Status Quo/Roy Wood at LG Arena, Birmingham

Dec 7 2009 by Andrew Coleman, Birmingham Mail

Status Quo/Roy Wood

LG ARENA, BIRMINGHAM

THEY’VE been Rockin’ All Over The World during 2009 but the last two weeks have seen Status Quo forced off the road due to frontman Francis Rossi’s bout of bronchitis.

But on Saturday, with a string of postponed shows behind them, they returned to the stage, refreshed and revitalised.

Having Roy Wood as support act didn’t do any harm – the Brummie legend soon had the crowd singing along with I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday. There couldn’t be a better act to warm up the audience who were back on their feet as soon as they heard the first chords of Quo’s opener, Caroline.

The band, who last year celebrated their 40th anniversary, offered songs from throughout their four decades. Early hits Pictures Of Matchstick Men and Ice In The Sun were aired alongside fan favourites Paper Plane and Roll Over Lay Down, through to more recent material.

Like fine wine, Status Quo simple seem to be improving with age.

VERDICT: HHHHH

ANDY COLEMAN