Status Quo might be famous for rocking all over the world, but when they came to Oxford, their fans didn't get much of a chance to rock.

Status Quo fans Suzanne Powell and June Wilkins were annoyed not to be allowed to dance in the aisles at the group's New Theatre gig

At the band's gig at the New Theatre, fans who had paid more than £30 for tickets were told to stay in their seats and asked not to dance because it broke health and safety rules.

According to fans, Francis Rossi, singer and lead guitarist, shouted to his audience: "Why aren't you dancing?"

Suzanne Powell and husband David, of Wallingford, who had been looking forward to the concert for weeks, said many fans were left angry and frustrated.

Mrs Powell said: "Not being able to dance completely ruined the night. This was our fourth Status Quo concert and we've never encountered this problem before, even when we've been to the New Theatre. It was a real shame.

"Some fans got quite angry and were warned they would be thrown out if they didn't sit down. It's a bit sad when you can't even get up and dance at a rock concert. We couldn't even stand up and clap.

"When they were playing hits like Rockin' All Over The World, you just wanted to get up and enjoy the music.

"I would hope the New Theatre might rethink its policy as a result of all the disgruntled fans from last night."

Mr and Mrs Powell, who run their own construction company, said they made a complaint to staff as they left the concert on Tuesday evening (Nov23).

Joel Barnett, spokesman for the George Street theatre, said it was "thoroughly committed to customer satisfaction and regards the safety and security of patrons as our highest priority".

He added: "We constantly maintain a clear and accessible route for the emergency services. We are not prohibiting patrons dancing within their seating area.

"However, dancing in the aisles and blocking fire exits clearly jeopardises health and safety."

Status Quo were in Oxford for one night as part of a nationwide tour. Before the gig, Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt dropped into Borders bookstore in Magdalen Street to sign copies of their autobiography, XS All Areas.