Francis Rossi in Whitley Bay

Francis Rossi is a British guitarist, singer and songwriter, born in London in 1949 and best known as a founder and frontman of Status Quo. His writing credits include “Pictures of Matchstick Men,” “Caroline” and “Down Down,” while his solo catalogue includes the album One Step at a Time. Status Quo opened Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in 1985, beginning the concert with “Rockin’ All Over the World.” Rossi took One Step at a Time on a solo UK tour in 2010, and a performance from that period was released as Live at St. Luke’s, London. He later toured the theatre show I Talk Too Much, combining songs with conversation led by music writer Mick Wall.