Status Quo was founded in South London by Alan Lancaster (bass) and Francis Rossi (guitar)

Formerly known as The Spectres and later renamed to Traffic or Traffic Jam they settled for Status Quo as their band name in 1967. The following years they were joined by John Coghlan (drums), Roy Lynes (keyboard) and Rick Parfitt (guitar).

Status Quo’s first hit record "Pictures of Matchstick Men" was released in 1968 .The single reached #7 in the UK, and remains the band's only major hit single in the US, where it reached #12. Their debut Picturesque Matchstickable Messages from the Status Quo soon followed. It features several covers, including "Green Tambourine" by The Lemon Pipers and "Spicks and Specks” by The Bee Gees.

As many bands from the late 1960s, Status Quo started out as a psychedelic pop band, before evolving into a straight-ahead boogie/rock & roll band with hits like Roll Over Lay Down, Whatever You Want and Down Down.

Picturesque Matchstickable Messages from the Status Quo is now available as a numbered limited edition of 1000 copies on turquoise vinyl.

The small print:
• Due to rights restrictions, this item is not available in the USA.[info sheet from distr.]