Whatever You Want (Live) – Status Quo

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Whatever You Want (Live) – Status Quo


So I’m a huge Status Quo fan, yes I’m sure some music connoisseurs reading this will do the huge sigh, only three chords routine. But as far as I’m concerned, they rock. Seen them live many times and still can’t believe Rick Parfitt is no longer with us. His partner Francis Rossi carries the torch, but it will never be quite the same. They met at Butlins Holiday camp in the 60’s, and decided to form a rock band together. They started in the psychedelic groove with dreamy songs like ‘Picture Of Matchstick Men’ and eventually after a few false starts, turned into the denim clad, long haired, head down rockers. They had some amazing songs along the way and are known as a great live band, they opened ‘Live Aid’ in 1985 and got Wembley rocking.

This song ’Whatever You Want’ was released at the end of the 1970’s and it’s probably my favourite of theirs. But the version I’ve attached is from another live show, in 1990 there was a huge charity concert staged at Knebworth featuring the giants of rock music at the time. How’s about a line up of Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Dire Straits, Genesis, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Robert Plant, Cliff and The Shadows and of course Status Quo. I happened to be in Ireland when this all happened, I remember being at my nan’s house watching it on her old TV on a Sunday afternoon, I also got the double cassette tape of the gig. I just love the way this song starts with the helicopter noise in the background and the stadium announcer giving out a house call. Quo tear into the first rift and away we go. I dare you not to clap along and please don’t bang your head if you decide to head bob.

The lyrics may not be Shakespeare but they express so well what its like to have to give into someone. Give them everything they demand. God knows how many adverts this song has been used on, I bet it’s help shift some merchandise over the years. Anyway what a great feel good song, expertly delivered in a open air live setting.

Favourite lyric : I take it all / You squeeze me dry



Location: Rayleigh, UK

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