Francis Rossi

In 1962, while in his second year at Sedgehill Comprehensive School, Francis Rossi formed a small band with two of his friends, Alan Lancaster (bass) and Alan Key (organ). First called The Palladins, they changed their name to The Spectres with the addition of Jess Jarowski (who replaced Alan Key) and Barry Smith (drums). These are the beginnings of what would become a flagship band of English rock, Status Quo. Since then Francis Rossi has recorded 29 studio albums with Status Quo and has become its most prolific songwriter. He handles the vocals and guitar solos on most of the tracks. He devotes himself almost exclusively to Status Quo and has recorded only two solo albums. He has taken part in only a few rare projects with other musicians.