I was first introduced to Richie Malone by my good friend Linda McDonnell at my local pub Scholars in Firhouse, Dublin. I had no idea that Richie was the guitarist in legendary band Status Quo.
His story is very unique in that he was first introduced to the band as a kid when his father began to take him to the the band's live shows.
Richie and his Dad would hang around at the stage door to get a glimpse of Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi, and over time a relationship developed between Rick and Richie.
Richie began playing guitar as a teen and modelled his style on Parfitt.
Parfitt took a keen interest in Richie and would eventually suggest that if anything ever happened to him Richie should take over on guitar duties. This is real testament to the band and how they valued the fans. A very sweet ethos indeed.
Status Quo have released 33 albums since 1968 with Richie contributing 2 songs on the band's 2019 release 'Backbone'.
I've never seen Status Quo live but I have so many memories of the numerous hits the band has had from ' Rockin All Over the World' to one of my all time favourites 'Down Down'. Who could ever forget the open chords on the piano from 1985's Live Aid concert and the sense of mischief Rick and Francis would project. This iconic duo have a place in many peoples hearts and Richie's story is truly magical so I hope you like it. Rock on!
Status Quo - Rockin' All Over The World (Live Aid 1985)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEO6v-YiS00
Richie Malone meets RICK PARFITT DURING STATUS QUO soundcheck Killarney INEC FEB 2008
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzdXK4RgH5U&feature=youtu.be
Status Quo; Live In Hyde Park, 15th September 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUTEibPaYNE&feature=youtu.be
https://www.statusquo.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/richiemalone01/
https://www.instagram.com/richiemalonemusic/?hl=en
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richie_Malone