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Francis Rossi goes solo – and brings the family
Friday 14th May 2010, 8:33AM BST.
Francis Rossi in concert at Birmingham Town Hall
Francis Rossi
Birmingham Town Hall
Concert review and photos by Ian Harvey
It’s something akin to seeing Siamese twins separated to witness Francis Rossi on a stage without his Status Quo counterpart Rick Parfitt.
Rossi arrived at Birmingham Town Hall last night on just the second night of his first ever solo tour to promote his new album One Step At A Time.
He had earlier claimed to be nervous about appearing on stage without his Quo bandmates but there was no sign of that last night.
Backed up by a band which included his son Nicholas and two female backing singers, Rossi started off the gig in just the same way he starts most Quo concerts, with the 1973 classic Caroline.
This was a different Caroline though, slower and stripped down to the way he and his songwriting partner Bob Young originally wrote it.
The show gave Rossi a chance to showcase new Quo-like songs including Sleeping On The Job and Tallulah’s Waiting as well as the lovely ballad One Step.
There were even a few old Quo obscurities like Twenty Wild Horses thrown in to please the fans as well as the classic Don’t Waste My Time to finish on a real high.
Earlier, to make it a real family affair, Rossi’s daughter Bernadette, fronted her own band, The North, who even included Quo’s In My Chair in their set. Even her mum was in the audience.
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What a superb evening at Birmingham Town Hall last night – Francis Rossi showed all the reasons why he is one of Britain’s rock greats and he gave fans opportunity to hear tracks they would not normally be played in concert by the Quo as well as some old favourites but this was a showcase for his new solo material and he did not disappoint.
He laughed and joked with a totally appreciative audience most of an age that would have grown up with him and Status Quo.
Lets hope he returns to the Midlands again soon.
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WHAT AN ENJOYABLE EVENING, GREAT TO SEE ROSSI ON HIS OWN, i THOUGHT HIS GUITAR WORK WAS BETTER THAN WITH QUO, EVEN THOUGH I LOVE THEM ALL.!! GREAT NIGHT, CAN’T WAIT TILL DECEMBER!!!!!!
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what a great show rossi put on last night.ive followed quo since the early 70s and was unsure as to what to expect.the band were great and seemed to enjoy it as much as we all did,they all played really well.must mention his daughters band “the north” – how good were they !.all too often children of great artists have a go and are awfull,Bernadettes band have real talent,great songs and players.great venue too.much nicer in a small intimate venue than the large arenas quo have to use – look forward to the next one !
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There’s something about watching real pro’s doing what they do best. The obvious thing last night was how much they were enjoying themselves and that was reflected in the smiling faces of the crowd. Francis Rossi is one of the most under-rated leads around and as he admits himself, his ability gets better as time goes on.
I can’t leave without mentioning his daughter’s band ‘The North’ who supported. I’d happily pay to see them alone; a very competent and exciting prospect for the future.
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