FOLLOWING up their sell-out 2016 tour, Status Quo are on the road once again with their Aquostic show.

The latest tour is the first with Richie Malone confirmed as a fully-fledged member of the band in the wake of the death of founder guitarist Rick Parfitt.

Solo singer-songwriter Fraser Churchill opened Wednesday's concert. Despite a strong vocal style, his repetitive music, dull lyrics and failure to stay on beat while singing all left his performance feeling underdeveloped and lacking variety.

Led on to the stage by Francis Rossi, Status Quo entered to massive applause before launching into a fast-paced, frenetic night of beloved rock hits, performed in acoustic mode. Almost immediately, the audience were on their feet, stamping and clapping and singing along, swept up in a high energy mix of guitars, snappy drum beats and even an accordion.

The stylistic switch turned out to be an excellent choice. Even well-worn favourites like What You’re Proposing, Down Down and Pictures Of Matchstick Men took on a new flavour, allowing for a few unexpected surprises.

Further adding to the fun was Rossi himself. His naturally funny, down-to-earth delivery and clear enjoyment made for some very amusing asides between songs, but the emphasis was firmly on the music, keeping things moving at a brisk pace right up into the finale.

Simultaneously fresh and familiar, Status Quo: Aquostic Live combines the band’s beloved music with something new, making for a memorable and eminently enjoyable night of fun.