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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2017 10:54:31 GMT
Ritchie can sing for sure and look the part when he is unshackled from a pecking order. Definitely get the impression that if Francis allowed the band to express themselves without too much control over it, then better things are possible. As Gaz says, its worth remembering that Rick did give Ritchie the big tick of approval.
I'm definitely of the view that this band could make some decent sounding rock music of their own, combined with a shake-up of what they do at the moment. It requires the band, and then fans to be open minded imo.
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Post by lazypokerblues on Aug 15, 2017 10:59:21 GMT
I remember reading several years ago a quote by either Mike Hrano or Pat who used to do the lights about it being a 'show' as opposed to a 'gig'.
The difference being that a show is a highly rehearsed performance, much the same as a West End Musical, same songs every night, rehearsed to within an inch of its life to ensure a slick presentation every night. Compared to a gig, which you know, is a gig.
The Quo Show has been like that for as long as I can remember, and they don't need to do very much rehearsing, because it's the same routine, so it's easy for them to do. Like Francis has said recently, perhaps they became complacent. Very easy to do and a comfortable bubble in which to exist and earn lots of money.
There is no desire or need to be creative or take risks. It's the same as going to see an established act doing a season at Caesar's Palace.
In more recent interviews, Francis seems to have stopped saying the line about being an insecure little show off, and has replaced it by saying that he is aware that there is a whole team of staff that rely on 'Status Quo' Ltd to keep rumbling on, so that they can pay their mortgages. So I think his main motivation now, is not to see if they can dust off 'I Saw The Light' instead of 'The Oriental' but to just keep the whole machine ticking over, as he feels that he is the chairman of the board of a business that employs people.
Rock and Roll!
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Post by The Lord Flasheart on Aug 15, 2017 11:17:30 GMT
Thing is from what I have heard from him Richie can sing, well hes deffinately better than Rhino. There's no video of him singing Rain with his old band on YT. There is this poor quality version of BFM and a cover of Superstition, he does not make a bad job of either. As per the gist of the OP, I would like to see what Ritchie could properly offer to the band via some newly written experience. He is well grounded with enough gigs behind him to slip in to the writing and contributing fold and hence also be a much needed step to closing the comparison chapter with Rick. Rick cannot be replaced in SQ, most all agree with this. But there is no reason why Ritchie cannot be a good replacement for a new forward looking band.
One or two posts from elsewhere seem to also think there is some chance that this may become a possibility with tentative soundings that Francis might be looking to relaxing the grip on the set. Been here many times before only for it to amount to trivial window dressing with one or long standing choices only being replaced by one or two other predictably over used ones. But the law of diminishing returns means there is greater pressure to do something this time.
This isn't even CQ anymore.
I think that's a fair point look at bands like Deep Purple and Fleetwood Mac. Deep Purple Mk 2 to Mk 3 were really two different bands. They did not play much of the previous material and even now Ian Gillan will not play any of the Mk 3/4 stuff which is a shame as it's pretty good. Fleetwood mac have been through so many changes and each time things changed with the songs. I know that it's a different world now but Quo could try and do more stuff from the recent albums in the set and keep the core songs. I know as a tribute to Rick in the show I would much rather hear Richie doing BFM instead of Rhino doing Rain. Or maybe even let Richie have a go at it.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2017 11:22:13 GMT
I remember reading several years ago a quote by either Mike Hrano or Pat who used to do the lights about it being a 'show' as opposed to a 'gig'. The difference being that a show is a highly rehearsed performance, much the same as a West End Musical, same songs every night, rehearsed to within an inch of its life to ensure a slick presentation every night. Compared to a gig, which you know, is a gig. The Quo Show has been like that for as long as I can remember, and they don't need to do very much rehearsing, because it's the same routine, so it's easy for them to do. Like Francis has said recently, perhaps they became complacent. Very easy to do and a comfortable bubble in which to exist and earn lots of money. There is no desire or need to be creative or take risks. It's the same as going to see an established act doing a season at Caesar's Palace. In more recent interviews, Francis seems to have stopped saying the line about being an insecure little show off, and has replaced it by saying that he is aware that there is a whole team of staff that rely on 'Status Quo' Ltd to keep rumbling on, so that they can pay their mortgages. So I think his main motivation now, is not to see if they can dust off 'I Saw The Light' instead of 'The Oriental' but to just keep the whole machine ticking over, as he feels that he is the chairman of the board of a business that employs people. Rock and Roll! What you post there is what I call the worst case scenario!
I'm deliberately playing Mrs Positive-advocate in this thread and looking at every reason and evidence why Francis (and management) shouldn't take the lowest common denominator. That clip of Ritchie up the page, away from the shackles of FR and a pecking order within the band, shows exactly what he could bring to them if he was allowed to express himself with songs that he had a hand in and where there was equal say in decision making. If Francis wants to be the good boss that he obviously thinks he is, then he should be allowing his team to feel able to give the best they can, without coasting on some auto-repeat co-pilot that covers the same tram-lines every rehearsal and every gig. No surprise that there is a belief it seems soulless and lacking in swagger etc.
I bet the likes of Matt Letley got bored with that sort of thing with Quo and no coincidence why when he arrived had something to do maybe why HT (even though its not my favourite CQ album) offered some extra dynamism to the live performances back when it was released. Then later also why (imo) ISOTFC offered some depth in diversity throughout the album (though wasted completely live other than BOTE)
Its not a case of whether any of this is possible. It is. Its just granite-like and extremely narrow and fixed mindset that prevents it. This whole safety first, think of the profit margins sure aint rock n' roll to me.
Better get back to being positive...
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Post by markquo on Aug 15, 2017 11:29:13 GMT
It's simple just go back in the studio and record a new batch of songs.That way they can be judged fairly against previous recordings by SQ. Change the set list around to freshen it up. Really not difficult Cheers
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2017 11:34:59 GMT
As per the gist of the OP, I would like to see what Ritchie could properly offer to the band via some newly written experience. He is well grounded with enough gigs behind him to slip in to the writing and contributing fold and hence also be a much needed step to closing the comparison chapter with Rick. Rick cannot be replaced in SQ, most all agree with this. But there is no reason why Ritchie cannot be a good replacement for a new forward looking band.
One or two posts from elsewhere seem to also think there is some chance that this may become a possibility with tentative soundings that Francis might be looking to relaxing the grip on the set. Been here many times before only for it to amount to trivial window dressing with one or long standing choices only being replaced by one or two other predictably over used ones. But the law of diminishing returns means there is greater pressure to do something this time.
This isn't even CQ anymore.
I think that's a fair point look at bands like Deep Purple and Fleetwood Mac. Deep Purple Mk 2 to Mk 3 were really two different bands. They did not play much of the previous material and even now Ian Gillan will not play any of the Mk 3/4 stuff which is a shame as it's pretty good. Fleetwood mac have been through so many changes and each time things changed with the songs. I know that it's a different world now but Quo could try and do more stuff from the recent albums in the set and keep the core songs. I know as a tribute to Rick in the show I would much rather hear Richie doing BFM instead of Rhino doing Rain. Or maybe even let Richie have a go at it. Exactly - good example. After all the re-constituting that Rain has been through, including Aquostic, and with Rick now gone, I admit I would happily not hear it played it live ever again. Its one of those I have long filed under BFY/sounded great back in the 70's anyway.
But Ritchie makes BFM come alive again in that clip.
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Post by lazypokerblues on Aug 15, 2017 11:46:33 GMT
I remember reading several years ago a quote by either Mike Hrano or Pat who used to do the lights about it being a 'show' as opposed to a 'gig'. The difference being that a show is a highly rehearsed performance, much the same as a West End Musical, same songs every night, rehearsed to within an inch of its life to ensure a slick presentation every night. Compared to a gig, which you know, is a gig. The Quo Show has been like that for as long as I can remember, and they don't need to do very much rehearsing, because it's the same routine, so it's easy for them to do. Like Francis has said recently, perhaps they became complacent. Very easy to do and a comfortable bubble in which to exist and earn lots of money. There is no desire or need to be creative or take risks. It's the same as going to see an established act doing a season at Caesar's Palace. In more recent interviews, Francis seems to have stopped saying the line about being an insecure little show off, and has replaced it by saying that he is aware that there is a whole team of staff that rely on 'Status Quo' Ltd to keep rumbling on, so that they can pay their mortgages. So I think his main motivation now, is not to see if they can dust off 'I Saw The Light' instead of 'The Oriental' but to just keep the whole machine ticking over, as he feels that he is the chairman of the board of a business that employs people. Rock and Roll! What you post there is what I call the worst case scenario!
I'm deliberately playing Mrs Positive-advocate in this thread and looking at every reason and evidence why Francis (and management) shouldn't take the lowest common denominator. That clip of Ritchie up the page, away from the shackles of FR and a pecking order within the band, shows exactly what he could bring to them if he was allowed to express himself with songs that he had a hand in and where there was equal say in decision making. If Francis wants to be the good boss that he obviously thinks he is, then he should be allowing his team to feel able to give the best they can, without coasting on some auto-repeat co-pilot that covers the same tram-lines every rehearsal and every gig. No surprise that there is a belief it seems soulless and lacking in swagger etc.
I bet the likes of Matt Letley got bored with that sort of thing with Quo and no coincidence why when he arrived had something to do maybe why HT (even though its not my favourite CQ album) offered some extra dynamism to the live performances back when it was released. Then later also why (imo) ISOTFC offered some depth in diversity throughout the album (though wasted completely live other than BOTE)
Its not a case of whether any of this is possible. It is. Its just granite-like and extremely narrow and fixed mindset that prevents it. This whole safety first, think of the profit margins sure aint rock n' roll to me.
Better get back to being positive...
Whilst I appreciate your 'glass half full' stance, and without wishing to appear 'glass half empty' - (I think I am more like 'there is a glass with some liquid in it') - I just think it's all wishful thinking. Don't get me wrong, I love a bit of banter, but I really do think that these Quo forums are a minority of like minded folks who just can't stop talking about Quo.
I used to do it all the time on SQMB, loved a bit of Quo banter. I was one of the first to register on here, as I do enjoy dipping in every day and reading everyone's opinion, but lately I don't have very much at all to say.
I could get all excited and imagine Richie singing Big Fat Mama, but I think, realistically, the set is just going to stay the same now until they pack it in.
The last time I got excited by the setlist was the Pictures tour.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2017 12:04:03 GMT
It might appear wishful-thinking, and indeed it might end up being. But I believe that was already taken as a given when the idea to open the thread was opted for. As I see it, its better to do a bit of wishful thinking than posting 'sh1te' as an opinion to every thread. Done too much myself of that and it isn't worth the mb time anymore. In my opinion.
Its not about getting excited about Ritchie singing BFM, but it is about looking at how things could be at least better than they are, so it isn't necessary to just write 'sh1te in each reply.
There is of course the off topic thread if its deemed there is nothing to talk about wrt Quo. Each to their own disclaimer as always, but its not actually necessary to be a member of a Quo forum if the sole purpose is to talk about any other topic aside from Quo.
So I guess, on the basis that I can't move very far at the moment from where I am sat due to muscular discomfort reasons, that's why I am wishful thinking instead in the enforced spare time I have on here
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Post by paradiseflats on Aug 15, 2017 12:12:26 GMT
I long ago divided the band into 3, now 4, parts. Quo1 was the FF, nothing has come close to them. Quo2 was 81-85. Adrift, still with good moments but overall out of sync. Quo3 86-Rick's death. Those are three distinct and different bands with the same name. I like a lot of Quo3's stuff, I do. It's upbeat, the melodies are good, the songs are usually well sung. On average I like 35-50% of each album. The difference is that when they're bad, they're really bad. Quo1 had few truly bad songs. But Quo1 was a different band. Quo4...oh my God, they're terrible. Having Rhino sing Rick's songs should be illegal. Quo mark 1 had five members not four.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 15, 2017 18:49:53 GMT
Hi All, While I can understand all the negativity surrounding 'CQ' especially not changing the bands name I do feel that if they made a serious attempt at some new material it would be a final hurrah as they have nowhere else to go. They have reached rock bottom especially since 'Dec2016' (RIP Rick )
I would give the album or a few tracks a listen too then either buy the album or not, this is the only way I can see the band getting any slight chance of credibility back. The thing is maybe 'FR' does not want it and is quite happy pumping the crap that gig goers are talking about. My own opinion is all the tracks that 'Rick' used to sing should have been dropped as a mark of respect at the very least, the fact that they are not shows just how much the band relied on his input.
At the moment I feel sorry for those who attend the gigs as the atmosphere must be very sullen compared to when 'Rick' played and to have somebody who sounds like the lead singer of 'Men @ Work' (Colin Hay) singing instead must sound terrible. Having said this about 'CQ' I do however think that there is an ideal vocalist after watching the 'Raid' video that of 'Richie' as already mentioned he has been given the thumbs up by 'Rick' so what's the problem ?
Rhino has his own distinct vocals and they do not fit the tracks that he has obviously been murdering, good in his own right but terrible for what he has been either told to sing or said he wants simply because of his upgraded status in the band since 'Dec2016' sadly.
Like it or not 'Rick' has been replaced not due to any bad feelings but what we all know why, it is understandable that 'FR' had to carry on without him whether through contractual obligations or whatever but it is the way he's then handled the aftermath that has gotten on everybody's thrupenny bits, if it was bad before 'Dec206' it was only ever going further downhill after that sad day.
I dare say if 'FR' had handled all the fall out from 'Dec2016' differently (most of all changed the bands name), wrote new material with whoever, all the crap that has been going on wouldn't have been so bad IMHO. We wouldn't be half as critical at times it must have been like having another limb torn from your body, but still even though he has loads of money the music industry is his life and he obviously doesn't want to retire, it's just that he could have made a better job of things given some decent advice by those close to him and they as it appears haven't sadly it's that simple..
Geoff.
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Post by tqontq on Aug 16, 2017 0:48:07 GMT
Sorry, but none of this needs to be entertained in my book. It doesn't matter what they do or what Francis wants, the band you see on stage is NOT Status Quo. Francis could churn out a heavy blues album and it would still NOT be Status Quo. We could enjoy it for what it would be but its not Quo, i don't care what the name on the tin says.
Lets face it, the fans are hanging on by a thread. We are blind if we think we are following a band called Status Quo in a different form to what came previously. I will always be curious to see what Francis does but I am under no illusion that Status Quo, the band, are dead and buried. Its over. Have some fun seeing a tribute act with the original lead singer but don't expect more than that. Its all in the past.
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Post by americanquo on Aug 16, 2017 3:40:36 GMT
I long ago divided the band into 3, now 4, parts. Quo1 was the FF, nothing has come close to them. Quo2 was 81-85. Adrift, still with good moments but overall out of sync. Quo3 86-Rick's death. Those are three distinct and different bands with the same name. I like a lot of Quo3's stuff, I do. It's upbeat, the melodies are good, the songs are usually well sung. On average I like 35-50% of each album. The difference is that when they're bad, they're really bad. Quo1 had few truly bad songs. But Quo1 was a different band. Quo4...oh my God, they're terrible. Having Rhino sing Rick's songs should be illegal. Quo mark 1 had five members not four. Not for most of its existence. 1970 they were down to 4, and Andy didn't officially join until what? 1979? And I don't count the psychedelic stuff, that was just awful. BUT...if you want to up the first band to the Frantic 5, then 40% of the band is still intact, and to me that just doesn't make sense.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 16, 2017 9:55:39 GMT
Sorry, but none of this needs to be entertained in my book. It doesn't matter what they do or what Francis wants, the band you see on stage is NOT Status Quo. Francis could churn out a heavy blues album and it would still NOT be Status Quo. We could enjoy it for what it would be but its not Quo, i don't care what the name on the tin says. Lets face it, the fans are hanging on by a thread. We are blind if we think we are following a band called Status Quo in a different form to what came previously. I will always be curious to see what Francis does but I am under no illusion that Status Quo, the band, are dead and buried. Its over. Have some fun seeing a tribute act with the original lead singer but don't expect more than that. Its all in the past. That's fine, one of the purposes of this thread was to see who draws their line in the sand where Also my own point of opening the thread was to examine the possibilities of changes that lead to a new start that wouldn't even be under the name of SQ at all. As very unlikely as that seems. But I've come to see that ruling out the unlikely can prove a lottery in itself.
For my own part, the past is in the past and nothing now is left to resurrect it. However, like it or not, Francis, Andy and Rhino have been members of Quo for a few decades and the argument about who the real Quo is can go on and on and on for more decades to come - but will still change nothing and sure won't achieve anything. Having been openly very critical of so many events and poor decisions especially since the reunions, I'm done now with repeating it and looking to move on.
I don't do thought police - so I'm sure not saying what everyone else should do. I've previously questioned others who have insisted that people who are no longer interested in Quo should simply shut up. Of course they shouldn't. But based on the dissent between band vs fans/fans vs band, the death of Rick and the debacle since Ricks sad funeral, the screw up over LNOTE/Aquostic and also last but not least the pitch battles between fans vs fans its really all a bit depressing (in terms of spare time that can devoted to all sorts of better things) and not fun anymore and its not making the mb pleasant, friendly or fun anymore either. Though this is nothing to do with the massive efforts of the team Endlessly dissecting all the stuff about how great it was vs how crap it is now is an argument that has been done to death and goes round in circles and achieves nothing.
I've celebrated and will continue to celebrate the golden era of the FF, but in terms of the here and now and the future it is 100% gone. On that basis you arrive at a line in the sand where you either take what remains and look at the possibilities that exist within it on a positive basis, or decide that its not worth it.
This band is barely CQ anymore let alone the legacy of the FF which died even before Rick left us, and when the reunions had taken place. I'm no longer viewing this in terms of how things match up to the past, I'm looking at how the best could be achieved from an underwhelming base in terms of the line-up that remains - in whatever time is left..
Many will think that this isn't worth it, that's fine, but other than posting classic songs from the past on the songs thread and the best songs of the 70's thread, and keeping an eye on any news about Johns gigs and perhaps news of what might be salvaged from the PLC project, there is nothing else left of interest or purpose on the board. The off topic thread is a slammed closed door now as far as I am concerned and the least appealing place of all.
So, at least for now, and while there is at least a chance it might happen, I'm going to see if Ritchie gets the chance to make a difference to a soulless LNOTE band and if Francis and management can wake up, smell some coffee and maybe come up with some refreshing new rock music. Of course it might not happen, but at least as far I am concerned it beats endlessly repeating the same old, about the same old. Been guilty of doing far too much of that myself.
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Post by paradiseflats on Aug 16, 2017 10:23:26 GMT
I suppose if the purpose of the thread was to see where the line in the sand was/is.
For me in terms of listening its up to '81.
I was a kid and new to the band in terms of buying records in '81. So I followed the band as they were still a great live act on the '82 tour. The album was the line in the sand. 1982 at the time I thought was dreadful. I have warmed to it over the years but still it's no classic. It was the worst album I had heard up to that point released by a band I liked. But for me the line in the sand was the end of the road. They continued as Status Quo but to me they were not the real Status Quo but Rossi Quo with his side kick Rick. The pair would do anything to stay in the spot light. Their credibility shot. Light entertainers. I have heard every album and bside they have recorded. I will continue to listen to any output at least once. The only thing I've never watched is Bula Quo. So if they want to record let them do so. I guarantee it'll be ok at best but more likely poor and lacklustre. They simply can't write and record an album Id like. There is nothing to suggest they could. I'd like some of it but they haven't written 6 songs on an album I've liked since '81. Im sure to some I'm not a Status Quo fan. Probably I'm not. They are far from my favourite band today. They haven't been since well a long time.
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Post by Gaz on Aug 16, 2017 10:34:10 GMT
After watching the YouTube clip of that band Raid with Ritchie belting out Big Fatty then I can see CQ moving forward as long as Francis lets Ritchie off his leash along with some set list changes that would suit Ritchie. It's been shown time and again that the general public are the money stream of bands that were a success and importantly it's THE MUSIC which is more important than the band members as long as there's some bloodline. AC/DC a classic example. I'm of the opinion that Status Quo could continue on without Francis as long as a strong frontman can be found, after all it appears Ritchie has been accepted for Rick who I believe was irreplaceable ... he puts in and I reckon he can deliver a whole lot more if given the chance.
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