Quo Rossi’s wrong advice

Hello Quo: Rossi, right, with the Frantic Four lineup and movie director Alan G Parker

Status Quo frontman Francis Rossi admits he never offers genuine advice to those who ask how to make it in the music business – because only those who won’t success would ever ask.

He’s been in bands for 50 years now, and all but the first five of those have been spent in Quo. With the release of their documentary Hello Quo and the announcement that the classic-era Frantic Four lineup will tour next year, it’s been a good time for Rossi to reflect on his ups and downs.

He tells the Huffington Post: “I think what has propelled us through the years is a combination of never having been fashionable – making it harder for us to fall from grace – and also a desire just to keep going, hanging on by our fingertips if necessary.

“Almost everyone who forms a band is an insecure show off. I always was, and I still am. I dread going onstage – those last few minutes before the lights go up are murder for me. But once I’m there I have to be prised away.

“Getting out to where the fans are has been the bedrock of our success. These days the live industry is more important than the recording side, somehow we were ahead of the game by becoming a constantly touring act.”

Rossi says people often ask him how to make it, and he always gives the same reply: “Give up now.”

He explains: “That sounds negative, obviously, but I say that because I know that the players who have it in them to go all the way, make the sacrifices, live on that bus – they’re going to do it anyway.

“What decides the day is ambition, drive: that old blend of perspiration and inspiration.”

The one who’ll become successful, Rossi believes, are the one who would never think of asking for hints. “When they are starting out they are not interested in listening to advice from someone like me, even if I have been there and done that,” he says.

“That’s the right way to be. Just do it – don’t listen to anyone else. I certainly wouldn’t have!”

Quo will attend the Classic Rock Roll of Honour Awards on November 13 at London’s Roundhouse.