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Francis Rossi





Musical Information

  Name Francis Rossi
  Img Rossi-sweden06jpg
  Img Size 200px
  Background solo_singer
  Born (age 58)
  Origin Forest Hill , London , England
  Genre Rock Music
  Years Active 1962 - present
  Associated Acts Status Quo
  URL wwwstatusquocouk
  Notable Instruments Fender Telecaster


Francis Rossi (born '''Francis Dominic Michael Nicholas Rossi''') was born 29 May 1949 in Forest Hill , London and is co-founder of the English rock band Status Quo , where he sings lead vocals and plays lead guitar. He is third generation London Italian on his father's side while his mother's family were Irish emigrants who arrived in Liverpool. He is also known as 'Mike Rossi', 'Frame' and more recently, 'The GOMORR' (Grand Old Man of Rock 'n' Roll). He wrote the first Status Quo hit single, " Pictures Of Matchstick Men ", as well as many other hit songs like "Paper Plane", "Caroline", and " Down Down ", often with the group's roadie and harmonica player Bob Young , and another writing partner Bernie Frost . He attended Sedgehill Secondary School.

A highly rated guitarist (within the music hierarchy) he has been with Status Quo for his entire musical career, although he has worked on albums by other artists, including Demis Roussos and Graham Bonnet , and released occasional solo work, including the album ''King of the Doghouse'' (1996), which was not a commercial success though it produced a Top 50 hit "Give Myself to Love". He also recorded two singles with Frost in 1985, "Modern Romance" being a minor hit.

Rossi on stage is an outgoing and charismatic showman but has been labelled a recluse because he rarely goes to parties or big social occasions, preferring to stay at home. Musically he still loves playing, performing and writing as much as ever and is always involved in the production of Quo records. As a result of his trademark Ponytail , Rossi now suffers from Traction Alopecia .

Having toured almost every year, Status Quo remain as one of Britain's most active live bands.

When not touring, Francis keeps fit by swimming and exercising. He is a collector of Koi Carp and likes Clay Pigeon Shooting .