STATUS Quo had their fans rocking all over Prenton Park as part of a concert weekend that has raised thousands of pounds for Wirral Hospice St John's.
From the moment they walked on to chants of 'Quo-o, Quo-o, Quo-o' Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt and co didn't disappoint - taking their army of fans old and young on an Anniversary Waltz through the hits that have sealed their status as rock legends over the last 50 years.
Francis Rossi in action at Prenton Park for Wirral Rocks. Picture: Alan Adams
Among their set, lasting well over an hour and 40 minutes, were classics Roll Over Lay Down, Whatever You Want, Something 'Bout You Baby I Like and the recent Burning Bridges (On And Off And On Again) and In The Army Now.
Returning for the encore, they brought the show to a close in fine style with a stomping version Rockin All Over The World, proved that The Party Ain't Over Yet and that they could quite easily rock 'til they drop.
Rick Parfitt at Prenton Park on Saturday. Picture: Alan Adams
As the tour bus made its way from Prenton Park for the next leg of the tour, the band's legion of fans - and I count myself firmly among them - wanted more.
Rick Parfitt was electric, playing the guitar at a frenetic pace and Francis was his usual humorous self, thanking the fans for coming out to see the show on a typical summer's night - it had been cloudy, but the sun made it through.
The football pitch became an ideal rock venue - with thousands of fans, many playing inflatable guitars.
Hopefully, it will be the start of many more. It was the band's first gig in Wirral for a long time - too long, in many fans' estimations.
For Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt it was one of their last ever full-on electric shows as, before they start on an acoustic tour.
They’re hanging up their electric guitars at the end of this year and pull the plug on their electric set.
Joined by bandmates Andy Bown, John ‘Rhino’ Edwards and Leon Cave for Saturday’s show.
John 'Rhino' Edwards at Prenton Park on Saturday. Picture: Chris Adams
Supporting them in explosive style were Wirral rockers Insanity Beach - with excellent covers including Guns & Roses' Sweet Child of Mine - and Liverpool band The Christians - with hits Ideal World, Forgotten Town and, of course, Harvest For The World.
Insanity Beach frontman Ian Cowell. Picture: Chris Adams
The Christians' Gary Christian. Picture: Chris Adams
It was part of a special weekend of fundraising concerts that was kicked off by Will Young on Friday.
Will Young during his performance on Friday. Picture: Lynne Ellis
Supported by '80s Liverpool band China Crisis and rising Sheffield-based singer / songwriter Philippa Hammond.
Above: China Crisis and below Philippa Hammond. Pictures: Lynne Ellis
Warming the crowds up on both nights was samba band Batala Mersey.
The exact figure raised by the weekend is not yet known, as the proceeds are still being counted.
Teresa Nightingale, head of fundraising Wirral Hospice St John's told the Globe: "It was an amazing weekend; went really well and all the bands raised the roof off Prenton Park.
"We could not have put this event on without the amazing support of Tranmere Rovers Football Club, who let us use their fantastic venue for free.
"We're waiting for the final figure, but we raised £5,000 in raffle tickets alone on Saturday night.
"Our volunteers did a phenomenal job - we had people aged 16 to 80 helping on the night.
"We'd like to do something like this as an annual event."
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