Monday, December 17

QuoFestive, Royal Concert Hall

Try as you might, there's no escaping the infectious sound of this festive offering by some very energetic old-timers.

It was clear from the start this was going to be a night for foot-tapping, boogie in the aisles and plenty of audience participation.

Quo had us all hooked from the start; their lively third number, Hold You Back, had everyone bouncing about in an involuntary response to the crystal clear sound blasting from their banks of speakers.

With more than 60 hit singles to their name it was always going to be a tall order to please everyone all of the time.

But a tried and tested formula saw fit to bring the best of the best out for this pre-Christmas bonanza.

Rock staples such as Caroline, Whatever You Want and Rockin' All Over the World were mixed with some more bluesy offerings including Creepin Up On You.

We enjoyed the 80s sounds of Marguerita Time and In the Army Now. And to top off the performance there was a welcome Christmas medley including Walking in a Winter Wonderland, Rocking Around the Christmas Tree and It's Christmas Time.

Quo may not be the long-haired rockers they used to be. But with their shorn locks they're closer to resembling their audience than perhaps they ever were.

It's always a pleasure to see their posturing and classic stance on stage – even if it is reminiscent of that famous Two Ronnies sketch.

What DO Rossi and Parfitt find to chat about in the middle of each number?

Whether it's choreographed, or extravagant jamming, seeing them clearly enjoying themselves on the Nottingham stage again still sends a shiver down the spine.

Quofestive is part of their frantic seasonal schedule and in Nottingham they were supported by rock and blues performers Bad Influence.