Francis Rossi ‘Confused’ Over Status Quo’s Future

British rock icons Status Quo are taking a break from touring after the band's only remaining original member, Francis Rossi, admitted he’s “confused” over the group's future.

He also took the opportunity of late colleague Rick Parfitt’s 69th birthday to say he was considering the possibility of a full-power rock album in 2019. The announcement means that the band's traditional winter U.K. tour, which began three decades ago, won’t happen next year. Australian, European and U.K. dates for 2017 will go ahead as planned, but besides a selection of 2018 summer festival dates and an appearance in Zurich on Oct 6 – rescheduled from Nov. 3 – there are no other planned appearances.

Status Quo have said that Parfitt favorites “Don’t Drive My Car” and “Little Lady” have been added to the set as a tribute. “This year has been one of change and reassessment following the sad death of Rick,” Rossi said in a statement. “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 Malone 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, its is different now, but in an exciting and vibrant way that I can’t fully explain.”

Saying that “spirits are high” in the band, Rossi added, “We do now need some thinking time to consider all of the options now on offer for 2019, which could well include the recording of a new full-on Quo rock album!”

Rossi emphasized that "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.”

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