Whether it's opening Live Aid, appearing on the legendary Top Of The Pops music programme more than any other band ever, or being responsible for selling over 120 million records worldwide, Status Quo founding member, singer, guitarist and songwriter Francis Rossi is the ultimate rock star.

Since forming the band that would become Status Quo in 1962, he's constantly toured and recorded music that would become part of British culture, and created a band who have become a British Institution.

The only time he's ever stopped working is during the Covid-19 pandemic. It's safe to say he's a man who has lived and breathed the rock n roll lifestyle, and has many stories to tell. So, when the huge 'Tunes and Chat' tour was announced for this year, it was always going to be a 'must go to' event, not just for fans of Status Quo, but music fans in general.

The tour takes up most of the year for Rossi, and last week, over 50 shows into the huge UK tour, I went along to Stockport's Romiley Forum Theatre to watch the living legend tell some of his stories and play many of his huge hits in an amazing acoustic style, often starting with how the song's he wrote came to be. I'm a huge fan of both the band, and of Francis Rossi.

As far as rock legends who have done it all go, he's the man. I don't want to go too much into what happens during the 'Tunes and Chat' show, as it's a show that every music fan needs to see. All I will say is its brilliant, and it's funny. For those who know what kind of man Francis Rossi is, you'll know there is no shortage of stories and chat from him. He's a man who with ease can control an audience with his wit, charm and humour, and makes the three-hour show feel like you've only been there for ten minutes.

The one thing that really stood out for me was his voice. For a man who has worked, toured, and partied for so long, and for so much of his life, it's unbelievable. Seeing him in this intimate environment without a loud rock band behind him makes you also realise, perhaps more than you would normally, just what a distinct, note perfect, and beautiful voice he has.

He's also one of the most underrated guitar players of all time, and for this tour he's joined by Andy Brook. Andy is Rossi's studio engineer who also worked on the last Status Quo album 'Backbone'. Sitting alongside the main man, Andy is the perfect sidekick for this tour. His guitar playing is outstanding, and his backing vocals compliment Francis Rossi's so well, to the point it's hard to imagine this tour with anyone other than Andy Brook by Rossi's side. Francis Rossi's 'Tunes and Chat' tour may be 50 shows in, but there's still a huge number of dates still to go before it ends at the end of November.

I've purposely not given away too much of the content of the show as it's a show I really recommend going to. The remaining tour dates and ticket links can be found at francisrossi.com. Francis Rossi is the ultimate rock and roll legend, and this tour, with Francis and Andy Brook, is a perfect part to one of the greatest rock journeys of all time.