1983 in music: Status Quo score hit with 'Back To Back' album

On the face of it, 1983 appeared to be a great year for UK boogie veterans Status Quo. They were still considered a legitimate rock band (they'd headlined the Donington Monsters of Rock festival the previous year), and they were still releasing albums on an annual basis at this time. Their 'Back To Back' album which was released in November of 1983, spawned several hit singles. As ever, they were regulars on BBC's 'Top Of The Pops' (in actual fact they still hold the record for most appearances on the show) and on one memorable occasion, guitarist/vocalist Rick Parfitt took a tumble into the drum kit while they lip-synced to the song 'Marguerita Time'!

However, behind the scenes the cracks were already showing in the band, which eventually led to them calling a halt to live performances the next year (temporarily, as it turned out) and resulting in the departure of long-time bassist/vocalist Alan Lancaster. One of the hits off this album, 'Ol' Rag Blues' was written by Lancaster with Keith Lamb, and was originally intended to feature his lead vocal. To his dismay, the label insisted that a version featuring the lead vocal of regular frontman Francis Rossi be issued instead, and that duly reached number 9 in the UK singles charts.

Lancaster was also less than happy with the inclusion of 'Marguerita Time' and declined to appear on 'Top Of The Pops'; his place being taken by Slade's Jim Lea. Nonetheless, the single scored highly, reaching number 3 in the charts (despite Parfitt's televised mishap). Other hits from the album were 'Going Down Town Tonight', and a cover of 'A Mess Of Blues', originally made famous by Elvis Presley.

Tensions in the band beneath the surface eventually boiled over, and the band announced their intention to retire from live performances in early 1984. Taken at the time as a split in the band, it was denied on stage by Rossi but following their 'final' show at Milton Keynes Bowl, Lancaster retired to Australia and drummer Pete Kircher (who had replaced John Coghlan only two years before) quietly left the group. They did break out the Telecasters once more on 13 July 1985, as the openers for Live Aid at Wembley Stadium, but when Rossi and Parfitt eventually decided to get Quo active again in 1986, it was with a new rhythm section backing themselves and long-time keyboard player Andy Bown. Bass player John 'Rhino' Edwards remains with the group to this day, while they have recently recruited drummer Leon Cave in place of previous incumbent Matt Letley.

In 2013, the so-called 'Frantic Four' of Rossi, Parfitt, Lancaster and Coghlan reunited for a series of UK gigs which were well-received, but it was made clear that this was a one-off and that the 'present' Quo line-up would continue. That line-up is scheduled to play more shows in winter 2013.

Here is the infamous Top of The Pops performance of 'Marguerita Time' with Parfitt demolishing the drum kit. (2023 edit: dead link replaced.) Look out for Jim Lea appearing in place of Alan Lancaster also: