Status Quo at Birmingham NEC 2006 A Classic Performance of Burning Bridges and More
On May 1st 2006, British rock institution Status Quo delivered a powerful live performance of Burning Bridges at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, England, captured professionally for their live DVD release Just Doin It Live. The concert was part of a special homecoming stage show that marked the band’s return to the United Kingdom after a period of uncertainty earlier in the year, and it was filmed in front of a sell-out crowd of dedicated fans.
The recording at the NEC later became the basis for the Just Doin It Live DVD, released in November 2006 through Warner Vision. It represented Status Quo’s first live concert video in more than a decade and covered a full set of their most enduring hits. Fans were treated to two hours of performance that included staples such as Caroline, Whatever You Want, Rockin All Over the World, and of course Burning Bridges.
Burning Bridges, originally released in nineteen eighty eight on the album Aint Complaining, is one of the band’s most recognizable songs. Written by Francis Rossi and Andy Bown, it reached the top five of the United Kingdom singles chart and became a fixture of Status Quo’s live performances ever since. Its catchy riff, upbeat structure, and sing-along chorus reflect the band’s signature boogie rock style.
At the NEC performance, Burning Bridges captured a moment of connection between the band and their audience. In a set that was both retrospective and revitalized, Status Quo played with the tightness expected of a group with decades of touring experience. The energy was consistent throughout, but Burning Bridges stood out for its crowd engagement and dynamic execution, fitting naturally into a setlist that spanned the band’s career.
The importance of this concert cannot be overstated. Earlier in the year, guitarist and vocalist Rick Parfitt had been forced to cancel dates due to health concerns related to throat surgery. His return to the stage at Birmingham was not just a continuation of the band’s touring agenda, but a reaffirmation of their resilience and commitment to performing live.
In the years since, the Just Doin It Live recording has remained a valued document of Status Quo’s stage craft in the twenty first century. Burning Bridges and the broader setlist are frequently cited by fans as definitive live versions of the band’s material, showcasing both their enduring appeal and the timeless nature of their rock and roll ethos.