Bula Quo - Doris with Status Quo in Fiji: Rick Parfitt and Status Quo, he leaves the band for the year to follow.

Rick is improving daily and living a fairly normal life, But Status Quo is far from normal.

We had hinted that many things would go on hold as Rick was unwell, and as pleased as we are to know Rick is really so much better that work plans for him to join Quo have gone on hold. The stage show is a huge under taking for which you have to be fit, then there is the travelling between cities in between.

The film, Bula Quo was by far the hardest they both had worked, and whilst they both loved it and want to do another one 5am wake up calls to go into make up for a 12 hour shoot day are not on the agenda for Rick at the moment.

rather than say no, the film may well be changed, but as the last one changed over and over again, it could well be that this one changes and the film is a swan song for a band that has had both a long and successful career. Talks continue and just as we were in the office last week with manager Simon Porter, we will be meeting again soon, but changes mean work and the office is very busy as the band continues.

See previous blogs.

Here is the official statement.

Status Quo regrets to announce that guitarist Rick Parfitt has been ordered to rest for the remainder of the year at the very least following on from his heart attack and associated complications following a Quo show in Turkey on June 14th.

This means, of course, that he will be unable to take part in the forthcoming ‘Last Night Of The Electrics’ European and UK tour which commences in Vienna, Austria on October 12th.

Simon Porter, the band’s manager comments, “Although Rick is recovering well and is now able to lead a relatively normal day to day life, he is far from being fit enough to undertake the rigours of Quo’s touring schedule. Perhaps now is the time to reveal that Rick actually ‘died’ for several minutes directly following his heart attack which resulted in mild cognitive impairments for which he continues to receive neuropsychological support.

His medical team continue to be confident of a full recovery, but Rick’s absolute priorities for the foreseeable future are for his health and wellbeing and to be able to see his eight-year-old twin children Tommy and Lily grow up.

To this end, Rick may well have performed his last show with Quo, but no final decision will be made until next year. Regardless, it is his wish that the band continue to tour as planned and he will always be a part of Quo’s numerous other off stage activities”.

Rick has given his full blessing for the band to continue to honour their touring schedule in order to not let down the fans. Until the end of 2016, Status Quo will continue to utilise guest musicians. Irish guitarist Richie Malone, who is currently playing with the band, will continue in this role at least until the end of Quo’s European schedule which concludes in Paris on December 4th. Freddie Edwards, son of Quo bass player John ‘Rhino’ Edwards also stepped in for Rick during some of the Summer shows.

Rick will also use his convalescence period to compose songs for a long overdue solo album which he plans to record early next year. In the meantime, both Rick and the band would like to thank the fans for their continued understanding and support.

This family romp was released by Universal and is available on line via all the usual sources.