Francis Rossi admits Status Quo are determined to be a smash hit at Sixways Live ’07 – and even be converted to rugby at the same time!
Rossi and his Quo band-mates will headline the outdoor gig at the home of the Warriors on Saturday (doors open at 3pm).
A big crowd is expected to descend on the venue to watch the rock gods belt out timeless classics such as Rockin’ All Over The World, The Wanderer and Down, Down.
Rossi admits the band is looking forward to the stadium concert and a rare appearance at a rugby venue.
And after helping firing Manchester United to the top of the charts with ‘Come On You Reds’ in April 1994 he reckons the band could now even become big Warriors fans!
“Rugby has never really been my thing, but then I’m not really naturally competitive. When I’m playing football I don’t even mind if people take the ball off me,” said Rossi.
“When I was at school I was put off rugby by my gym teacher, he kept telling me he would make a man of me and that just didn’t motivate me. But maybe the trip to Sixways will change me to a rugby fan.
“The one thing that really appeals to me in rugby is the gentlemanly side of it, I find that appealing and very different to other sports.
“And we’ve already had the one hit in sport with Manchester United – I guess we could have one with the Warriors next!”
Status Quo will arrive at Sixways as part of the ‘Just Doin’ It’ World Tour as they gear up for the release of new studio album ‘In Search of the Fourth Chord’ in September 2007.
Some of the new songs could yet even get an airing at Sixways and Rossi is keen to hear how the crowd reacts.
“I’m excited about playing some of the new stuff as well as the hits we are known for,” he added.
“The criticism we have had for some of our recent stuff was that it was too polished, but this time we are with a producer I know well and I love the sound of it. The collaboration has worked really well.
“Going out on stage and playing it all live is always a new experience but I’m sure it will go down well, we’re determined to put on a real show for the Sixways crowd.”
* Tickets are available for Sixways Live ’07 from the Sixways Ticket Office from 9am on Wednesday. You can also call the 24-hour ticket hotline on 0871 230 2606 or buy on-line at www.ticketmaster.co.uk
Seventeen HMV stores across West Midlands are also selling tickets alongside The NEC Box Office on 0121 767 3563 and music venue The Marr’s Bar in Pierpoint Street in Worcester.