They began as a rock and roll freakbeat band called The Spectres. By 1967, with very little commercial success, they discovered psychedelia and changed their name to Traffic (later Traffic Jam, to avoid confusion with Steve Winwood's Traffic.) At this time the line-up also included organist Roy Lynes and drummer John Coghlan. Late in 1967 they recruited second guitarist Rick Parfitt and became The Status Quo, scoring Top 10 singles with Pictures Of Matchstick Men and Ice in The Sun. "Pictures of Matchstick Men" remains the only Top 40 hit single the group has ever charted in the United States. They have never achieved the same level of success there, that they have enjoyed in their home country.
After their second album Spare Parts they decided to change into a heavy boogie rock band. During the seventies they became one of the UK's leading rock bands, gaining a faithful following due to their excellent live gigs. They showed a great amount of energy during this decade and in the early 80s. They and are best known for songs from this era such as Paper Plane (1972), Caroline (1973), Down Down (1975), John Fogerty's Rockin' All Over The World (1977) and Whatever You Want (1979). Down Down topped the UK charts in January 1975 (their only British No. 1 single to date).
Lynes left in 1971, to be replaced initially by guest keyboard players on album, including Jimmy Horowitz and John Parker, and later on a more permanent basis on record and stage by ex-The Herd and Judas Jump member Andy Bown, though as he was contracted as a solo artist with EMI, he was not credited as a full-time member until 1982. Coghlan left in late 1981, to be replaced by Pete Kircher from 1960s band Honeybus. This short-lived lineup played its last gig in 1984 at the Milton Keynes Bowl, and reformed briefly to open the Live Aid charity event at Wembley in July 1985.
That year Rossi recorded and released two solo singles with longtime writing partner Bernie Frost. Parfitt was also working on a solo album which is still unreleased, although some tracks have been re-recorded by Status Quo and released as 'B' sides. Bass player John Edwards and drummer Jeff Rich, both ex-Judie Tzuke Band and Climax Blues Band, assisted Parfitt in the studio.
In the summer of 1985 Rossi, Parfitt and Bown, along with Edwards and Rich started work on a new album. Lancaster, who was living in Australia at the time, took out a legal injunction to stop the band using the Status Quo name on any records. The injunction was lifted after a court hearing in January 1986. Lancaster had had increasing musical differences with the group, notably during the sessions for the 1983 album Back to Back over two tracks which became hit singles for the group around that time. He had written Ol' Rag Blues, but was angered when the producers chose to release a version with Rossi singing lead vocal in preference to the one sung by himself, and he objected to Marguerita Time, which he thought unduly corny and too pop-oriented for them. He remained in Australia, forming a band called Party Boys, who had no success in Britain.
The commercially successful In The Army Now album was released in 1986, and the band continues to this day with the revised personnel. Rich left in 2000 and was replaced by Matthew Letley. Andrew Bown took a year off at the same time for family reasons and was replaced on stage by Paul Hirsh, formerly of Voyager.
According to Songfacts.com, Quo's 29th studio album, Quid Pro Quo, was released in a deluxe format exclusively at Tesco on 30 May 2011. The regular edition was released elsewhere a week later on 7th June. The LP debuted at #10 in the UK charts, the band's best chart placing for an original album since Don't Stop peaked at #2 in 1996.
Although Quo still release new material every few years, recent years have seen them release a series of greatest hits compilations and covers albums. One of the band's most recent original albums, Heavy Traffic, shows a return to classic form not seen since the late 1970s.
Status Quo have often been characterized, perhaps unfairly, as producing very simple songs, always in the same format: 4/4 rhythm, three chord structure. However, the recordings from their first decade demonstrate a diversity in musical style and complexity to rival most of the late 60s UK bands, and several of their singles and album tracks from later show considerable subtlety, not least the mainly acoustic 1979 single Living On An Island, and the 1980 album track, later a single, Rock'n'Roll, which is ironically one of the least rock'n'roll-like songs they have ever recorded.
They have a loyal group of fans in the United Kingdom, where they have enjoyed more hits than any other group in rock and roll history (over 60 as of mid-2005), as well as a big following in Europe, notably in The Netherlands.
In September 2005 a contestant on the long-running BBC television quiz programme Mastermind chose Status Quo as his specialist subject. That same year they took part in the long running ITV soap opera Coronation Street in a storyline which involved them being sued by the layabout Les Battersby.
In December 2005 it was announced that Parfitt was undergoing tests for throat cancer. All subsequent dates of the UK tour were cancelled as a result. However on 20th December it was further announced that the growths found in Parfitt's throat were benign and had been removed.
Quo have even been the subject of a Doctoral Thesis, purporting to demonstrate that their music composition skills could be favourably compared to the likes of the classical music composers, such as Beethoven!
In Autumn 2008 German techno legend Scooter released new single Jump that rock together with Status Quo.
On 1 February 2016, it was officially announced that Status Quo, in addition to the spring and summer dates already scheduled, would tour Europe starting in October. The final dates would take place in the UK towards the end of the year, after which the group would retire from playing 'electric' tours.
On 28 October 2016, Rick Parfitt permanently retired from live performances after suffering a heart attack earlier the same year. On 24 December 2017, he died in hospital in Marbella, Spain as a result of severe infection, after suffering an injury to his shoulder. Parfitt's funeral was held at Woking Crematorium on 19 January 2017. Irish guitarist Richie Malone, who had substituted for Parfitt during some 2016 live shows, took his place on rhythm guitar.
Famous In The Last Century
Status Quo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Famous in the last century
The last century
Famous in the last century
Night and day
Fire and rain
All the laughter and the pain
Of the last century
The last century
Famous in the last century
Famous in the last century
The last century
Famous in the last century
The last century
The lyrics to Status Quo's "Famous In The Last Century" are a nostalgic contemplation of the popular culture and music that defined the previous century. The song's repeated refrain, "Famous in the last century," reinforces the idea that the events and trends of the last 100 years have now become the stuff of history, memory, and legend.
The lyrics mention a variety of iconic music and cultural moments from the past, ranging from Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" and the Beatles' "Penny Lane" to more abstract themes like "fire and rain" and the contrasting emotions of "laughter and pain." The song is a tribute to the enduring impact of popular culture on collective memory and nostalgia.
Overall, the lyrics serve as a fitting tribute to a century of cultural significance, suggesting that even as time marches inexorably forward, the legacy of the past remains deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness.
Line by Line Meaning
Famous in the last century
It's a tribute to the iconic people who were famous in the last century and have left an indelible mark on the world.
The last century
Referring to the 20th century, which was marked by unprecedented progress and innovation in various fields.
Night and day
Whether it was the darkest of times or the brightest, the people who achieved fame in the last century endured it all.
Fire and rain
The line is a reference to James Taylor's song and represents the struggles and triumphs that people had to go through to achieve fame.
Jailhouse rock and penny lane
An allusion to Elvis Presley's Jailhouse Rock and The Beatles' Penny Lane, two iconic songs that defined the music of the last century.
All the laughter and the pain
Fame comes with both joy and sorrow. These people experienced both, but they still managed to make a difference and become famous.
Famous in the last century
A repetition of the first line to emphasize that these people were truly remarkable and deserve to be remembered.
The last century
A reminder that their fame was not just limited to their time but has lasted beyond it and will continue to do so.
Famous in the last century
Another repetition of the first line to drive home the point that these people were truly special and left an undeniable legacy.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alan Strom
Famous in the Last Century is the twenty-fourth studio album by British rock band Status Quo, released in 2000 to largely negative reviews.[citation needed] According to the band's autobiography, the idea to record it came from manager David Walker, who said they should celebrate the millennium with an album containing twenty of their favourite hits from the past century. "Another bloody covers album!" grumbled Francis Rossi. "We went along with it, as usual, but inside I felt like a fraud... for me it was the worst Quo album there had ever been - or ever will be!"[2]
"We didn't wanna do it," Rossi said, "but it sold. I don't think we'll do another one."[3] However, 2003's Riffs was another covers collection.
Famous in the Last Century reached No.19 on the UK Albums Chart, a better position than the previous Quo album of mainly original material, Under the Influence. Two singles from it – "Mony Mony" and "Old Time Rock and Roll" – were minor hits.
Jeff Rich left the band after recording this album and was replaced by Matt Letley.
A DVD of the same name and featuring the same songs was filmed at the Shepherd's Bush Empire on 27 March 2000. This performance is mimed but they did a live gig after the album tracks were mimed but no video footage has ever been released. A few live tracks were b sides taken from this performance
Alan Strom
Francis says some very strange and odd things about THE QUO.
" for me it was the worst Quo album there had ever been - or ever will be!"[2]
Every track on FITLCentury is a personal favourite of mine.
It's uncanny that QUO's fave songs are mine as well. We have an affinity.
Once again, no Francis, you are wrong, PERFECT REMEDY is the worst album QUO have ever recorded.
When I spoke with Alan Lancaster at a gig in Sydney in the early 90's , he scoffed when he said
" They're playing Country now " Then we shared a scooby with John Brewster from The Angels.
John and Alan were in THE LANCASTER BOMBERS, a great hard rock band.
One of the major reasons that Alan left the band he formed with Francis, was the horrible and revolting
" Marguerita Time " in 1983. A terrible Country song.
DON'T STOP another Covers album, leaves a lot to be desired, in other words, it's not very good.
When I told Francis in 2003 that I had all the albums except DON'T STOP,
quick as a flash he said " Don't bother "
Then he signed my copy of " HEAVY TRAFFIC " which is one of the best Rock albums in history!!!!!!!!
This album made the Australian Top 50 albums chart without any airplay.
Alan Strom
Famous in the Last Century
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Famous in the Last Century is the twenty-fourth studio album by British rock band Status Quo, released in 2000 to largely negative reviews.[citation needed]
One of those NEGATIVE REVIEWS was from Francis Dominic Michael Rossi.
" for me it was the worst Quo album there had ever been - or ever will be!"[2]
As one of QUO's most ardent fans I say WTF, on what grounds can Mike Frame Rossi ( LOL ) say that!!!!!
It is an outstanding and brilliant covers album.
The only drawback is that their Record company chose the wrong songs as Singles.
It's not the first time they've chosen 2nd or 3rd rate songs as Singles.
GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY is an awesome rendition and I'm sure Rick Parfitt would've agreed that it's one of his best recordings.
Francis' vocal delivery on CRAWLING FROM THE WRECKAGE would've had Graham Parker delighted and exuberantly excited, jumping up and down in his lounge room.
Blues Legend Robert Johnson had no idea that he'd written SWEET HOME CHICAGO for a Rock band to record in 70 years time. It is superb.
ROCKIN' ME is beautifully understated and played at a pace that sounds like it could fall apart at any second. I love it.
How can Rossi say that he doesn't like the album when you hear him singing WAY DOWN by ELVIS
or RAVE ON by his hero BUDDY HOLLY!!!
Rossi does some of his best singing ever on CLAUDETTE.
Pull the other one Francis, this is an awesome album.
Don't get me started on RIFFS, it's even better!!!!!!
Alan Strom
Famous in the Last Century
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Famous in the Last Century is the twenty-fourth studio album by British rock band Status Quo, released in 2000 to largely negative reviews.[citation needed]
One of those NEGATIVE REVIEWS was from Francis Dominic Michael Rossi.
" for me it was the worst Quo album there had ever been - or ever will be!"[2]
As one of QUO's most ardent fans I say WTF, on what grounds can Mike Frame Rossi ( LOL ) say that!!!!!
It is an outstanding and brilliant covers album.
The only drawback is that their Record company chose the wrong songs as Singles.
It's not the first time they've chosen 2nd or 3rd rate songs as Singles.
GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY is an awesome rendition and I'm sure Rick Parfitt would've agreed that it's one of his best recordings.
Francis' vocal delivery on CRAWLING FROM THE WRECKAGE would've had Graham Parker delighted and exuberantly excited, jumping up and down in his lounge room.
Blues Legend Robert Johnson had no idea that he'd written SWEET HOME CHICAGO for a Rock band to record in 70 years time. It is superb.
ROCKIN' ME is beautifully understated and played at a pace that sounds like it could fall apart at any second. I love it.
How can Rossi say that he doesn't like the album when you hear him singing WAY DOWN by ELVIS
or RAVE ON by his hero BUDDY HOLLY!!!
Rossi does some of his best singing ever on CLAUDETTE.
Pull the other one Francis, this is an awesome album.
Don't get me started on RIFFS, it's even better!!!!!!
Alan Strom
Status Quo; Rock 'til You Drop, Documentary 1991 -Len Carey said -" To me Jeff Rich was the best drummer they ever had. "
Len, that is a matter of personal and subjective opinion.
Objectively, John ' Spud ' Coghlan is the best Drummer that Status Quo ever had.
Then Matt Letley was the 2nd best Drummer.
If I was given the opportunity to play Drums with my favourite and best Rock band in history, then I would've been QUO's 2nd best Drummer.
I'm awesome, plus I play all the fills and cymbal crashes that the other QUO Drummers left out.
Great Drummers have great memories and are able to repeat everything.
Most Drummers chronicle the history of bands they play in.
In contrast to 'popular' belief, Drummers are usually the most intelligent members of Rock bands. We see and hear everything.
Jeff was proficient not exceptional as a Drummer.
Jeff left the band after recording Famous in the Last Century in 2000
He did a very good job on this album, in fact I think he was the best Drummer for these songs.
Apart from me of course!!!
LOL!!!!!!!
Go the mighty QUO!!!!!!!!
Rock on Len.
My love to all QUO fans worldwide, we are the most special fans in music history
Alan Strom
Status Quo; Rock 'til You Drop, Documentary 1991 -Len Carey said -" To me Jeff Rich was the best drummer they ever had. "
Len, that is a matter of personal and subjective opinion.
Objectively, John ' Spud ' Coghlan is the best Drummer that Status Quo ever had.
Then Matt Letley was the 2nd best Drummer.
If I was given the opportunity to play Drums with my favourite and best Rock band in history, then I would've been QUO's 2nd best Drummer.
I'm awesome, plus I play all the fills and cymbal crashes that the other QUO Drummers left out.
Great Drummers have great memories and are able to repeat everything.
Most Drummers chronicle the history of bands they play in.
In contrast to 'popular' belief, Drummers are usually the most intelligent members of Rock bands. We see and hear everything.
Jeff was proficient not exceptional as a Drummer.
Jeff left the band after recording Famous in the Last Century in 2000
He did a very good job on this album, in fact I think he was the best Drummer for these songs.
Apart from me of course!!!
LOL!!!!!!!
Go the mighty QUO!!!!!!!!
Rock on Len.
My love to all QUO fans worldwide, we are the most special fans in music history
Alan Strom
Status Quo; Rock 'til You Drop, Documentary 1991 -
Len Carey said -" To me Jeff Rich was the best drummer they ever had. "
Len, that is a matter of personal and subjective opinion.
Objectively, John ' Spud ' Coghlan is the best Drummer that Status Quo ever had.
Then Matt Letley was the 2nd best Drummer.
If I was given the opportunity to play Drums with my favourite and best Rock band in history, then I would've been QUO's 2nd best Drummer.
I'm awesome, plus I play all the fills and cymbal crashes that the other QUO Drummers left out.
Great Drummers have great memories and are able to repeat everything.
Most Drummers chronicle the history of bands they play in.
In contrast to 'popular' belief, Drummers are usually the most intelligent members of Rock bands. We see and hear everything.
Jeff was proficient not exceptional as a Drummer.
Jeff left the band after recording Famous in the Last Century in 2000
He did a very good job on this album, in fact I think he was the best Drummer for these songs.
Apart from me of course!!!
LOL!!!!!!!
Go the mighty QUO!!!!!!!!
Rock on Len.
My love to all QUO fans worldwide, we are the most special fans in music history
charles johnson
Now boys and girls, this is real rock and roll. Some of their songs date back to 1950's and 1960's. The album was released in 2000. I have to listen to them all the time during the virus. I have enjoyed songs from my childhood......
Paw X Paw
Always makes me feel good when listening to Quo.. Ever since mid 80s when I discovered them.. First album ever purchased was Just Supposing.. Got them all now. Andy Bown plays keyboards, guitar and mouth organ... No end to his talents..
Louise Leese
Best band in the world ever!
Ignition [FR] n2
0:10 - Famous in the last century
1:15 - Old time rock'n'roll
4:25 - Way down
Alan Strom
That's right Charles.
Now boys and girls if you could sit quietly in awe of these musicians.
You can clap and nod your heads in time with the 12 Bar Rock n Blues.
If it sounds a little familiar to you it's because these are the guitarists that invented this type of music and other people have copied them.
OK, let's Rock kids.
Alan Strom
Famous in the Last Century is the twenty-fourth studio album by British rock band Status Quo, released in 2000 to largely negative reviews.[citation needed] According to the band's autobiography, the idea to record it came from manager David Walker, who said they should celebrate the millennium with an album containing twenty of their favourite hits from the past century. "Another bloody covers album!" grumbled Francis Rossi. "We went along with it, as usual, but inside I felt like a fraud... for me it was the worst Quo album there had ever been - or ever will be!"[2]
"We didn't wanna do it," Rossi said, "but it sold. I don't think we'll do another one."[3] However, 2003's Riffs was another covers collection.
Famous in the Last Century reached No.19 on the UK Albums Chart, a better position than the previous Quo album of mainly original material, Under the Influence. Two singles from it – "Mony Mony" and "Old Time Rock and Roll" – were minor hits.
Jeff Rich left the band after recording this album and was replaced by Matt Letley.
A DVD of the same name and featuring the same songs was filmed at the Shepherd's Bush Empire on 27 March 2000. This performance is mimed but they did a live gig after the album tracks were mimed but no video footage has ever been released. A few live tracks were b sides taken from this performance
Elisabeth Axelsson
I love old times rock and roll , this 50.60,s rock is that i grew up White i was born in 1956
Alan Strom
Francis says some very strange and odd things about THE QUO.
" for me it was the worst Quo album there had ever been - or ever will be!"[2]
Every track on FITLCentury is a personal favourite of mine.
It's uncanny that QUO's fave songs are mine as well. We have an affinity.
Once again, no Francis, you are wrong, PERFECT REMEDY is the worst album QUO have ever recorded.
When I spoke with Alan Lancaster at a gig in Sydney in the early 90's , he scoffed when he said
" They're playing Country now " Then we shared a scooby with John Brewster from The Angels.
John and Alan were in THE LANCASTER BOMBERS, a great hard rock band.
One of the major reasons that Alan left the band he formed with Francis, was the horrible and revolting
" Marguerita Time " in 1983. A terrible Country song.
DON'T STOP another Covers album, leaves a lot to be desired, in other words, it's not very good.
When I told Francis in 2003 that I had all the albums except DON'T STOP,
quick as a flash he said " Don't bother "
Then he signed my copy of " HEAVY TRAFFIC " which is one of the best Rock albums in history!!!!!!!!
This album made the Australian Top 50 albums chart without any airplay.
clifford lee
Alan you critique Marguerita Time in haste, just like The Party Ain’t Over Yet, they are feel good songs/tunes.
Just, sometimes you have to take your foot off the gas and chill, they aren’t soo bad.
Alan Strom
Famous in the Last Century
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Famous in the Last Century is the twenty-fourth studio album by British rock band Status Quo, released in 2000 to largely negative reviews.[citation needed]
One of those NEGATIVE REVIEWS was from Francis Dominic Michael Rossi.
" for me it was the worst Quo album there had ever been - or ever will be!"[2]
As one of QUO's most ardent fans I say WTF, on what grounds can Mike Frame Rossi ( LOL ) say that!!!!!
It is an outstanding and brilliant covers album.
The only drawback is that their Record company chose the wrong songs as Singles.
It's not the first time they've chosen 2nd or 3rd rate songs as Singles.
GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY is an awesome rendition and I'm sure Rick Parfitt would've agreed that it's one of his best recordings.
Francis' vocal delivery on CRAWLING FROM THE WRECKAGE would've had Graham Parker delighted and exuberantly excited, jumping up and down in his lounge room.
Blues Legend Robert Johnson had no idea that he'd written SWEET HOME CHICAGO for a Rock band to record in 70 years time. It is superb.
ROCKIN' ME is beautifully understated and played at a pace that sounds like it could fall apart at any second. I love it.
How can Rossi say that he doesn't like the album when you hear him singing WAY DOWN by ELVIS
or RAVE ON by his hero BUDDY HOLLY!!!
Rossi does some of his best singing ever on CLAUDETTE.
Pull the other one Francis, this is an awesome album.
Don't get me started on RIFFS, it's even better!!!!!!