Frantic Four Return to Wembley Juniors Wailing Captures a Milestone Reunion
On March seventeenth 2013, Status Quo’s classic line up known to fans as the Frantic Four took the stage at Wembley Arena in London for the first time in over three decades. Their performance of Juniors Wailing that night has since become a defining moment in the band’s history, symbolizing both a rare reunion and a powerful reminder of why the original quartet left such a strong imprint on rock music.
The Frantic Four refers to the early seventies line up of Francis Rossi on lead guitar and vocals, Rick Parfitt on rhythm guitar and vocals, Alan Lancaster on bass and vocals, and John Coghlan on drums. This formation was responsible for shaping Status Quo’s signature twelve bar blues influenced boogie rock sound that dominated their most creative and influential period.
The Wembley performance was part of a short reunion tour that saw the four musicians playing together on stage for the first time in thirty two years. Tickets for the shows sold out quickly, reflecting both the enduring loyalty of the band’s fan base and the significance of the reunion for rock audiences across generations.
Juniors Wailing opened the Wembley set with a raw and energetic punch that harked back to Status Quo’s early days. Originally released in the early seventies, the track had long been a staple of the band’s live shows but had not been performed in this original configuration for decades. The performance captured on video shows the band playing with a focused intensity, the tight rhythm section driving the groove while Rossi and Parfitt traded sharp guitar lines with precision.
The choice to film and later release footage of Juniors Wailing underscores its importance in Status Quo’s catalog and its value to fans. The song’s presence on the Wembley set list alongside other classic material highlighted the band’s commitment to celebrating their musical roots rather than simply revisiting hits from their commercial peak.
Critics and fans alike have noted that the reunion shows were more than just a nostalgic exercise. They represented a chance to witness a seminal rock ensemble reuniting with genuine musical chemistry after years apart. The performance at Wembley, captured in both audio and video formats, stands as a testament to the enduring power of Status Quo’s early sound and the special place that Juniors Wailing holds in their live legacy.
For many in attendance and for those who have since discovered the footage online, the Frantic Four’s rendition of Juniors Wailing remains a vivid snapshot of a band reconnecting with its origins and reaffirming its impact on rock music.