Status Quo lined up to rock city’s new arena

The band will be playing the 13,500-capacity venue on Tuesday, December 17, this year.

Support at the concert will come from art rockers 10CC, who scored massive chart success in the 1970s with songs such as Rubber Bullets and I’m Not In Love. Quo’s booking was last night hailed as a coup for the arena by its general manager, Ben Williams.

He said: “Almost 50 years since frontman Francis Rossi and guitarist Rick Parfitt first performed together, Status Quo remain one of the country’s most beloved and long-standing rock acts.”

The Leeds show will come just days before the departure of drummer Matt Letley. Arena boss Mr Williams added: “We’re delighted that they’ve found time in their busy schedule for their fans in the area, especially before Matt Letley’s final farewell.”

Rock superstar Bruce Springsteen will be the first act to play the £60m venue when he hits its stage on July 24.

Artists appearing during the Leeds City Council-backed arena’s official opening season in September include Sir Elton John, Kaiser Chiefs and Andrea
Bocelli.

Boyzone and JLS are among the other acts due to play the venue before the end of the year.

n Tickets for the Status Quo gig are available from £38.50 and go on sale this Friday.

For more details, ring the box office on 0844 248 1585, visit the www.leeds-arena.com website or go to the arena pop-up box office at Leeds Town Hall.