Status Quo still afloat

600 military staff saw the Quo's show

By Leigh Mytton BBC News Online

It was the most surreal welcome the passenger ferry Pride of Bilbao had ever received.

It arrived in Portsmouth harbour to the strains of Whatever You Want, being played live on the deck of aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal by rock legends Status Quo.

Passengers jostled on the decks to catch a glimpse of 600 military personnel enjoying a 12-song set by the veteran band to celebrate the launch of their new album, Heavy Traffic.

The sailors and soldiers were joined by 100 Quo fan club members and VIP guests - including scantily-clad glamour models, teddy boys, ageing rock chicks and denim-clad groupies - who had travelled to the gig on the Orient Express.

There's just something fruity and colourful that's come off this album

Rick Parfitt

Inflatable green guitars waved above the crowds as frontmen Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt danced hip-to-hip on a stage constructed on the ship's runway.

The long-haired faithful rushed to the front of the crowd while squaddies imitated the Quo dance.

Spirits

Most of the officers crossed their arms and nodded along to Rockin' All Over The World.

Even the rain failed to dampen the spirits of this lot.

Comedian Harry Hill - resplendent in a teddy boy coat and Quo baseball cap - was mingling with the crowds.

On track: Posing on the Orient Express

"I've been a fan for 20 years," he said. "I like their clothes and their hair. This is a weird experience."

The Ark Royal's 600-strong crew were given a couple of hours off to enjoy the festivities.

With an average age of 22, the Quo hit the big time before they were born, but they didn't seem to mind.

"I think they're all right," enthused 18-year-old weapons engineer Gemma Davies.

"My mother and father have got all their records."

Hospital worker Brian Campbell - one of the Quo's dedicated fanbase dubbed "the loyal family" by the band - paid £300 for his day out and he said it was worth every penny.

You have to slow down a bit because of age - but we always want to come out and give it 100%

Rick Parfitt

"I love it when Rick starts playing Caroline. The music is pumping. They are giving it everything and so are the crowd," said the 29-year-old from Greenock.

"I've seen them about 16 times, but I've never done anything like this. I met them, too. Nothing was too much trouble."

'Different'

The day out was tied in with the video for the Quo's new single Jam Side Down, which was shot on the Ark Royal after Rick Parfitt bid for a day out on the ship at an auction.

"I bought the tickets for me and my 13-year-old son," said Parfitt.

"We talked about how great it would be to do a gig on the flight deck and the crew said 'it's possible'.

"It's nice for everyone to see us, rather than launching the album at a club. It's really quite special for all of us. It's just different."

Parfitt and Rossi say the new album recaptures the raw energy of the Quo's heyday.

"It's pure Quo - more than it has been for the last 10-15 years. There's just something fruity and colourful that's come off this album," said Parfitt.

Rossi added: "We sat and routined the numbers together. Each person was starting to get a vibe for the arrangement and then we would go and do the thing."

Parfitt and Rossi: "Pure Quo"

The Quo have hit the headlines for their hard-living antics, but Parfitt and Rossi didn't end their day out with a party on the Orient Express.

Instead, they wandered up and down the carriages, chatting to fans over a few beers.

"We have kicked all the drugs but we still like a few drinks," said Parfitt, who had a quadruple heart bypass in 1997.

"You have to slow down a bit because with age your body cannot take it. It's not fair to the fans. We always want to come out and give it 100%."

'Snowball'

As the train rolled back into London, Rossi reflected: "In the last two years so many things have slotted into place.

"If Rick hadn't had gone out that night and bid for the ticket and then got talking to the crew after a few drinks, it wouldn't have happened. Everything starts to snowball and, when you're up, that's what makes rock and roll work."

The average age of the Ark Royal's personnel is 22

The Quo were first off the train at Victoria, so there was no chance for the fans to catch a final glimpse of their heroes. But they did not seem to mind.

Brian from Greenock wandered up the platform.

"It's been a once-in-a-lifetime experience," he enthused, before spotting my goodie bag.

"What's in it?" he exclaimed. I gave him my Status Quo playing cards. He was delighted.