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Post by teddybear581 on Sept 12, 2016 11:49:14 GMT
It's quite interesting though....There are people who really liked it and there is a trend....They all appear to be middle aged housewives...Maybe this band are becoming the housewife's choice? Similar assumptive stereotyping actually to what has been said from time to time about females and other sections/types of people who became members of the "Quo army" right back as far as the Frantic Four hey-day
Very much so relating to around the time that I became a fan in 75/76 and eventually started gigging full-time in 77. Except the females who were joining the ranks then were, largely, much younger than middle age. Though, that said, my own Mum had just about turned 40 back then and got to like Quo after she heard them played all the time by moi at home
Apparently, so the story still goes in some quarters, it was RAOTW that was finally attracting women, families and anyone else 'different' to the usual obvious appearance of a Quo army member up till them - and in the process vastly changing the hot and sweaty demographic of the audience of the primary peak days. These types of people starting to arrive, while some founder members of the Quo army themselves were starting to desert the band in droves because the sound and style of the music had gone soft following the RAOTW album.
I can totally understand and respect those who started going off Quo around the time I became a fan but there are a few of things to mention here of importance:
Firstly, although for sure I liked WSOL single and RAOTW song and album when they were released close to the time I became a Quo fan, I actually became a fan of the band because of the albums I had already heard before my first Hammy gig back in 77 - dating back not just to the great and exciting times of change within the band with the MKGS and DOTH albums - but also the fiskadelic/bubblegum pop music of Matchstick and Spare Parts.
This was a genre of music that my Mum already had listened to when she was younger and I got to start liking around the time I was in my early teens. It was always Neil Diamond with my Dad (who I also like and have albums today)
Whilst they won't of course be identical to my own, I am sure others will have had similar-ish experiences.
Secondly, Quo themselves were at an age where they would be in their mid-late twenties by the time I became a fan, and that meant that a lot of teenagers (like me) were getting introduced to the plethora of bands around in general, including Quo, in the 70's. A trend which carried on a rapid rate of growth and change that had begun in the 60's. It was therefore easy for young people of both genders who might have been, say, Beatles or Stones fans in the 60's - to equally become fans of bands like Quo in the 70's.
A lot of heavy rock was largely a guys domain to begin with in the early 70's and in some cases was slow(er) to transfer its attraction to wider audience groups. But even as a teenager, I never measured Quo against the likes of Sabbath and other heavy rock bands. But by the end of the 70's, there was also the appearance/addition of Punk and New Wave to the popular mix - the late 70's/early 80's was a time when "anything goes for anyone" really anyway. This definitely the case at college where friends were into all sorts from velvet underground, rock/prog rock, disco, to punk etc. At the time, I was first and foremost a Quo fan - but also loved a lot of 70's disco, a mix of general rock stuff and also got into some punk/new wave bands through college friends.
Thirdly, the actual experience of the time back in the mid/late 70's was a bit different to some of the later revisionism. I attended gig after gig after gig at Hammersmith (and elsewhere) from 77 and found all the audiences and other Quo fans the nicest most inclusive bunch of people there could be. I also converted and took along a real hotch potch mix of college friends - dancing round handbags or spiky coloured hair, safety pins and all, to Quo gigs and they boogied with the regular denim clad masses as one.
There was never any of 'this type of person' vs 'that type of person' sort of stuff going on. No-one ever stuck out of the crowd even then. One big reason why I have been a long time Quo fan. The relationship of the band to audience and the united front between both was special right back from the day. There was no apparent personal requirement/appearance to be a member of "the army".
Notwithstanding my own banter these days about Darby and Joan clubs from time to time wrt aging CQ, the point of all this is that making stereotypic assumptions about sections of people becoming attracted to a change of style in a band according to a certain gender, age and lifestyle type - can be very inaccurate
Some of those middle aged housewives at Hyde Park yesterday almost certainly were into Quo in the 70's hey-day, and same as me - maybe might have wanted to be sipping their rum and blacks at the Marquee in 72 if they had been old enough.
Being a member of the Quo army might have started largely male rocker led, but, as described, it was never a one section club exclusively. Thankfully. Good thing too - and best remembered several decades later in 2016
Nice post Catlady. I just wish I could put across my thoughts as well as you!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2016 11:51:57 GMT
Similar assumptive stereotyping actually to what has been said from time to time about females and other sections/types of people who became members of the "Quo army" right back as far as the Frantic Four hey-day
Very much so relating to around the time that I became a fan in 75/76 and eventually started gigging full-time in 77. Except the females who were joining the ranks then were, largely, much younger than middle age. Though, that said, my own Mum had just about turned 40 back then and got to like Quo after she heard them played all the time by moi at home
Apparently, so the story still goes in some quarters, it was RAOTW that was finally attracting women, families and anyone else 'different' to the usual obvious appearance of a Quo army member up till them - and in the process vastly changing the hot and sweaty demographic of the audience of the primary peak days. These types of people starting to arrive, while some founder members of the Quo army themselves were starting to desert the band in droves because the sound and style of the music had gone soft following the RAOTW album.
I can totally understand and respect those who started going off Quo around the time I became a fan but there are a few of things to mention here of importance:
Firstly, although for sure I liked WSOL single and RAOTW song and album when they were released close to the time I became a Quo fan, I actually became a fan of the band because of the albums I had already heard before my first Hammy gig back in 77 - dating back not just to the great and exciting times of change within the band with the MKGS and DOTH albums - but also the fiskadelic/bubblegum pop music of Matchstick and Spare Parts.
This was a genre of music that my Mum already had listened to when she was younger and I got to start liking around the time I was in my early teens. It was always Neil Diamond with my Dad (who I also like and have albums today)
Whilst they won't of course be identical to my own, I am sure others will have had similar-ish experiences.
Secondly, Quo themselves were at an age where they would be in their mid-late twenties by the time I became a fan, and that meant that a lot of teenagers (like me) were getting introduced to the plethora of bands around in general, including Quo, in the 70's. A trend which carried on a rapid rate of growth and change that had begun in the 60's. It was therefore easy for young people of both genders who might have been, say, Beatles or Stones fans in the 60's - to equally become fans of bands like Quo in the 70's.
A lot of heavy rock was largely a guys domain to begin with in the early 70's and in some cases was slow(er) to transfer its attraction to wider audience groups. But even as a teenager, I never measured Quo against the likes of Sabbath and other heavy rock bands. But by the end of the 70's, there was also the appearance/addition of Punk and New Wave to the popular mix - the late 70's/early 80's was a time when "anything goes for anyone" really anyway. This definitely the case at college where friends were into all sorts from velvet underground, rock/prog rock, disco, to punk etc. At the time, I was first and foremost a Quo fan - but also loved a lot of 70's disco, a mix of general rock stuff and also got into some punk/new wave bands through college friends.
Thirdly, the actual experience of the time back in the mid/late 70's was a bit different to some of the later revisionism. I attended gig after gig after gig at Hammersmith (and elsewhere) from 77 and found all the audiences and other Quo fans the nicest most inclusive bunch of people there could be. I also converted and took along a real hotch potch mix of college friends - dancing round handbags or spiky coloured hair, safety pins and all, to Quo gigs and they boogied with the regular denim clad masses as one.
There was never any of 'this type of person' vs 'that type of person' sort of stuff going on. No-one ever stuck out of the crowd even then. One big reason why I have been a long time Quo fan. The relationship of the band to audience and the united front between both was special right back from the day. There was no apparent personal requirement/appearance to be a member of "the army".
Notwithstanding my own banter these days about Darby and Joan clubs from time to time wrt aging CQ, the point of all this is that making stereotypic assumptions about sections of people becoming attracted to a change of style in a band according to a certain gender, age and lifestyle type - can be very inaccurate
Some of those middle aged housewives at Hyde Park yesterday almost certainly were into Quo in the 70's hey-day, and same as me - maybe might have wanted to be sipping their rum and blacks at the Marquee in 72 if they had been old enough.
Being a member of the Quo army might have started largely male rocker led, but, as described, it was never a one section club exclusively. Thankfully. Good thing too - and best remembered several decades later in 2016
Nice post Catlady. I just wish I could put across my thoughts as well as you! I think you did fine!
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Post by paradiseflats on Sept 12, 2016 14:28:31 GMT
I will give a reply to your comments.... You gotta remember that us middle aged (and in my case older ) housewives were the 17 year olds who followed and loved quo in the 70's. Like quo we have erm....matured and are not as perhaps as "manic" about music as we used to be. As I have said elsewhere my wife is from this demographic. She loves the music of her youth as much as ever. She doesn't feel the need for it to be watered down. Aging and maturing are not the same thing. The band have aged and changed... but does this really mean matured or for that matter improved. Change is not always for the better. My reply.. I love the music of my youth too. I havent changed my taste in music as I have matured but I can accept changes happen.
It seems to be that many of the posters who hate quo today are far more into heavy metal and hard rock bands so they cannot accept that quo have changed ...macho image springs to mind letsrock . So you feel a sweeping stereotype of the more mature female is misrepresentative but then make a sweeping comment about about those who 'hate the band today'. I think you have to divorce criticism of the band and hatred. Many of the people who dislike the aquostic project are not haters at all. They like and enjoy the band today they just don't rate what is happening at the moment. I love metal and hard rock but I also love Simon and Garfunkle and Bob Dylan. It is possible to like widely different musical genres and tat doesn't affect what you think of other music. If I listen to Anal ****, I don't then think Simon and Garfunkle's Homeward Bound is to soft or not rocking. my reply.. I dont think using the word "many" is a sweeping stereotype. ie "MANY "of the posters As for the housewives comment. It was meant to be a "tongue in cheek"comment. Obviously didnt come across correctly.
I loved the reunion gigs but after seeing how frail Alan was I personally could never see him being able to do many more dates so to me that was the end of that story...no point in wanting something that wasnt posssible, and to be honest I dont know how the moaners think Alan could possibly do it. Obviousy I dont know Alan and am basing my opinions on what I saw. I went to 13 dates on the reunion tour and I saw the footage of him in Germany. Yes he did struggle at times, especially in Germany but he did well and to be honest he looked pretty good in Dublin. The force he once was, well no. Could he play more dates, well yes. The reason for no more dates is not his health it is a certain Francis Rossi. Like just about every musical friendship Rossi has had it ends in them falling out. I am also basing what I saw, and what Alan and Francis have said. Could he have played a full Status Quo schedule, probably not. But he could have played more shows. Let us be honest, he could have played the same length tours as the reunion again.
My reply.. we will just have to beg to differ on that point. I only saw him on two dates and on those he looked like a very frail guy who could hardly stand and couldnt keep a hold of his plectrum. But It was great to see him!
Like some others I also thought that as they were standing and jumping about tonight they could have just done an electric set. So was it Rick who was having the most trouble with that, especially now we know about his latest heath scare? Was he showng signs of this at the first aquostics and that is why they sat? Perhaps or perhaps not and they just were not sure how to play it. . Who knows??? Perhaps the reason is the simple one. Francis no longer wants Status Quo to be a rock band. Rick wanted the rock band to finish in 2017. We have seen who won that argument. If Alan is not fit to tour, Rick would know this, he would not be upset they aren't continuing the reunion as he would know it would not be physically possible. Rossi himself said he wanted to end the rock band part of Stats Quo last year. Nothing to do with Rick's health. Like so often with bands, it is convenient for them to say they can't play a rock gig any more.
as I said "who knows" So do you think this change is an improvement ?
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Post by teddybear581 on Sept 12, 2016 14:40:50 GMT
So do you think this change is an improvement ? No ,I dont, but I can still enjoy it as something different
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Post by paradiseflats on Sept 12, 2016 14:42:28 GMT
So do you think this change is an improvement ? No ,I dont, but I can still enjoy it as something different You most certainly can. Let's face it some people thought Thirsty Work is a change for the better !
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Post by granny on Sept 12, 2016 15:57:20 GMT
It must be something, something He said That's changing my mind and adjusting my head A new direction, a resurrection
Calling me back to rock and roll
Calling, calling me back I saw it in the water and I'm hitting the track Nothing to pack, polish my act Lord
I'm gonna play some rock and roll Did they do that one yesterday? If so...Who sang?
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Post by Isaac Ryan on Sept 12, 2016 16:31:08 GMT
Well... I never thought I'd have this reaction - have I gone over to the dark side? No, you are already over here.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2016 17:58:21 GMT
Watching that Hyde Park footage once again, my opinion of this bands version of That's A Fact gets higher each time. The band/orchestra interplay particularly is a neat and pretty catchy arrangement. A few more songs with creative arrangements like that to break up the bread and butter songs would improve the overall set and gig in general no end.
To be honest, in relative terms, I prefer watching this to the predictable set in stone CQ electic set. Its different at least, even if too many songs still replicate the CQ set. Its just a pity that Rick isn't there.
The best thing to do is forget these are SQ songs (and especially try to suspend judgements against the impossible-to-beat appeal of the FF legacy) and then this becomes a fair bit more acceptable.
Its not meant to be the same after all.
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Post by paradiseflats on Sept 12, 2016 18:09:35 GMT
Watching that Hyde Park footage once again, my opinion of this bands version of That's A Fact gets higher each time. The band/orchestra interplay particularly is a neat and pretty catchy arrangement. A few more songs with creative arrangements like that to break up the bread and butter songs would improve the overall set and gig in general no end. To be honest, in relative terms, I prefer watching this to the predictable set in stone CQ electic set. Its different at least, even if too many songs still replicate the CQ set. Its just a pity that Rick isn't there. The best thing to do is forget these are SQ songs (and especially try to suspend judgements against the impossible-to-beat appeal of the FF legacy) and then this becomes a fair bit more acceptable. Its not meant to be the same after all. Taken on its own merits. It is in my not very good. The songs are all so samey. No light and shade. The vocals pretty weak.The best thing about it is Andy on the joanna. So much better than poor synth.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2016 21:25:13 GMT
Watching that Hyde Park footage once again, my opinion of this bands version of That's A Fact gets higher each time. The band/orchestra interplay particularly is a neat and pretty catchy arrangement. A few more songs with creative arrangements like that to break up the bread and butter songs would improve the overall set and gig in general no end. To be honest, in relative terms, I prefer watching this to the predictable set in stone CQ electic set. Its different at least, even if too many songs still replicate the CQ set. Its just a pity that Rick isn't there. The best thing to do is forget these are SQ songs (and especially try to suspend judgements against the impossible-to-beat appeal of the FF legacy) and then this becomes a fair bit more acceptable. Its not meant to be the same after all. Taken on its own merits. It is in my not very good. The songs are all so samey. No light and shade. The vocals pretty weak.The best thing about it is Andy on the joanna. So much better than poor synth. Glass half full assessment of mine says overall its acceptable - as above. The glass half empty has highlighted the weaknesses as you and others previously have.
But I will stick with acceptable -relative to the circumstances which are not ideal. Both in terms of the way Ricks absence is being handled (or perhaps better to say isn't being handled) and also simply because there is not any much better than 'acceptable' alternative both in the short term and seemingly also before final retirement happens.
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whoami
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Post by whoami on Sept 13, 2016 5:00:49 GMT
This was not good
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Post by paradiseflats on Sept 13, 2016 7:35:48 GMT
Taken on its own merits. It is in my not very good. The songs are all so samey. No light and shade. The vocals pretty weak.The best thing about it is Andy on the joanna. So much better than poor synth. Glass half full assessment of mine says overall its acceptable - as above. The glass half empty has highlighted the weaknesses as you and others previously have.
But I will stick with acceptable -relative to the circumstances which are not ideal. Both in terms of the way Ricks absence is being handled (or perhaps better to say isn't being handled) and also simply because there is not any much better than 'acceptable' alternative both in the short term and seemingly also before final retirement happens.
What is showed me. Substandard Quo have a future with their nostalgia act. Taking this around the festivals etc. Greatest hits with a twist. But even if Rick returned it's not for me. Or even aimed at me. As I wouldn't be at the events they play. Unless they fancy the second stage at Bloodstock.
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Post by Railroad17 on Sept 13, 2016 11:18:43 GMT
My comment (as the only person to actually be at the gig from what I've read here), a very polished Quo performance. Same set as Union Chapel, good reaction from the neutrals from my spot up front, great chance to appeal to a wider audience. Didn't hear the negative comments some have posted here. Very enjoyable set, but Union Chapel was a better experience for me in the intimate venue compared to the sold out 62000 in Hyde Park. From the box it looked more like 80,000
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2016 11:51:28 GMT
Glass half full assessment of mine says overall its acceptable - as above. The glass half empty has highlighted the weaknesses as you and others previously have.
But I will stick with acceptable -relative to the circumstances which are not ideal. Both in terms of the way Ricks absence is being handled (or perhaps better to say isn't being handled) and also simply because there is not any much better than 'acceptable' alternative both in the short term and seemingly also before final retirement happens.
What is showed me. Substandard Quo have a future with their nostalgia act. Taking this around the festivals etc. Greatest hits with a twist. But even if Rick returned it's not for me. Or even aimed at me. As I wouldn't be at the events they play. Unless they fancy the second stage at Bloodstock. Subjectivity of whether it is, or isn't, to personal taste aside - there is obviously a future in it. I would much prefer it to be done under a solo band name than SQ. If not (as seems most likely) for the longest standing fans from the "out of date 70's era", then at least out of respect for Rick.
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Post by therockdoctor on Sept 13, 2016 13:38:35 GMT
My comment (as the only person to actually be at the gig from what I've read here), a very polished Quo performance. Same set as Union Chapel, good reaction from the neutrals from my spot up front, great chance to appeal to a wider audience. Didn't hear the negative comments some have posted here. Very enjoyable set, but Union Chapel was a better experience for me in the intimate venue compared to the sold out 62000 in Hyde Park. From the box it looked more like 80,000 The onstage presenters at various times during the day were saying numbers from 50,000 to 60,000. When I spoke to Rhino on Friday, he said it was sold out at 62,000. Whatever the number was, it was a massive crowd and, from my experiences of being there for ten hours in the sunshine, a very good natured one.
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