At 73, Quo’s Francis is still rocking all over the world
STATUS Quo legend Francis Rossi is doing exactly what he’s done for more than 50 years.
Bounding across the stage like a man half his age in Holland this week, it’s clear the crowd and the frontman have only one thought: “I like it, I like it, I like it.”
Yet the rocker is still very conscious of every one of his 73 years.
He admits: “It is a shame I’m so ******* old. The band are playing really well and all enjoying each other’s company.”
Chatting in his dressing room before Monday night’s sold-out gig in Tilburg, Holland, he says: “When I was growing up we would always laugh at someone in music who was 40.
“Now I’m in my 70s, my face is falling off, and when I stand under a lamp, my hair disappears.”
There is no doubt the vice-free, super-lean Francis is doing himself a disservice – not least because of his fitness regime. Following a prediabetic diagnosis, he now swears by a brisk 10-minute walk after meals, as well as a 1.30pm nap.
He explains: “If the production manager wants to talk to me he has to walk alongside me, I’m not stopping. It’s an obsession.”
Still, it’s no wonder the dad of eight thinks about his mortality, following the death of bandmate Rick Parfitt in 2016 and original bassist Alan Lancaster last year.
Francis adds: “I’ve had pneumonia three times. I’m hoping there’s a time you just go, check out.
“If it comes to someone having to wipe my derrière, I’m going.”
● Quo’ing In: The Best Of The Noughties is out now. The UK tour starts Friday and ends December 3.