R.I.P. Rick Parfitt

[Jérôme Frenchise]

I thought somebody would mention late Quo guitar player's death last Xmas (at noon), but as nobody did (due to George Michael's...)...

Rick Parfitt, a founding member of Status Quo, died on Dec. 25th from a surgery wound infection on his shoulder, at the age of 68.

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2014/08/04/article-2715093-2039814C00000578-124_306x446.jpg

Parfitt was a phenomenal performer. And an inspired songwriter.
Backwater/Just take me, one of his co-written compositions:

https://youtu.be/Jo2mNl6VRs4

Status Quo is the oldest active rock band ex-aequo with the Stones (both established in 1962).

[Angel]

I don't think the Quo ever took off in the US. Their loss...

[twonabomber]

I remember they were the first act onstage at Live Aid and never really heard much about them after.

[FORD]

http://files.perspectiveszine.webnode.sk/200004170-91fe392c5b/Bandaid1984.jpg
Photo from the Band Aid session in 1984. George Michael on the left, Rick Parfitt on the right.

[Seshmeister]

I think they must hold the world record for most ridiculous bullshit farewell tour.

Theirs was in 1984 and they continued almost immediately for another 32 years...

[FORD]

I remember reading somewhere, several years ago, that Status Quo was the original "inspiration" for Spinal Tap. If so, it's great irony that the parody band was far more of a success in the US than the original was. I'm reasonably certain that "Pictures of Matchstick Men" is the only real hit Status Quo had on this side of the pond.