Tim Hughes looks ahead to the last ever electric show by Status Quo in Oxfordshire

THEY are one of the most recognisable bands in rock – famed for their faded denim, dodgy hair and three-chord riffs.

But after more than five decades together, Status Quo are calling it a day and unplugging their distinctive Fender Telecasters

Before they settle down to a life of acoustic strumming, however, frontmen Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt are taking to the road for their self-styled Last Ever Electric Tour.

As one would expect, the dates include music festivals and the odd indoor venue, but one date stands out – the horsey haven of Kingston Blount, where the strains of Whatever You Want and Rockin’ All Over The World will top off a day of racing at the Berks and Bucks Draghounds Point-to-Point.

Even by the standards of these boogie-rock veteran, it’s an odd booking, and we can’t wait to see Francis and Rick’s waistcoat and jeans jacket, respectively, among the sea of Barbours and green wellies.

For Francis, it’s a chance to share his music – before hanging up the electric guitar.

“We’ve talked about it for some time and have decided that it’s time for us to hang up the electrics,” he says. “It’s getting harder and harder for us to play those shows. It is 30 years since we last said we were stopping but this is a final decision. It doesn’t mean we won’t do other things, perhaps the odd special, but we’re agreed that the moment has come.

“There’s more to come from us in the years ahead, but we won’t tour the electric set ever again”.

The show is being organised by the team behind Astonbury – the Aston Rowant Cricket Club fundraiser which has previously brought the likes of Tinchy Stryder and Wretch 32 to the edge of the Chilterns.

It will see rock survivor Wilko Johnson, former frontman of blues-rock band Dr Feelgood, supporting.

Quo will be joined by Andy Bown, John ‘Rhino’ Edwards and Leon Cave.

“We always thought we’d see a red light when it was time to stop,” says Rick.

“The show hurts now, physically. It’s hard to maintain that level of energy and without that it’s not really a Quo show, so we don’t feel we should continue.

“This is definitely the end of our lives on the road with the electric set. Life won’t be the same for us – or many of the fans – but we can’t go on at this pace any more”.

Astonbury organiser Thad Cooper said it was going to be a thrilling show – and encouraged fans to get their tickets quickly, expecting a swift sell-out.

He said: "The Quo will plug back in and bring their thunderous electric live show for the last time, packed with hits, both new and old, taken from that unbelievable back catalogue.

“If you love Status Quo, you need to be there. If you’ve never before seen this truly legendary act play a full full-throttle no-nonsense electric set, you need to be there!”

This will truly be the end of an era as Status Quo decide to call time on touring their fabled electric live set.

“Since first charting in 1967 the band have become a truly iconic and massively influential rock act. The world of music will not be the same once the dust has settled”.

He insisted the choice of venue was perfect, adding: "We are fortunate to have close connections with the point-to-point organisers, so see this Status Quo concert as a perfect compliment to the Kingston Blount races that will be happening at the racecourse a few hundred meters down the road during the day."

And he is looking forward to welcoming the legions of Quo-fans expected to descend on the site. "Really this concert is all about doing justice to the band and to their loyal fanbase who have followed them all over the country for years and years," he said.

"We as organisers fully appreciate their loyalty and how incredible and unique this band is. Status Quo truly are a national treasure."

Status Quo play Kingston House Estate, Chinnor, on May 29.Go to aelpresents.com