Status Quo get fans to rock all over Quarry

Status Quo had their fans rocking all over Shrewsbury's Quarry as they entertained a crowd of about 7,000 people with a selection of their greatest hits.

Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt and company took to the stage in Shrewsbury just after 9pm yesterday.

They got the crowd immediately on its feet and dancing to the band's 1973 hit Caroline.

Over the course of a set lasting for about an hour and a half, the group rocked their way through many of their best loved tracks, interspersed with more recent songs from their latest album Quid Pro Quo.

The band saved some of their most well-known songs for the end of the gig, getting the crowd bouncing up and down and singing their hearts out to Down Down, Whatever You Want and set closer Rockin' All Over the World.

They returned to the stage for a short encore, playing rock 'n' roll music before the night was rounded off with a firework display, which lit up the skies over Shrewsbury.

Earlier in the evening, fans of 1970s rock were given an additional treat as 10cc gave a crowd-pleasing performance as the main support act to Status Quo.

They warmed up revellers with renditions of hits such as Donna, The Things We Do For Love and I'm Not in Love.

And they delighted the locals among the crowd by changing the lyrics of Dreadlock Holiday to "I don't like Shrewsbury, I love it".

The concert went down well among the thousands who packed the park for the concert and were delighted to see Status Quo in town.

Sue and Dave Coles, from Telford, were among the first to join the queues outside the gates in the early afternoon and made their way to the front of the audience to get the best possible view of the acts.

"We travelled up by train and were walking through the Quarry at 2.30pm and then we went for a bite to eat, but we were eighth in the queue when we came back," said Mrs Coles.

"This is the second time we have seen Status Quo. We saw them 25 years ago when they were supporting Rod Stewart. I didn't think we would see them playing in Shropshire and we have had our tickets since January.

"It is a great atmosphere and everybody is so friendly."

Mr Coles said: "Everyone is here for a good time.

"We might all be getting older but it is a very good age group."

They were joined at the front of the audience by Rose and Shian Cryer, a mother and daughter from Ellesmere, who described themselves as massive fans of Status Quo, were also delighted to see the band in town

Rose said she had seen the band ten times, while her daughter had watched them perform live on two occasions.

"It's nice to have them in Shropshire. I haven't seen them for three years, but last time I was down right at the front as well," she said.

Shian added: "They get better with age and their new album is absolutely great." Others further back in the crowd said they were focusing on having a good time at the Quarry concert.

Brian Davies, whose group of friends from Shropshire and Aberystwyth had come along with a picnic, dining table, chairs and even a gazebo, said they were up for a good time.

"We are pretty well prepared, Whatever the weather, we will have a good time," he said.

Meanwhile, Judy Whittaker from Bridgnorth, said she hoped more big names would be coming to Shropshire soon.

"I hope to see a few more gigs like this in Shrewsbury. I think it is terrific.," she added.

Steve Woodman from Castlefields, who came to the gig dressed in a purple wig, and said he regularly goes to live music events in Shrewsbury added: "I attend the folk festival each year.

"I have a respectable job but things like this are a chance to let my hair down."

Mr Woodman said he hoped council officials would look to put on more live music events in the town in future.