REVIEW: Status Quo at Manchester Arena

LAST night at the M.E.N. Arena, Status Quo showed the Manchester crowds they’ve definitely still got it. Performing their top hits Rockin’ All Over the World, Hold you Back and Wanderer, the seated concert turned into an arm-waving, head banging extravaganza.

The show started with a performance from The Lounge Kittens, a 3 piece tribute band. As soon as the trio of colourfully-dressed rock chicks arrived on stage and burst into a cover of Who Are You by The Who, it was all systems go.

A real crowd pleaser was the Toto – Africa cover and the crowd began to pick up and get involved. Despite differing in style from the support act and main show, this quirky trio knew how to work the crowd.

Getting schooled by @Status_Quo. They were totally on point tonight, as always. We're so lucky to share their stage #lastnightoftheelectrics pic.twitter.com/Qsp0vQINyG

— The Lounge Kittens (@TheLKittens) December 19, 2016

Next up was REO Speedwagon, lights fade and heavy guitar chords as the classic rock band appeared on stage. Take it on the Run was the second song to be played by the 70’s rock group and the crowd begin to get involved and the excitement and cheers lead into the 3rd song.

“It’s so good to be back in Manchester – it’s been 10 years” Kevin Cronin, lead singer speaks to the crowd. The performance was complimented by moments of dialogue and there was a friendly feel amongst the audience.

The band perform their famous hits Can’t Fight This Feeling and Time for Me to Fly and the atmosphere before the main performance has peaked after REO Speedwagon’s performance.

The lights dim again before Status Quo arrive on stage and everyone in the crowd is on their feet – where they remain for the rest of the show.

In comparison to the support acts, the style and execution differs which the crowd don’t seem to mind. Status Quo seem comfortable playing their songs in their style, not trying to be prententious and the supportive fans were cheering along throughout.

The support acts injected a lot energy and excitement into the show which did not follow through into the majority of Status Quo’s performance, bar their more upbeat rock songs, but nonetheless the audience seemed more than satisfied.

Francis Rossi’s typically British interludes of dialogue complimented the performance in between songs. It was quite a ‘safe’ show – the band performed their hits with as much enthusiasm as possible however their on stage presence was not comparable to their support acts but as it have been fourty eight years since they’re debut, that’s somewhat understandable.

Fond farewell to @Status_Quo at #Manchester 35 years after my first Quo gig as a teenager – this time with my 22-year old daughter! ??❤ pic.twitter.com/G6nZQrJsiE

— Gary Skentelbery (@GarySkent) December 20, 2016