DVD Review: STATUS QUO – Aquostic! Live At The Roundhouse

April 8th, 2015 by david.wilson

earMUSIC [Release date 13.04.15]

I am sure that Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt would be the first to admit that they are not as young as they once were. At this point in their career it would be easy to bang out the hits at a few summer shows and do the traditional pre-Christmas round and take things a bit easier.

This, however, is not the way Rossi and Parfitt operate and instead of slowing the pace the dynamic duo have been busier than ever over the last couple of years with the Frantic Four shows and the release of the ‘Aquostic’ album.

The idea behind the ‘Aquostic’ album was to strip back many of the band’s classic hits and reinvent them in an unplugged style. The album was well received by fans and press alike, except possibly the nude picture on the cover which was not for the faint of heart! It also provided Quo with their highest chart placing in 18 years.

The next natural step was to take the album into the live arena and, with support from BBC Radio 2, a one off show was planned at the Roundhouse in London the results of which are presented here, thankfully with clothing firmly in place.

Opening with ‘And It’s Better Now’ you quickly get the feeling that this was a special night. You also notice how crowded the stage was with a total of 16 musicians on stage including a string section, percussion, and accordion player. Oh, and the band themselves with the addition of Freddie Edwards, son of bass player John ‘Rhino’ Edwards, on guitar.

Over the course of the 25 songs included in the set there are numbers which are played almost straight such as ‘Caroline’ and ‘Down Down’ but for me it is the songs which have been adapted and rearranged that are the real stars of the show.

‘Again and Again’ has a new Cajun swing to it and ‘Rollin’ Home’ has a smattering of both country and western in the mix. Others like ‘Pictures Of Matchstick Men’, Rock ‘n’ Roll’ and ‘Rock ‘til You Drop’ take on a whole new persona with the string section working their magic on these quieter numbers.

Parfitt’s vocals may not be the best these days and there is the odd number which doesn’t quite gel but overall this is a fantastic record of a memorable gig. ‘Aquostic’ was a project which the band didn’t need to undertake, and for one long term Quo fan I know it proved to be a step too far, but on this evidence it was more than worthwhile.

Status Quo have proved that even old dogs can learn new tricks and with a 6 date ‘Aquostic’ tour planned they show no signs of slowing down soon. It would appear that ‘Rock ‘til You Drop’ is more than a song, it’s the Quo mission statement. ****

Review by David Wilson

Gig review (The Roundhouse, October 2014)

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 2 March 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)
RED GIANT Free Me (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.