STATUS QUOTH...
Respect for the honesty from Francis Rossi when he said in a recent issue of Guitarist: “I am still only the player I am – not that good”. The fans, who may not play, may idolise and think you are wonderful but you cannot kid yourselves. Every honest, professional player appreciates the compliments but most know people who are way better than them.
I heard Jeff Beck say the same thing on TV, praising a guitarist who was accompanying him. He said,“He’s way better than me” when he was introduced. The only way to get better is to be honest with yourself and strive to be as good as those you admire. Pete Cresswell, via email It’s always impressive when players retain humility and perspective. As you say, there’s always someone better, but we believe that should not be a cause for discouragement. Having the confidence to admire the skills of others and admit there’s more to learn shows character. Quo have had more than 60 hits in the UK, so Rossi’s down-to-earth attitude is all the more impressive. And, sadly it’s also true that some of the greatest talents often have no gift for self-promotion and thus sink from memory all too fast.