Ain't Complaining

It’s a wild night at THE ZOO radio station, and the Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs, are spinning “Ain’t Complaining” by John Coghlan for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, however, isn’t from a solo album titled “John Coghlan” but is actually the title track from Status Quo’s 1988 album Ain’t Complaining. A bit of trivia that might surprise the Zoo Freaks: this song was released as a single in 1988 and came with a unique limited-edition 7-inch version that included a special “History Pack.” This pack featured a card outer box and part one of the Status Quo family tree, drawn and compiled by the legendary rock historian Pete Frame. The single also marked Status Quo’s first venture into CD single format, with a video CD later released in November 1988, showcasing the band’s push into new media at the time.

Another tidbit about “Ain’t Complaining” is its place in Status Quo’s evolution. The album was recorded during a turbulent period for the band, with their label, Vertigo Records, clashing over song choices. Notably, the label rejected a track by Francis Rossi and Bernie Frost called “The Greatest Fighter,” which was meant to be the album’s centerpiece. The song “Ain’t Complaining” itself peaked at #19 on the UK charts, a respectable but not stellar performance compared to the album’s bigger hit, “Burning Bridges,” which cracked the Top 10 by weaving in the traditional folk melody of “Darby Kelly” without crediting it. Fans on the Status Quo Fan Forum have shared their love for the album, with some noting it was their first Quo purchase as kids, playing it to death and cherishing the deluxe edition for its bonus tracks.

John Coghlan, the drummer behind the beat of “Ain’t Complaining,” has a storied history that began in Dulwich, London, where he was born on September 19, 1946. The son of a Glasgow-born father and a half-French mother, Coghlan grew up with a diverse cultural backdrop. He attended Kingsdale Comprehensive School but left at 15 to pursue an apprenticeship as a mechanic. His passion for music, however, took over early. Coghlan honed his drumming skills under Lloyd Ryan, a tutor who also mentored Phil Collins. In 1962, a pivotal moment came when he met bassist Alan Lancaster, guitarist Francis Rossi, and keyboardist Jess Jaworski, who were jamming through a single Vox AC30 amplifier as The Paladins (later The Spectres). Coghlan was blown away by their sound, joined the group, and by August 1967, they officially became Status Quo. Their breakthrough hit, “Pictures of Matchstick Men,” arrived in 1968, cementing their place in rock history.

Coghlan’s journey with Status Quo spanned nearly two decades, drumming on their first 14 albums, including the iconic Live! album in 1977. His tenure saw chart-topping hits like “Down Down” in 1975, but by 1981, tensions and exhaustion led to his dramatic exit during the recording of the 1+9+8+2 album. As he later recalled, the relentless pace, nightly parties, and personal struggles at home pushed him to a breaking point. He famously kicked apart his drum kit, walked out, and was on a plane home, leaving bandmates stunned. Post-Quo, Coghlan formed bands like Partners in Crime, which released the 1985 album Organised Crime, and John Coghlan’s Diesel, though neither achieved major success. He later led John Coghlan’s Quo, performing with tribute acts and reuniting with Quo’s classic lineup for a 2013 UK tour, their first together in 32 years.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Coghlan’s world, his official website, www.johncoghlan.com, offers updates on his projects and tour dates. You can follow him on Facebook, where his page has over 19,000 likes and shares news about his gigs and reflections on his Quo days. His Instagram is a treasure trove of throwback photos and live performance clips, while his X account keeps fans in the loop with short, snappy updates. Fans can also connect on the Status Quo Fan Forum, a lively community discussing everything from Coghlan’s drumming to the band’s discography. For a more curated fan experience, check out Status Quo Online Gigography, which chronicles Coghlan’s performances and Quo’s history, perfect for any Zoo Freak craving a deep dive into rock nostalgia.