STATUS QUO Announces 2018 Touring Hiatus

STATUS QUO will radically cut back on its touring activities and will only perform a series of summer shows and festivals during 2018.

For the first time in around thirty years, there will be no traditional QUO winter tour of Europe or Christmas shows in the U.K. As a result, the show already announced for November 3, 2018 at the massive Hallenstadion in Zurich has been rescheduled for October 6, 2018 and will be the final QUO gig of the year. All tickets for the original date will be valid for the new date and ticket holders do not need to take any further action.

Thus, the forthcoming Australian tour and the "Plugged In: Live And Rockin'!" U.K. tour will be the only opportunity for fans to see the band in smaller and more intimate venues for at least two years. Additionally, as a tribute to the late Rick Parfitt, the QUO setlist at these dates will now include two of his best-loved classics, "Don't Drive My Car" and "Little Lady".

Comments Francis Rossi: "This year has been one of change and reassessment following the sad death of Rick Parfitt. Although Rick had already retired from touring for six months before he died, it was still a major shock and my immediate reaction was to honor existing contracts and then knock it on the head. However, since then I have become increasingly confused as I realized just how much I was enjoying touring with two vibrant young guys in the band in guitarist Richie Mallone and drummer Leon Cave. They have given us old guys a good kick up the backside and whilst it could never be the same as with Rick in the band, it is different now but in an exciting and vibrant way that I can't fully explain.

"The 2017 gigs have been absolutely incredible and spirits are high, but we do now need some thinking time to consider all of the options now on offer for 2019, which could well include the recording a new full-on QUO rock album!

"We would love as many fans as possible to come and really help us make some noise on this year's dates as we definitely won't be touring in 2018. This is a massive change for us, and I know that the QUO tour has become a traditional part of the festive season for many fans."

STATUS QUO has performed well over six thousand live shows in its career, travelled millions of miles, entertained tens of millions of fans and spent nearly a quarter of a century on the road and away from home. It's time to take stock. The Winter Tour of 2017 is not a farewell but it will be the last time to see this legendary act touring the U.K. in their traditional manner for the immediate future.

Photo credit: Tovita Bråthen Razzi