home

Status Quo : Sherwood Pines, 13th June 2003

REVIEW

Sunday 22nd June 2003


This was the first time that I had been to a gig at Sherwood Pines. Most people have probably never heard of the venue, but to my pleasant surprise this outdoor venue is a great place to host a gig. There was plenty of room in the venue for you to sit down and spread yourself out without being in constant fear of hitting someone else, it didn't matter where you stood or sat, you could see the stage from everywhere.



A band called Little Egypt opened the night's proceedings, their songs are very well crafted and although it is too early to say if they will be setting the world ablaze with their music, they will certainly be a band to keep a close eye on in the near future.



The stage was then set up for Status Quo's imminent appearance on stage, equipped as usual with a back wall of amps. Once everything was set on stage, their intro of traffic getting louder and louder started to be belted out over the PA system, the intro was that loud that it was creating a nasty thudding effect against my chest causing everything to rattle inside my chest, make no mistake about it, this was going to be a loud gig.



They arrived on stage to a heroes welcome, the audience ecstatic to see their favourite band on stage. They opened the set with 'Caroline' and for a band that has been around such a long time; they still seem to have the energy and passion of a much younger band.



Without hesitation they kicked straight into 'The Wanderer' and just ploughed through hit after hit after hit. They saved all their golden oldies until the end of their set, but that didn’t seem to matter, all of their songs just flowed so well that the audience never had a chance to get bored.



I personally would love to know how and where they get the energy to keep on ploughing through their songs at supersonic speed. This gig was fantastic; Rick and Francis seem to have more energy now than they have ever had on any previous tours. They are the most down to earth and unpretentious rock band that I have had the pleasure of seeing. The time just flew by whilst watching Status Quo. Would I go and see these live again - hell yes, without a doubt!



review by Luke Seagrave
photos by Luke Seagrave