Status Quo - Live 2LP 12" Vinyl Album

- Includes large Portrait Photos of the band members

They began as a rock and roll freakbeat band called the Spectres. By 1967, with very little commercial success, they discovered psychedelia and changed their name to Traffic (later Traffic Jam, to avoid confusion with Steve Winwood's Traffic.) At this time the line-up also included organist Roy Lynes and drummer John Coghlan. Late in 1967 they recruited second guitarist Rick Parfitt and became The Status Quo, scoring Top 10 singles with Pictures Of Matchstick Men and Ice in The Sun. 

Album Description:

Historical Context: The Mid-1970s Rock Scene & World Events

By the mid-1970s the rock world was in a transitional period. The early part of the decade had seen the rise of heavier hard rock and proto-heavy metal, alongside progressive rock, glam, and a lingering influence of late ’60s psychedelia. Punk was just over the horizon, disco was growing strong, and audiences were developing an appetite both for virtuosity and also raw live energy.

Globally, 1976-77 saw economic difficulties in many countries (inflation, oil crises) that often gave rise to social unrest; these also filtered into music, in that live concerts and rock tours became refuge for youth seeking release. The touring live album became more common: older bands would document large arena and hall shows both to capture their peak performances, and to share with fans who could not attend.

The Album & Its Place in Status Quo’s Output

“Live!” (sometimes simply called Status Quo Live) was released in 1977; it is the first official double live album by Status Quo. It captures performances from a tour (recorded late 1976), showcasing the band during what many consider one of their strongest phases. The album blends high energy, extended jams, and the band’s signature boogie / hard rock style.

Genre & Peers

Status Quo in this period are often classified under rock, hard rock, and especially boogie rock. Their style emphasizes driving, rhythmic guitar riffs, strong back-beat drumming, extended live solos, and an almost dance-friendly groove rooted in blues and early rock & roll.

Other bands in a similar sphere at that time include ZZ Top (in the US), AC/DC beginning to gain momentum, Thin Lizzy, Deep Purple, and some of the heavier blues rock acts. In the UK, bands like Free, Slade, and Humble Pie had influenced the musical soil from which Status Quo drew. On the lighter side, there was also a mix of arena rock bands, hard rock, and the emerging punk movement which was reacting against the excesses of earlier rock.

Formation & Line-Up Changes Leading Up to the Recording
  • Status Quo traces its roots back to the early 1960s. Francis Rossi and Alan Lancaster formed one of the original core line-ups, evolving through several name changes (The Paladins, The Spectres, then Traffic Jam, then The Status Quo, finally settling on Status Quo). Over the years, personnel shifted, particularly in keyboardists and drummers, but the core of Rossi, Parfitt, Lancaster, and Coghlan defined the classic mid-70s era.
  • By 1976, Andy Bown, who had collaborated with the band off and on (in studio, live support), was increasingly involved, particularly with keyboard parts. Although not always officially credited as full member in all recordings pre-1977, his contribution was becoming significant.
  • The drummer John Coghlan, bassist Alan Lancaster, guitarists Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt were the main members on the “Live!” album. Bob Young (harmonica, co-writing) also played a role in many songs, particularly in shaping their blues/boogie rock roots.
Musical Exploration in this Live Recording

This recording shows the band stretching some of their studio pieces into longer, more improvisational live forms. For example, tracks like “Forty-Five Hundred Times” are extended with interplay between guitars, dynamic shifts, and audience interaction. The live format allows them to ride crescendos, build intensity, use extended solos, and sometimes change arrangements to emphasize energy over precision.

The style is rawer than many of their studio recordings: you get the grit, the crowd noise, occasional rough edges, and the ambiance of a live hall. This gives the recording urgency. Also, the track selection highlights their strength in transitions—moving from hard rocking riffs to quieter moments or slower bluesy passages and back again.

Key Persons Behind this Recording
  • Francis Rossi – lead guitar & vocals. One of the central creative voices. He shaped much of the guitar sound / solos and had a strong say in how the live performance was presented.
  • Rick Parfitt – rhythm guitar & vocals. His guitar work, stage presence, backing vocals and harmonies are essential; the interplay between Rossi & Parfitt is one of the defining features.
  • Alan Lancaster – bass & vocals. Provides the low end drive, often also contributing to unity in live dynamics.
  • John Coghlan – drums. His rhythmic backbone keeps the boogie rolling; live his drumming is energetic and central to maintaining momentum in longer songs.
  • Andy Bown – keyboards. While not always fully official before this period, his contributions (especially keyboard textures, fills) help broaden the live sound beyond purely guitar-driven rock, adding depth.
  • Bob Young – harmonica & co-writer. Not always on every track, but part of the band’s identity in this era.
Band History Before & After the Album

Status Quo began in the early ’60s, gradually evolving from beat / freakbeat / psychedelia toward harder, more stripped-down rock and boogie rock. Early albums in the late ’60s had a very different sound, lighter, more psychedelic. In the early 70s they abandoned psychedelia, lineup shifts (Roy Lynes leaves, etc.), and moved toward the guitar-driven boogie rock style.

After this live album they continued to release studio albums, with increasing popularity. They became known for reliability in touring, for strong live shows, and also for a steady stream of hits. The album “Rockin’ All Over the World” follows in 1977, and later studio albums like “Whatever You Want” continue the boogie rock, but with increasing polish and songwriting maturity.

Controversies & Critical Reception

Though very popular with fans, there was a mixed reaction from inside the band and critics about how well the live album captured their live essence. For instance, frontman Francis Rossi has expressed dissatisfaction later, saying he thinks it could have been mixed better, and that some choices of performance selection were not ideal.

Some criticism focuses on sound fidelity (especially by later standards), and the order of tracks on vinyl vs. the actual concert order (some rearrangements were necessary to fit vinyl side lengths). Some releases had different cover art in different territories. Moreover, as with many live albums, there's the question of how much post-production or editing was done; purists sometimes argue that live albums lose spontaneity if heavily polished, and while this album is considered relatively raw, some purists felt it still smoothed over rough edges.

Why This Album Matters Within the Band’s Trajectory

This “Live!” double LP is a document of a peak era for Status Quo: the time when their boogie hard rock style was extremely tight, popular, and delivering high-energy live shows. It also marks the point where their live performances were being captured officially and widely, enabling more people to hear what their concerts sounded like and helping cement their reputation not just as a studio band but as a live draw.

While later studio work would introduce more sophistication, the variety of recording and live dynamics displayed here influenced how they arranged live sets ever after. Plus, the album boosted their visibility and helped feed momentum into their subsequent studio records and tours.

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

Rock and Roll

Label & Catalognr:

Vertigo – 9286 729

Album Packaging

Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album Cover Design.

Original custom inner sleeve with member photos.

Media Format:

12" Double LP

Year & Country:

1977 – Made in Germany

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Francis Rossi – Lead Guitar & Vocals
  • Rick Parfitt – Rhythm Guitar & Vocals
  • Alan Lancaster – Bass & Vocals
  • Andy Bown – Keyboards
  • John Coghlan – Drums
  • Bob Young – Harmonica & Co-Writer

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Junior's Wailing
  2. Backwater / Just Take Me
  3. Is There A Better Way
  4. In My Chair
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Little Lady / Most Of the Time
  2. Forty-Five Hundred Times
Tracklisting Side Three:
  1. Roll Over Lay Down
  2. Big Fat Mama
  3. Caroline / Bye Bye
Tracklisting Side Four:
  1. Rain
  2. Don't Waste My Time
  3. Roadhouse Blues

Additional Information:

This live double album captures Status Quo at their peak in the late 1970s, recorded in Germany. It features extended jams and signature boogie rock performances that showcase the energy of their live shows.

Album Front Cover Photo
Front cover of the 1977 German Vertigo double LP 'Status Quo – Live'. The artwork shows torn-paper effects revealing black-and-white portrait photos of two band members with long hair, one blonde and one dark-haired with a moustache, set against a collage of live concert shots in red tones. A bold yellow circular sticker announces March concert dates in Geneva, Winterthur, and Dornbirn. The title 'Live!' is printed along the bottom.

The album cover presents a striking torn-paper collage design. Against a dark background, jagged rips reveal stark black-and-white portraits of two Status Quo members: one with long blonde hair and a serious gaze, the other dark-haired with a moustache and intense expression. These portraits appear as if exposed through layered paper tears.

Behind and between the rips are live performance photographs in red and shadowed hues, capturing the band’s high-energy stage presence. The layered effect creates both a sense of destruction and revelation, as if peeling back the surface to expose the raw faces and spirit of the band.

A vivid yellow and red circular sticker dominates the lower left portion, emblazoned with IN CONCERT and listing tour dates: 11 March in Genève at Palais des Sports, 12 March in Winterthur at Eulachhalle, and 13 March in Dornbirn at Stadthalle. Along the bottom, the word LIVE! stands boldly, reinforcing the album’s title and theme of raw performance energy.

Large Portrait Photo of Status Quo Band Member #1
Large color portrait of Alan Lancaster from Status Quo, featured in the 1977 Live double LP. He has long, wavy brown hair that flows past his shoulders, a thick mustache, and a bright smile. He wears a black leather jacket over a light blue shirt with a round medallion pendant hanging from a thin gold chain. The background is a soft gradient of warm orange and brown tones, giving the image a warm, studio-lit atmosphere.

This is a full-page portrait of Alan Lancaster, bassist and vocalist of Status Quo, printed inside the gatefold of the 1977 Live album. The image highlights his cheerful personality, captured in a broad, natural smile.

Lancaster is shown with long, thick, wavy brown hair cascading over his shoulders, paired with a neatly groomed mustache. His eyes are bright and expressive, framed by the soft light of the studio photography.

He wears a shiny black leather jacket layered over a pale blue shirt, accented by a round medallion pendant suspended from a gold chain. The background is a smooth gradient blend of orange and brown hues, adding warmth and a classic 1970s photographic atmosphere to the portrait.

Large Portrait Photo of Status Quo Band Member #2
Large color portrait of John Coghlan from Status Quo, featured in the 1977 Live double LP. He has very long, straight dark brown hair parted in the center, a thick mustache, and a faint smile. He wears a light blue T-shirt and a necklace with a tooth- or fang-shaped pendant. The background is a smooth gradient of warm orange and soft purple tones, giving the image a studio-lit 1970s look.

This is a full-page portrait of John Coghlan, drummer of Status Quo, printed inside the gatefold of the 1977 Live album. The photograph emphasizes his calm and confident presence, with a direct, piercing gaze into the camera.

John Coghlan is shown with long, straight, dark brown hair parted precisely down the middle, flowing over his shoulders and framing his face. His thick mustache and subtle smile give him a composed yet approachable appearance.

He is dressed simply in a light blue T-shirt, accentuated by a necklace featuring a pendant shaped like a tooth or fang, adding a touch of individuality. The soft orange and purple gradient background completes the classic 1970s studio portrait aesthetic.

Large Portrait Photo of Status Quo Band Member #3
Large color portrait of Francis Rossi from Status Quo, featured in the 1977 Live double LP. He has long, straight brown hair parted in the middle, with sideburns and an earring in his left ear. He is smiling broadly, showing his teeth. He wears a layered outfit: a blue collared shirt over a white undershirt, topped with a dark sweater featuring a small embroidered logo. The background is a warm orange-brown gradient, giving the image a soft 1970s studio atmosphere.

This is a full-page portrait of Francis Rossi, lead guitarist and vocalist of Status Quo, included in the gatefold of the 1977 Live album. The photo radiates warmth and approachability, capturing him with a wide, genuine smile.

Rossi’s long, straight brown hair is parted neatly in the middle, with sideburns framing his face and a subtle hoop earring in his left ear adding a touch of personality. His cheerful expression contrasts with the more serious looks of his bandmates’ portraits.

He is dressed in layered clothing typical of the era: a light blue collared shirt over a white undershirt, topped with a dark sweater adorned with a small embroidered logo. Behind him, the orange-brown gradient background enhances the warm, casual, and friendly mood of this classic 1970s studio portrait.

Large Portrait Photo of Status Quo Band Member #4
Large color portrait of Rick Parfitt from Status Quo, featured in the 1977 Live double LP. He has shoulder-length, feathered blond hair framing his face, a wide smile showing his teeth, and an energetic presence. He wears a red shirt beneath a bold blue-and-red plaid jacket, accessorized with a gold chain necklace. The background is a warm gradient of orange and brown, typical of 1970s studio portraiture.

This is a full-page portrait of Rick Parfitt, rhythm guitarist and vocalist of Status Quo, included in the gatefold of the 1977 Live album. The image captures his trademark energy and charisma, with a wide, infectious smile that radiates confidence and warmth.

Parfitt’s blond hair is styled in a layered, feathered cut that falls to his shoulders, a quintessential 1970s look. His expressive eyes and joyful expression add to the lively feel of the photograph, highlighting his role as one of the band’s most dynamic performers.

He is dressed in a red shirt layered under a bold plaid jacket in shades of blue and red, accessorized with a simple gold chain necklace. Behind him, the warm orange-brown gradient background creates a glowing, vibrant atmosphere, perfectly framing this classic portrait of one of rock’s most enduring figures.

Rockin' All Over the World: Status Quo's Classic Vinyl Discography of Boogie Rock and Pop Sensibilities.

STATUS QUO - Aint Complaining  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Aint Complaining

"Ain't Complaining" marked the band's 20th studio album and showcased their enduring rock sound. Produced by Pip Williams, a renowned British producer known for his work with Quo and other notable artists

Aint Complaining 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - Best of Status Quo  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Best of Status Quo

"Best of Status Quo" is a compilation album that showcases the band's early hits and highlights their distinctive rock sound.

Best of Status Quo 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - Blue For You (Dutch and German Releases) album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Blue For You (Dutch and German Releases)

The album "Blue For You" is considered a classic work in the band's discography, blending the band's signature boogie rock sound with blues and pop influences.

Dutch Edition of "Blue For You" German Edition of "Blue For You"
STATUS QUO - Dog of Two Head Gatefold  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Dog of Two Head Gatefold

"Dog of Two Head " is the 1971 rock album by STATUS QUO released by Pye Records, their fourth studio album. At the time of recording, the band consisted of Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan.

Dog of Two Head Gatefold 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - Double Disque D'Or  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Double Disque D'Or

The 1970 release of Status Quo's "Le Double Disque d'Or de Status Quo" on Vogue PYE Records is a 2LP vinyl album that celebrates the band's early successes. The album features a collection of their popular hits

Double Disque D'Or 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - Down The Dustpipe album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Down The Dustpipe

"Down The Dustpipe" is a 12" vinyl LP album by Status Quo, featuring their distinctive blend of rock and boogie rock, highlighted by the popular title track and a collection of energetic and catchy songs.

Down The Dustpipe 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - Hello  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Hello

"Hello!" is an electrifying record that captures the raw energy and infectious spirit of Status Quo's live performances, making it a fan favorite and a standout addition to their discography.

Hello 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - Hit Album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Hit Album

The "Hit Album" by Status Quo is a compilation 12" vinyl LP that showcases the band's chart-topping hits from various albums. The album offers a comprehensive overview

Hit Album 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - If You Can't Stand The Heat  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - If You Can't Stand The Heat

Produced by Pip Williams, the album features a mix of hard-driving rockers like "Again and Again" and "Long Legged Linda"

If You Can't Stand The Heat 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - In the Army Now  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - In the Army Now

"In The Army Now" features a mix of rock and pop influences, including the hit single of the same name, and was produced by Pip Williams. The album received mixed reviews but was a commercial success.

In the Army Now 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - You Are in the Army Now album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - In the Army Now

"In the Army Now" this 1986 release features their hit song and additional tracks, bringing the army experience to life with powerful vocals and classic rock energy on a larger format vinyl record.

In the Army Now 12" Vinyl Maxi-Single
STATUS QUO - Just Supposin'  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Just Supposin'

Released in 1980, Status Quo’s "Just Supposin’" roars with the band’s signature boogie rock energy, blending hard-driving riffs with melodic hooks. This French Vertigo pressing stands out with its striking black label adorned with the iconic twin “mushroom” logos, a collector’s hallmark that perfectly frames this enduring rock classic.

Just Supposin' 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - Lies b/w Don't Drive My Car album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Lies b/w Don't Drive My Car

This single showcases the band's rock 'n' roll prowess. "Lies" delivers a punchy and energetic sound with catchy hooks, while "Don't Drive My Car" presents a more laid-back groove.

Lies b/w Don't Drive My Car 7" Vinyl Single
STATUS QUO - On The Level  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - On The Level

The cover art of "On the Level" presents a visually captivating concept. The band members, Francis Rossi, Richard Parfitt, Alan Lancaster, and John Coghlan, are photographed in an Ames room,

On The Level 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - Piledriver  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Piledriver

Status Quo's 'Piledriver' epitomizes the raw energy and timeless appeal of 1970s rock. With iconic tracks like 'Paper Plane,' it remains a cornerstone of the genre, showcasing the band's talent and innovation.

Piledriver 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - Rockin' All Over The World  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Rockin' All Over The World

This particular French release of the album not only features the iconic green inner sleeve with album details but also includes a captivating photo of the band.

Rockin' All Over The World 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - Self-Titled (1976 , USA)  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Self-Titled

This is the American release of the album "Blue For You" with a Die-Cut cover and different artwork

STATUS QUO - Self-Titled (1976 , USA) 12" Vinyl LP
STATUS QUO - Status Quo Live!  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Status Quo Live!

Dive into a live experience with Status Quo's double LP vinyl featuring a killer concert and giant portrait photos! Relive their rockin' energy on 12" vinyl with this collector's item, perfect for fans.

Status Quo Live! 12" Vinyl 2LP
STATUS QUO - Whatever you Want  album front cover vinyl record
STATUS QUO - Whatever you Want

In 1979, a legendary rock album made its way onto the turntables of fans worldwide. Status Quo's "Whatever You Want" 12" Vinyl LP Album, released on Vertigo Records

Whatever you Want 12" Vinyl LP