The Status Quo frontman Francis Rossi celebrates 75 today
Throughout the 1970s, Status Quo became known for their hard-driving, boogie rock sound, with Rossi’s guitar work at the forefront
The Status Quo frontman Francis Rossi celebrates 75 today
The co-founder, frontman and lead guitarist of the iconic rock band Status Quo, Francis Rossi, was born on May 29, 1949, in Forest Hill, London, England. Renowned for his distinctive guitar riffs and energetic performances, Rossi has been a central figure in the rock music scene for over five decades.
Francis Rossi’s musical career began in the early 1960s when he formed a band called The Spectres with his school friend Alan Lancaster. The band went through several name changes and musical styles before eventually becoming Status Quo in 1967. They achieved their first major hit with the psychedelic-tinged single “Pictures of Matchstick Men” in 1968, which reached the top ten in the UK and the US. During their early years the band also released “Down the Dustpipe” (1970), “Paper Plane” (1972) a top ten hit in the UK and “Piledriver” (1972) their first album to break into the UK top ten.
Throughout the 1970s, Status Quo became known for their hard-driving, boogie rock sound, with Rossi’s guitar work at the forefront. The band’s relentless touring and consistent release of hit albums solidified their reputation as one of the UK’s premier rock acts. In the 1980s and 1990s, Status Quo continued to enjoy success with hits like “Whatever You Want, “Rockin All Over The World” and “In the Army Now”. They also performed on Live Aid in 1985 and Rossi’s songwriting and leadership kept the band relevant in the changing music landscape. Despite lineup changes and evolving musical trends, Rossi’s dedication to the band’s core sound remained steadfast.
The band also released the albums “Rock ’til You Drop” (1991) and “Heavy Traffic” (2002) which marked a return to their classic sound. Francis Rossi continues to perform and record with Status Quo, as well as pursuing solo projects. In 2019, he released his autobiography, “I Talk Too Much,” providing fans with an in-depth look at his life and career. He also released a solo album, “We Talk Too Much,” showcasing his versatility as a musician.
Francis Rossi has been married twice and has eight children. He is known for his candid and humorous personality, often sharing stories from his lengthy career in music. Rossi’s personal interests include gardening and maintaining his extensive collection of guitars. Despite the challenges and changes in the music industry, he remains passionate about performing and creating music.
Look back at the music video for one of Status Quo’s biggest hits “Rockin All Over The World”
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