Status Quo Keeps the Spirit of Rock Alive with Powerful “Whatever You Want” Performance at Wacken 2017
Status Quo’s performance of “Whatever You Want” at Wacken Open Air 2017 remains a powerful reminder of the band’s enduring place in rock music history. Featured in the concert film Down Down & Dirty At Wacken, the performance captured a legendary group continuing its journey while honoring both its past and its future.
Originally released in 1979, “Whatever You Want” became one of Status Quo’s most recognizable songs, driven by its unmistakable guitar riff, energetic rhythm, and straightforward rock and roll spirit. Decades after its release, the song retained its impact on the massive Wacken stage, proving the timeless appeal of the band’s signature sound.
The 2017 appearance carried special significance because it came after the loss of guitarist and founding member Rick Parfitt, who passed away in December 2016. Parfitt had been a defining figure in Status Quo for more than five decades, helping shape the band’s distinctive style and contributing to many of its greatest successes. His absence was deeply felt, yet the performance demonstrated the determination of the remaining members to continue the band’s legacy.
Frontman Francis Rossi led the group with confidence, while the expanded lineup delivered the song with energy and enthusiasm. Keyboard player Andy Bown, who co wrote “Whatever You Want,” took on vocal parts closely associated with Parfitt, adding an additional layer of historical connection to the performance. The musicians played with a sense of unity and purpose, reflecting decades of experience on stages around the world.
One of the most striking aspects of the performance was the power of the song’s famous introduction. The opening guitar attack arrived with force and momentum, immediately establishing the unmistakable character that has defined Status Quo for generations. The band’s trademark blend of driving rhythm guitars and direct rock arrangements remained as effective as ever.
For many music fans, Status Quo represents an era when rock music was built on strong songwriting, memorable riffs, and musicians performing together with authenticity and passion. The Wacken performance reinforced that reputation, showcasing a band whose music continues to resonate across generations and national borders.
Nearly four decades after the song first appeared and more than fifty years after the band’s rise to international fame, Status Quo demonstrated that their music still possesses the energy, emotion, and power that made them one of Europe’s most successful rock acts. “Whatever You Want” at Wacken 2017 stands as both a tribute to Rick Parfitt and a celebration of a band whose legacy continues to endure in rock history.