Who remembers when Status Quo rocked South Shields?

They've been rocking all over the world for 47 years, but now Status Quo have announced their 'last ever electric tour' which includes a date at the Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, on December 22.
Status Quo played to a packed Temple Park Leisure Centre in 1993 as part of a UK tour.Status Quo played to a packed Temple Park Leisure Centre in 1993 as part of a UK tour.
Status Quo played to a packed Temple Park Leisure Centre in 1993 as part of a UK tour.

So I thought it would be timely to “dig out” two old photos that feature the band when they played here in the North East, including a gig in South Shields.

The oldest, which is dated December 13, 1986, features the group meeting local fan and Gazette competition winner Sharon Brown.

Gazette competiton winner Sharon Brown, meets her heroes, Status Quo, at Whitley Bay Ice Rink.Gazette competiton winner Sharon Brown, meets her heroes, Status Quo, at Whitley Bay Ice Rink.
Gazette competiton winner Sharon Brown, meets her heroes, Status Quo, at Whitley Bay Ice Rink.
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Sharon, of Kyffin Way, who, at the time, worked as a clerical assistant at Harton Police station, is pictured meeting her heroes at the Whitley Bay Ice Rink.

It must have been quite a memorable occasion for the young rock fan. If Sharon or anyone who knows her is reading this, it would be great to hear from her, so she can share those memories with us.

The other photo was taken seven years later, when the Quo were in town to rock the Temple Park Leisure Centre.

Our reporter, at the time, described how the band got “down to business” in their usual inimitable fashion in front of thousands of rock-hungry head-bangers.

Gazette competiton winner Sharon Brown, meets her heroes, Status Quo, at Whitley Bay Ice Rink.Gazette competiton winner Sharon Brown, meets her heroes, Status Quo, at Whitley Bay Ice Rink.
Gazette competiton winner Sharon Brown, meets her heroes, Status Quo, at Whitley Bay Ice Rink.

This is how the reporter described the gig.

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“Veteran rockers Status Quo went Down Down just great with fans in South Shields last night (January 12, 1993).

“The band, now in its fourth decade, played to a packed Temple Park Leisure Centre as part of a UK tour.

“More than 3,000 people rocked the night away to a string of classic hits like Rockin’ All Over The World, Caroline, Whatever You Want and Living On An Island.

““Only two of original Quo line-up remains, Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt, and they were the focal point of attention.

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“The usual wide-legged stance and to-and-fro swaying was evident, but the quality of songs, especially the classic seventies hits, made up for the somewhat staid stage performance.”

After the two-hour show, Quo fan Elaine Armstrong told the Gazette: “They were very good indeed.”

It was the second time Quo had played Shields – also at Temple Park (do you recall the year?)

What do you remember about either of the two gigs?

Please get in touch with your memories of Quo or any of your other favourite rock bands of old.