is one of those “I remember where I was at the time” moments for me!

[KitchenFoyle]

I can’t imagine anyone looked at Ross and Parfitt and saw them as anything other than equals, as Francis clearly regarded them too. And I think he’s making an honest claim about the possibility of someone driving a wedge between them which may have led to Parfitt thinking he was second in the band and the drink probably fuelled that nonsense. But they were together until the end and for far longer than many a band with more ego and less talent so let’s be thankful for that.

[keithives]

Bought my first Quo album - Piledriver in 73. To me, simply, they are the greatest roll n roll band EVER !!

[cricketbat]

Saw Quo on stage only once, when 'Caroline' was in the charts. Great live band.

[Johnny-oyfh]

They were amazing...I'll never forget them...and always love them

[johnwilliams]

His talking the truth, seems so honest and sensible, Rick had not low self esteem but high self esteem, a common mistake made by people,