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Post by Tʰᵉ Wᵃˡˡ Oᶠ Dᵉᵃᵗʰ on Dec 27, 2016 1:33:57 GMT
Jeez, I'm a bloody grown man, yet I keep welling up everytime I think of Ricks passing. I'm not ashamed to say I've shed a tear or two over a guy I don't really know, but on the other hand I feel I did for most of my life like so many others did.
I thought he was bloody immortal, indestructible, unsinkable, the Titanic. Yes, he was a Titan. But strangely, when that BBC news alert popped up on my phone on Saturday afternoon I was in a way expecting it. Nevertheless, it still hit me like a swift kick in the 'nads and a punch to the gut. This was one of the four horsemen of the rockalypse, one of the Frantic Four. Quo. Real Quo. No shit. Oh shit.
I was brought up on rock music and Quo was a fundamental ingredient to this. One of my first memories of seeing music on TV was Rick with his open shirt and long blonde hair blowing in the breeze and Mystery Song. Of course I didn't know what it was about, I was 5! How iconic was it to me? Well the only other musical promo I can remember from a similar period is Queen with Bohemian Rhapsody several months before.
He travelled round the world in a rock-n-roll band
He stood there like a giant with a guitar in his hand
Everybody danced and sang and let the good times roll
Rick was one quarter of a manic marvel of a musical machine. I love Sabbath, Floyd, Hendrix and Rainbow to name a few but this was Quo, and Quo was much more than just music. It wasn't just a concoction of musical notes and singing, this was an emotion, a true feeling. Something I've never felt with a band before or since. Why? I have no idea. But sure to hell, Ricks rhythm guitar playing had a major part in it.
Quite a few years back I'd grown even more disillusioned with current Quo's output and even more so about many people's comments on the SQMB about what I call the classic Quo lineup of '70-'81. I felt their legacy was tarnished and even forgotten so I created the first incarnation of a website to promote this lineup. But what to call it? ClassicQuo? RealQuo? Then, after listening to the live album it became apparent to me. Of course the Frantic Four. Of course it had been bounded about but it wasn't being used in the wider purpose it is now being used. Some on the SQMB even scoffed and ridiculed the choice of name saying it was a derisory term. It may have been originally but this was now turned around and used as a term of endearment.
After it had been live for a few months it became apparent by the number of hits it was getting that there was a keen interest in this old Quo. I posted these figures on the site knowing for well that SQ management visited the site. This in turn fuelled chat on other Quo sites and eventually many of us were talking about the possibility of a FF reunion. This even stoked up a feeling with Rhino, who on his tour log derided us and mockingly called us the Frantic Few (Yes Rhino, I remember that like it was yesterday pal). He had told some members of the SQMB to go over to the FF site (in an un-gentlemanly way). It had hit a nerve, it was working. It had hit home! More and more threads on the SQMB mentioned a reunion with many naysayers (who thought they knew best) saying if would never happen. But still people pushed.
I then got a several calls from John (Coghlan) in 2012, with one call in particular saying don't book any holidays in the following March! He wasn't allowed to say why directly but I knew in the tone of his voice the reason why. Seeing John and Alan back on stage with Rick and Francis in 2013 and 2014 was the highlight of my musical life. Also seeing how much Alan and John were enjoying it. Not just them, but Rick was in his element with these FF gigs. The freedom to play and the adulation from many a "new" face.... Just one look on his face showed he loved it.
I'd like to think in some small way that myself and a "frantic few" had helped to push along the cries for wanting a FF reunion. Had helped to get the ball rolling. These calls grew in numbers and volume and management eventually realised there was a market for such a thing.
Why am I going on about this?
I know John was looking forward to the possibility of recording some tracks with Rick and even the probability of Alan joining too. I can only guess Rick was also looking forward to be working with John and Alan too, just like with the reunion gigs, like many of us were, plus his autobiography. To have three of the FF on record again would have been great. But sadly with Ricks abrupt passing we will never know.
But I'd like to think with all these plans going on in Ricks head, that when he unfortunately died he had joyous thoughts and his life (if not his health) was on the road to happiness.
Bloody hell, I'm filling up again so I'll finish this off and say thank you Rick for all the rock, rest in peace and may you never be forgotten.
Cheers.
Twod.
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Post by freewilly on Dec 27, 2016 2:01:23 GMT
Jeez, I'm a bloody grown man, yet I keep welling up everytime I think of Ricks passing. I'm not ashamed to say I've shed a tear or two over a guy I don't really know, but on the other hand I feel I did for most of my life like so many others did. I thought he was bloody immortal, indestructible, unsinkable, the Titanic. Yes, he was a Titan. But strangely, when that BBC news alert popped up on my phone on Saturday afternoon I was in a way expecting it. Nevertheless, it still hit me like a swift kick in the 'nads and a punch to the gut. This was one of the four horsemen of the rockalypse, one of the Frantic Four. Quo. Real Quo. No shit. Oh shit. I was brought up on rock music and Quo was a fundamental ingredient to this. One of my first memories of seeing music on TV was Rick with his open shirt and long blonde hair blowing in the breeze and Mystery Song. Of course I didn't know what it was about, I was 5! How iconic was it to me? Well the only other musical promo I can remember from a similar period is Queen with Bohemian Rhapsody several months before. He travelled round the world in a rock-n-roll band
He stood there like a giant with a guitar in his hand
Everybody danced and sang and let the good times rollRick was one quarter of a manic marvel of a musical machine. I love Sabbath, Floyd, Hendrix and Rainbow to name a few but this was Quo, and Quo was much more than just music. It wasn't just a concoction of musical notes and singing, this was an emotion, a true feeling. Something I've never felt with a band before or since. Why? I have no idea. But sure to hell, Ricks rhythm guitar playing had a major part in it. Quite a few years back I'd grown even more disillusioned with current Quo's output and even more so about many people's comments on the SQMB about what I call the classic Quo lineup of '70-'81. I felt their legacy was tarnished and even forgotten so I created the first incarnation of a website to promote this lineup. But what to call it? ClassicQuo? RealQuo? Then, after listening to the live album it became apparent to me. Of course the Frantic Four. Of course it had been bounded about but it wasn't being used in the wider purpose it is now being used. Some on the SQMB even scoffed and ridiculed the choice of name saying it was a derisory term. It may have been originally but this was now turned around and used as a term of endearment. After it had been live for a few months it became apparent by the number of hits it was getting that there was a keen interest in this old Quo. I posted these figures on the site knowing for well that SQ management visited the site. This in turn fuelled chat on other Quo sites and eventually many of us were talking about the possibility of a FF reunion. This even stoked up a feeling with Rhino, who on his tour log derided us and mockingly called us the Frantic Few (Yes Rhino, I remember that like it was yesterday pal). He had told some members of the SQMB to go over to the FF site (in an un-gentlemanly way). It had hit a nerve, it was working. It had hit home! More and more threads on the SQMB mentioned a reunion with many naysayers (who thought they knew best) saying if would never happen. But still people pushed. I then got a several calls from John (Coghlan) in 2012, with one call in particular saying don't book any holidays in the following March! He wasn't allowed to say why directly but I knew in the tone of his voice the reason why. Seeing John and Alan back on stage with Rick and Francis in 2013 and 2014 was the highlight of my musical life. Also seeing how much Alan and John were enjoying it. Not just them, but Rick was in his element with these FF gigs. The freedom to play and the adulation from many a "new" face.... Just one look on his face showed he loved it. I'd like to think in some small way that myself and a "frantic few" had helped to push along the cries for wanting a FF reunion. Had helped to get the ball rolling. These calls grew in numbers and volume and management eventually realised there was a market for such a thing. Why am I going on about this? I know John was looking forward to the possibility of recording some tracks with Rick and even the probability of Alan joining too. I can only guess Rick was also looking forward to be working with John and Alan too, just like with the reunion gigs, like many of us were, plus his autobiography. To have three of the FF on record again would have been great. But sadly with Ricks abrupt passing we will never know. But I'd like to think with all these plans going on in Ricks head, that when he unfortunately died he had joyous thoughts and his life (if not his health) was on the road to happiness. Bloody hell, I'm filling up again so I'll finish this off and say thank you Rick for all the rock, rest in peace and may you never be forgotten. Cheers. Twod. Read that post.... Glorious...That hit me.. Reason I'm quoting you?...Yeah, it did hit me but,because I'm "The-Chief" from the old FF forum. Not going into detail....Just this..... Thank you Neil and thank you Twod. |
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Post by The Lord Flasheart on Dec 27, 2016 2:05:36 GMT
You know it's only really hitting me now. Granted I have been drinking today, so am a little ineb inebr Pissed. I have only felt like this twice before with a Celeb who I didn't know personally, Freddie Mercury and Rik Mayall.
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gav
Veteran Rocker Rollin'
Posts: 2,161
Favourite Quo Album: On The Level
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Post by gav on Dec 27, 2016 2:09:00 GMT
You're not alone mate. Don't think i've ever blubbed along to 4500 Times before!!
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Post by Gaz on Dec 27, 2016 4:53:52 GMT
Great post twod and your mentioning of emotional connection to the band, in paragraph 5, hit a spot with me as it goes a long way to explain why I guess we connect with Quo. I've asked myself that a few times...''What is IT about Quo that has made me stick like glue to them since I saw them in '75?' The 12 bar boogie rock? Yep definitely but it goes beyond that. For me their is a certain magic about those four whether live or on video. The moody drummer at the back, tough guy Alan with that scratch plate on his bass reflecting the spotlight back in your eyes, Rick... what can you say...the ultimate rock guitarist that every bloke wanted to be, and Francis the denim waistcoat lead man prowling and throwing back his locks...those four had a chemistry and if you just didn't get it then so be it but for those who did we were hooked. Live on stage? There was no better band .. they were brash, very loud, and ripped into every song until they were spent ,just as everyone who was there,at the end of a gig. They were as one, as in they appeared as best mates up there who just got off on each other's input during a gig hence the heads down, legs apart Quo stance...they just had that closeness and feel so many other bands don't have. I'm talking about those bands that have great songs but zero character on stage... just stand there....zzzz.
Quo for me since '75 but after Ricks passing, in an odd sort of way that some of you may understand, I feel a fair chunk of my youth has left and I sort of feel older which I'm not comfortable with. I hope, in time , it comes back.
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Post by Whoppa Choppa on Dec 27, 2016 5:38:48 GMT
Thanks TWOD. Great read. Welling up. Take Care!
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Post by clonesydney on Dec 27, 2016 15:03:18 GMT
Thanks TWOD you did a brilliant job with that website, and no doubt it had a part to play in making the impossible come true in 13/14.
4500 times/Gotta Go home at Hammersmith 28/3/14 is the one I keep going back to time and time again, one of Rick's greatest and most heartfelt performances, which is incredible considering he was 65.
Live music doesn't get any better than that, and it's some solace to think at least thank God it did happen, it would have been an absolute tragedy if it hadn't.
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Post by curiousgirl on Dec 27, 2016 15:57:02 GMT
Thanks Twod for being part of the drive to help those reunion gigs happen. They meant so much to me too. And I loved reading all of your post too. Means a lot. I get it.
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Post by kachunk on Dec 27, 2016 16:04:50 GMT
Excellent post TWOD.
Nobody should forget the sterling work you did in setting up that site and also the way that your old mucker Neil helped to moderate it.
The "experts" on the SQMB always told us that a reunion would never happen and that the four of them would never even speak to each other again.
When it became known that the four of them had indeed spoken to each other and jammed together for the "Hello Quo" documentary,the "experts" loudly trumpeted that it was "just a jam and nothing will come of it".
When the first FF reunion tour was announced,the "experts" then said that it would be a disaster and ticket sales would be terrible because nobody remembered Alan or John.
After a magnificent tour which saw the most positive media reviews for Quo in 30 years,the "experts" had nothing left in the tank apart from name calling and then flouncing the SQMB altogether.
You should be proud of yourself TWOD,in spite of some bitter and twisted MB members and less than tactful current line up members,you played a significant part in getting the FF back together.
And for that,particularly in the light of the events of the last few days,Quo fans across the world are eternally grateful.
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Post by The Lord Flasheart on Dec 27, 2016 17:09:33 GMT
Excellent post TWOD. Nobody should forget the sterling work you did in setting up that site and also the way that your old mucker Neil helped to moderate it. The "experts" on the SQMB always told us that a reunion would never happen and that the four of them would never even speak to each other again. When it became known that the four of them had indeed spoken to each other and jammed together for the "Hello Quo" documentary,the "experts" loudly trumpeted that it was "just a jam and nothing will come of it". When the first FF reunion tour was announced,the "experts" then said that it would be a disaster and ticket sales would be terrible because nobody remembered Alan or John. After a magnificent tour which saw the most positive media reviews for Quo in 30 years,the "experts" had nothing left in the tank apart from name calling and then flouncing the SQMB altogether. You should be proud of yourself TWOD,in spite of some bitter and twisted MB members and less than tactful current line up members,you played a significant part in getting the FF back together. And for that,particularly in the light of the events of the last few days,Quo fans across the world are eternally grateful. It was wonderful that they did manage to get back together for those two tours. I was a doubter as from what I had read about them still at each other's throats over the break up. I always knew though that if the original line up got together it would sell which it did of course. |
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Post by paperplanebairn on Dec 27, 2016 17:18:18 GMT
too All those who made the 2013/14 gigs possible thank you those gigs are the ones i will remember fondly as they were the first time i had seen the "Frantic Four" in action , on christmas morning i had my ipod blasting out the quo on my bose with tears rolling down my face...... i asked the wife why and she said she had done the same when prince passed and that it was because you grew up with them building a connection even though they were only accessible through the music whether on vinyl ,radio ,tv or live in concert. my last time seeing the guys live was at the falkirk stadium and that was where i said my goodbyes to that incarnation of the live band. thanks for the roller coaster of a ride Francis,Rick,Alan,John,Roy,Andy,Bob,Pete,Jeff,Rhino,Matt,Leon and Richie it was a pleasure and a thrill of a lifetime watching you perform...........Cheers
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Post by americanquo on Dec 28, 2016 4:27:30 GMT
I never saw this band live and only discovered them two years ago, but I feel like my brother died. I can only imagine how the rest of you feel.
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kiwipom
Veteran Rocker Rollin'
Posts: 1,262
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Post by kiwipom on Dec 28, 2016 4:42:45 GMT
Excellent post TWOD. Nobody should forget the sterling work you did in setting up that site and also the way that your old mucker Neil helped to moderate it. The "experts" on the SQMB always told us that a reunion would never happen and that the four of them would never even speak to each other again. When it became known that the four of them had indeed spoken to each other and jammed together for the "Hello Quo" documentary,the "experts" loudly trumpeted that it was "just a jam and nothing will come of it". When the first FF reunion tour was announced,the "experts" then said that it would be a disaster and ticket sales would be terrible because nobody remembered Alan or John. After a magnificent tour which saw the most positive media reviews for Quo in 30 years,the "experts" had nothing left in the tank apart from name calling and then flouncing the SQMB altogether. You should be proud of yourself TWOD,in spite of some bitter and twisted MB members and less than tactful current line up members,you played a significant part in getting the FF back together. And for that,particularly in the light of the events of the last few days,Quo fans across the world are eternally grateful. Yup - it always amused me that the small handful of self-appointed SQMB "all seeing-eye" experts of everything to do with Quo:- 1. were experts on all Quo gigs up until the EOTR tour 2. formed a detailed analysis of the on-stage body language of the band at the MK gig 3. told us that later members of Quo were just as important to the Quo live sound/vibe/soul and legacy as Alan and John 4. were certain that the FF reunion would never happen but.... ...none of them had been to a Quo gig prior to 1986......  |
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Post by Victor on Dec 28, 2016 7:04:57 GMT
Thanks Twod for being part of the drive to help those reunion gigs happen. They meant so much to me too. And I loved reading all of your post too. Means a lot. I get it. This. If there is anything I am grateful for is that I got to see the FF together in 2014 cos my first concert was in '82... I haven't been able to write much about Rick's death and everything around it cos I simply haven't been able to yet... too many thoughts and emotions in my head for it. But yes, TWOD, thanks very much for helping to make the reunion gigs happen ! |
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Post by Mrs Flittersnoop on Dec 28, 2016 11:34:28 GMT
You're not alone mate. Don't think i've ever blubbed along to 4500 Times before!! Seriously?? It had that effect on me just by coming back into the set, though I guess it could just have been the B-chord effect. And when Rick came back after his cancer scare. I guess I'm just a girlie  Not having Rick there fore 4500 Times ... that is what really hits it home for me. Thanks for saying Gav. |
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