A Defining Statement of Late Seventies British Rock: Status Quo and Whatever You Want
In 1979, Status Quo released Whatever You Want, a song that would come to define the band’s late seventies period and reaffirm their place in British popular music. Issued as a single on Vertigo Records and later opening the album of the same name, the track marked a confident moment for a group that had already spent more than a decade building a loyal audience through relentless touring and a direct, no nonsense rock sound.
Written by Rick Parfitt and Andy Bown, Whatever You Want is driven by a fast tempo and an immediately recognizable guitar rhythm. The song reflects Status Quo’s ability to balance simplicity with momentum, delivering a sound that was accessible without losing its edge. At a time when punk and new wave were reshaping the music landscape, Status Quo did not attempt to follow trends. Instead, they refined their own approach, focusing on energy, repetition, and a sense of forward motion.
The official promotional video, now available in a remastered form, captures the band in a straightforward performance setting. There is little emphasis on narrative or visual effects. The focus remains on the musicians and the physical drive of the song itself. This approach matched the band’s image in 1979, when their reputation was built on live performance rather than studio experimentation. Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt appear relaxed but focused, presenting the song with confidence rather than spectacle.
Upon release, Whatever You Want was a commercial success in the United Kingdom, reaching number four on the singles chart. This achievement confirmed that Status Quo could still compete at a high level during a period of significant change in popular music. The song also became a staple of their live shows, often used as an opener because of its immediate impact and ability to engage an audience from the first seconds.
From a historical perspective, Whatever You Want represents a moment of clarity for the band. It shows Status Quo embracing what they did best rather than reinventing themselves. The song’s durability lies in its honesty and directness, qualities that resonated strongly with listeners at the time and continue to do so decades later.
The remastered video serves as a valuable document of this period, offering improved sound and picture quality while preserving the original spirit of the performance. It reminds viewers why Status Quo remained relevant in 1979 and why Whatever You Want continues to be regarded as one of their most enduring recordings.