A ROCK band which was the last to play at a North-East venue before it closed in the 1970s is set to return next year.

Status Quo will be playing its Out Out Quoing at Stockton Globe next March.

Status Quo was the last band to play the historic art-deco building before it closed in 1974.

The gig is planned for March 3, 22.

TIckets are on presale from today and general sale on Friday 23rd April 2021 at 10am via stocktonglobe.co.uk.

The band has not played since September 2019, as its ‘Backbone’ winter tour of 2020 was cancelled in its entirety due to Covid-19. 

Now, the band is delighted to be able to announce their long overdue return to the stage with the ‘Out Out Quoing’ tour.

The iconic rockers join the Globe’s line-up, which includes the rapidly sold out Paloma Faith, the very nearly sold out Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Amy Macdonald, UB40, Tim Minchin, Jools Holland, Midge Ure, Steve Hackett, The House and Garage Orchestra, The Waterboys, Adam Kay, Chris Ramsey, John Bishop, Jon Richardson, Ross Noble, Diversity, Strictly Presents: The Power of Dance and smash hit musical We Will Rock You.

Status Quo front man, Francis Rossi, said:  "There were a lot of shows in 1974 as the Hello tour that started in ’73 ran into the Quo Now tour. The Stockton date came right at the end of the year, before a couple of Hammersmith dates, and the band were on amazing form by the time we hit the stage. I do remember that it was a lovely grand theatre. Wonder why it had to close after we played there?! We were loud…

The Northern Echo:

"Whilst no one show is more important than another it will be nice to return and the fact that we were the last to perform there will make the return poignant.

"Live music is hugely important. As an economic force, a creative outlet and as a way to have a great night. Lockdown has taught us not to take any of this for granted. We are losing venues right across the country so seeing Stockton Globe being brought back into commission is cause for celebration.

"Quo have always been welcomed to the North-East, and we look forward to returning. These building are assets to their communities, but only if they are being used. We look forward to seeing the great and the good of Stockton once more. Just don’t close it immediately after our show this time!"

The Northern Echo:

Jo Ager, Stockton Globe general manager, said: “We are simply over the moon to announce Status Quo’s return to Stockton Globe after all these years.

"The band is truly iconic; they are Britain’s favourite rockers, and from everything we have heard from the people of Stockton who saw them the first-time round, they brought an incredible closing show to the venue.

“Since Status Quo was the last band to see the curtain come down on our stage, it seems only right that the legendary Francis Rossi and his crew of fantastic musicians are one of the first acts to see it raise once again.

"It’s an honour to have them back and it really does epitomise our mantra of ‘bringing the stars back to Stockton’… this is one that we really cannot wait for!”

Reuben Kench, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Director of Environment, Leisure, Culture and Events, said: “It is testament to the popularity and longevity of Status Quo’s hits that we’re able to announce their show next year.

“Over 45 years ago they were the last live band to take to the venue’s famous stage before it stopped hosting shows, so it’s quite fitting that they will be returning to the Globe as one of the first rock bands in what is a packed programme.

“We’re sure there are quite a few people out there who may have even been at that show in 1974 who have very happy memories of the venue and will no doubt be very keen to get their hands on tickets.”

Stockton Globe is currently being restored by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

In May 2018 the Council established a partnership with ATG which will see ATG operate the Globe on a 25-year management contract. The soon-to-be-reopened venue will be the largest of its kind between Newcastle and Leeds. Also launching as part of the refurbishment is a 250-capacity event space housed in the adjoining building.

All tickets available at: www.stocktonglobe.co.uk