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.
Tune to the Music
Status Quo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I guess I'm dying, going on my way.
I know there's something, something's going wrong now
There's no tune to the music
My eyes are burning, can't nobody hear me?
My head is turning, need somebody near me
But since you wonder, everything is so wrong
The sounds are ringing, emptiness is all mine.
Nobody bringing things to make me feel fine
I know there's something, something's going wrong now
There's no tune to the music
Excuse me crying, can't you hear what I'm saying?
I guess I'm dying, going on my way.
I know there's something, something's going wrong now
There's no tune to the music, no words to my song
The lyrics to Status Quo's song "Tune to the Music" are about feeling lost, alone, and disconnected from the world. The singer is crying out for help, but nobody seems to be listening, and they feel like they are dying or going crazy. They are searching for something to uplift them and give them hope, but all they hear is emptiness and despair. There is no "tune" to the music, no rhythm or harmony that can guide them through their pain.
The song captures the feeling of being adrift in a world that doesn't understand you, and the frustration of trying to communicate your needs and emotions to others. It's a powerful statement about the importance of connection and community, and the ways in which we can all help each other to find our way back to a place of hope and healing.
Overall, "Tune to the Music" is a moving and introspective song that speaks to the human need for support and understanding. It reminds us that we are all connected, and that even in our darkest moments, we can find hope and strength by reaching out to others.
Line by Line Meaning
Excuse me crying, can't you hear what I'm saying?
I am emotionally distressed and seeking help, but nobody is responding.
I guess I'm dying, going on my way.
I feel lost and hopeless, like I'm slowly fading away.
I know there's something, something's going wrong now
I am aware that things aren't okay, but I can't quite put my finger on why.
There's no tune to the music
Life feels empty and meaningless. There's no joy or pleasure to be found.
My eyes are burning, can't nobody hear me?
I am in pain and feel like I'm screaming out for help, but no one is listening.
My head is turning, need somebody near me
I am feeling overwhelmed and crave connection and support from others.
But since you wonder, everything is so wrong
Despite outward appearances, everything inside me feels like it's falling apart.
The sounds are ringing, emptiness is all mine.
Even though there may be noise around me, I feel a deep sense of emptiness and loneliness.
Nobody bringing things to make me feel fine
There is no one present to comfort or uplift me during this difficult time.
There's no tune to the music
Life feels devoid of any joy or pleasure, and nothing seems to be in harmony.
No words to my song
I am struggling to express myself and communicate my internal struggles to others.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: FRANCIS DOMINIC MICHAEL NICOLA ROSSI, ROBERT KEITH YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alan Strom
Yes, I agree, though you'd have to ask ROSSI.
I have observed this Animal called STATUS QUO since 1968, when I heard Matchstickmen.
Up until 1981 they could do 'no wrong'
Then SPUD heard the rubbish they were rehearsing for the 1982 album, and he rightly so, kicked the crap out of his Drum Kit.
If it wasn't for the need for money and record contractual obligations, I think NUFF & REG would've left as well.
1983's BACK-to-BACK album has 2 good Rock songs on it, the rest is a disgusting joke, same as 1982, it had 2 good Rock tracks.
TUNE TO THE MUSIC has always been a favourite of mine.
The ANTI- QUO's vocals on this song are very cruisy and laid back.
It is a real shame that The ANTI-QUO has such a strange and weird personality disorder.
It was created from excessive use of Cocaine.
I think most of us are aware of this by now.
It is hard to believe that one of the best and greatest Guitarists and Singers in music history could bring his reputation and STATUS QUO's into disrepute, by recording the disgusting and revolting " Marguerita Time "
Sure, the song went to #3 on UK Charts, that's because the people that bought it, weren't STATUS QUO supporters.
It has always been my correct opinion that any song that doesn't reflect the true essence of STATUS QUO, should be recorded under another name.
Rossi/Frost have written & recorded some bloody awful songs that should never have been on QUO albums.
The Judge that allowed Rossi & Parfitt to continue using the name STATUS QUO should've been disbarred.
Most of the albums recorded in the 80's/ 90's were an embarrassment to Lancaster/Coghlan and the faithful QUO Army.
ROSSI should've had the manners & decency to record his non-Quo songs separately.
His ego and arrogance prevented this from occurring
.
Francis' ego and arrogance led him to re-record QUO songs with his Guitar much higher in the Mix.
" Down The Dustpipe " has the Guitars mixed very low in the original 1970 version.
That is what makes the tune so great.
" Down The Dustpipe " is the music epiphany I had as a 9 yr old.
To cut this short, Rossi drove THE QUO off the road into a ditch.........
ALAN LANCASTER IS MY FAVOURITE QUO MEMBER.
colin tapp
If John isn't careful he's going to hit that drum.
Alan Strom
If Radio had given this song the airplay it deserved then it would've been a Hit record
Riki Cavalo
Con la misma antigüedad de los Rolling! Eso es todo!
colin tapp
Good to see the boys with nice new guitars
Tschunasun
Quo was still quo - super good! After the single "Rain", the last super good single at the beginning of 76, they were just a bad mainstream band
Andy Roo
Rossi air singing!!
rockerbox1973
why dont quo make songs like this anymore,you know,rock n roll!
Alan Strom
Yes, I agree, though you'd have to ask ROSSI.
I have observed this Animal called STATUS QUO since 1968, when I heard Matchstickmen.
Up until 1981 they could do 'no wrong'
Then SPUD heard the rubbish they were rehearsing for the 1982 album, and he rightly so, kicked the crap out of his Drum Kit.
If it wasn't for the need for money and record contractual obligations, I think NUFF & REG would've left as well.
1983's BACK-to-BACK album has 2 good Rock songs on it, the rest is a disgusting joke, same as 1982, it had 2 good Rock tracks.
TUNE TO THE MUSIC has always been a favourite of mine.
The ANTI- QUO's vocals on this song are very cruisy and laid back.
It is a real shame that The ANTI-QUO has such a strange and weird personality disorder.
It was created from excessive use of Cocaine.
I think most of us are aware of this by now.
It is hard to believe that one of the best and greatest Guitarists and Singers in music history could bring his reputation and STATUS QUO's into disrepute, by recording the disgusting and revolting " Marguerita Time "
Sure, the song went to #3 on UK Charts, that's because the people that bought it, weren't STATUS QUO supporters.
It has always been my correct opinion that any song that doesn't reflect the true essence of STATUS QUO, should be recorded under another name.
Rossi/Frost have written & recorded some bloody awful songs that should never have been on QUO albums.
The Judge that allowed Rossi & Parfitt to continue using the name STATUS QUO should've been disbarred.
Most of the albums recorded in the 80's/ 90's were an embarrassment to Lancaster/Coghlan and the faithful QUO Army.
ROSSI should've had the manners & decency to record his non-Quo songs separately.
His ego and arrogance prevented this from occurring
.
Francis' ego and arrogance led him to re-record QUO songs with his Guitar much higher in the Mix.
" Down The Dustpipe " has the Guitars mixed very low in the original 1970 version.
That is what makes the tune so great.
" Down The Dustpipe " is the music epiphany I had as a 9 yr old.
To cut this short, Rossi drove THE QUO off the road into a ditch.........
ALAN LANCASTER IS MY FAVOURITE QUO MEMBER.
telesanchez
John seems really invested.
Frank Martin
John Coghlan air-drumming :-)