Status Quo 'rock entire town' at Live in Somerset in Taunton

The legendary band, founded in 1962 by Francis Rossi and Alan Lancaster in London, performed their first-ever gig in Butlins, Minehead, in the summer of 1965.

So, it was only right that they would return to Somerset for their "final gig", ending their 34-date tour in Taunton's Vivary Park on Friday, August 23.

Local folk musician and violin maker Graham Vincent, 60, went along to watch Status Quo perform after first seeing them play 39 years ago.

Francis Rossi performs on the Live in Somerset stage at Vivary Park. (Image: PA)

Graham said: "I last saw Status Quo perform on my 21st birthday at Live Aid 1985. They were the first band to perform that day and were the perfect start - they made quite an impression.

"It was great to see them again, having just celebrated my 60th birthday, and their performance didn't disappoint."

He added: "The crowd was great fun, and the music was pretty loud and could be heard across Taunton."

Status Quo are Francis Rossi, Andy Bown, John Edwards, Leon Cave, and Richie Malone. Francis Rossi is the last original member of the band.

Francis told The Mirror in June: "I don’t think we will go again. And as far as the rest of the band are concerned it’s the last tour too. I just can’t see us doing it one more time."

Francis Rossi (left) and Richie Malone perform in Taunton. (Image: PA)

The band's top hits include 'Whatever You Want', 'Rockin’ All Over The World', and many more - they have had over 60 chart hits in the UK.

Status Quo has released over 100 singles and 33 albums, their latest being 'Backbone' released in 2019.

The band did not share whether it was their final gig during Friday's performance, but by all accounts, they "gave their all" rockin' Vivary Park well into the night.