Though Status Quo haven’t stopped playing, it’s been over 30 years since the original line-up last trod the boards together. However that’s set to change with the news that the pioneers of, um, boogie rock, are set to play a series of shows with each other again.

According to Sky News, the four-piece kick off a reunion tour later in the week, with Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, John Coghlan and Alan Lancaster kicking things off in Manchester on Wednesday (March 6, 2013). Drummer Coghlan left the band in 1981, with bassist Lancaster following suit four years later, sparking a lengthy legal battle over the Quo name. It’s been Rossi and Parfitt who’ve continued to perform under the moniker, but hardened fans will no doubt be delighted they’ve reunited with their former pals.

Status Quo

Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt will be joined by their old band mates for these shows

"It's very nice to see everybody again, to get to know everybody again, because there's a lot of water gone under the bridge” Parfitt told Sky News. "In places it's really fantastic to play together again. In places. We've got a lot of work to do yet, but it feels very nostalgic. I'll tell you after the first night. It's going to be good. Or not. One of the two." He added. As for the returning musicians, Lancaster admitted "It's great playing with them … Fantastic. I'm enjoying it, anyway." All in their mid-60’s, Coghlan admitted it had been hard work getting back into the rigour of regular rehearsal, but added “it's a groove and I'm enjoying it. It's fun."