"We've got strippers, pole dancers, free booze and free drugs," says Status Quo's Francis Rossi when asked what fans can expect on their latest tour, "No not really. We don't offer anything. You're coming to see Status Quo. If you've seen us before and like us then you're gonna have a good night. If you don't like us then you might not."
The Quo tour Britain religiously every year and they're playing two nights this week at Manchester Palace Theatre.
Catching up with Francis Rossi during a break in the soundcheck for a gig, he confirms that all is well in the camp.
"We've been very busy as usual. We've done what we call our 'summer shows', been to Russia, Estonia and countries like that. Oh, and we've been to Hungary as well. We've never done there before."
The title of the tour is Pictures – 40 Years of Hits. Francis laughs: "Yes, it's just over 40 years since our first hit (Pictures of Matchstick Men] but the promoters like to put a tag on the tour – they have done since Rocking All Over The World actually. To us, it's our annual tour. We're just a band trying to stay alive. As the Americans would say, to maintain the status quo."
There are other things in store for the 40 year celebrations, with a book of paintings of Status Quo and a new compilation with all 75 remastered singles plus videos.
It's not the only plans they have, as Francis explains: "We have our first Christmas single coming out this year, and I'm working on a solo album. I hope to finish it early next year. It's coming along very well and it has better material than my first one and I may do half a dozen live solo gigs as well – I've never done that before."
He adds: "I've never been good at saying things like 'come and see the show. It'll be great. We're just Status Quo and Status Quo is what you're gonna get."
* Status Quo Manchester Palace Theatre on October 16 and 17. Tickets are £31.50 from 0844 576 5483 or www.livenation.co.uk>> Vote in our latest web poll
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