Status Quo Reignite Their Classic Fire With “Blue Eyed Lady” at Wembley Arena, 17 March 2013
On 17 March 2013, Status Quo delivered one of the most significant live performances of their later career when they took to the stage at Wembley Arena, London, presenting “Blue Eyed Lady” as part of the long anticipated Frantic Four reunion. For fans and music historians alike, the moment represented far more than a routine concert appearance. It was a rare and emotionally charged return to the band’s original identity.
The Wembley Arena show formed part of the Frantic Four Reunion Tour, which reunited the classic 1970s lineup of Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Alan Lancaster, and John Coghlan. This configuration, widely regarded as the definitive Status Quo lineup, had not performed together for over three decades. Their reunion was therefore viewed as a once in a lifetime event, restoring the raw, unfiltered boogie rock sound that first defined the band’s rise.
“Blue Eyed Lady,” originally released in 1975 on the album On the Level, was a fitting centerpiece for the evening. The song has long been celebrated for its relentless rhythm, blues based swagger, and unmistakable Quo drive. At Wembley, it was delivered with a grit and authority that defied expectations, especially considering the passage of time since the band’s commercial peak.
From the opening chords, the performance captured the essence of classic Status Quo. Rick Parfitt’s rhythm guitar locked tightly with Francis Rossi’s lead lines, recreating the unmistakable twin guitar attack that once dominated British rock stages. Alan Lancaster’s bass provided weight and propulsion, while John Coghlan’s drumming brought a muscular simplicity that modern productions often lack. The chemistry between the four musicians was immediate and unmistakable, suggesting that the years apart had done little to erode their musical instincts.
Audience reaction inside Wembley Arena was overwhelming. Fans, many of whom had followed the band since the early 1970s, responded with visible emotion. The performance of “Blue Eyed Lady” became one of the night’s most celebrated moments, drawing loud approval and sustained applause. It served as a reminder of why Status Quo’s live reputation was built on consistency, power, and connection rather than theatrical excess.
Critics and British media outlets responded positively to the reunion shows, noting the authenticity of the performances and the absence of nostalgia driven gimmicks. Instead, the band allowed the songs to speak for themselves, emphasizing groove, volume, and unity. The Wembley Arena concert was later documented and widely shared among fans, further cementing its status as a landmark event in the band’s history.
In retrospect, the 17 March 2013 performance of “Blue Eyed Lady” stands as a defining chapter in Status Quo’s legacy. It was not merely a reunion, but a reaffirmation of the band’s core identity. For those present at Wembley Arena, and for countless others who later witnessed the performance through recordings, it remains a powerful reminder of what classic British rock and roll was, and still can be, when played with conviction.