Status Quo

There have been many dates suggested as the one for Quo's inception, and the fact that their many 'anniversaries' over the years don't tie in with one another only serves to add to the confusion. However, the origins of the band can be traced back to 1962 when Alan Lancaster, whilst still at school in Kent already had a traditional jazz band. The jazz band evolves into a beat group, and Alan invites his friends Francis Rossi (then known as Michael), Jess Jaworski, Alan Key and Barry Smith to join. The band make their debut at a sports club in Dulwich (south-east London), and soon after recruit John Coghlan to replace Smith as permanent drummer. They originally call themselves The Scorpions, but soon change that to The Spectres.