Spinning Wheel Blues

The Zoo Crew is spinning the infectious "Spinning Wheel Blues" by John Coghlan, a track that pulses with the raw energy of classic rock, perfect for the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, featured on Coghlan’s solo work, carries the gritty, driving rhythm that echoes his days with Status Quo. According to a 2019 review on Stoakes Media, Coghlan’s live performances of tracks like "Spinning Wheel Blues" with his band John Coghlan’s Quo were heavier and punchier than modern Status Quo, harking back to the band’s early, raw sound. The song itself, available on platforms like Deezer since 2014, showcases Coghlan’s knack for blending hard-rocking blues with a nostalgic edge, a nod to his decades-long career behind the drumkit.

Trivia about "Spinning Wheel Blues" ties directly to Coghlan’s live shows, where it often appeared in setlists packed with Status Quo classics. A fan post on the John Coghlan Official Facebook page, which boasts over 19,000 likes, described a 2019 gig where the song got the crowd dancing despite a cabaret-style venue setup, highlighting its infectious groove. Coghlan himself, in a 2022 interview with Louder, reflected on his time with Status Quo and his solo ventures, hinting at the personal freedom he found in tracks like "Spinning Wheel Blues" after leaving the band’s intense touring schedule. The song’s inclusion in his farewell tour setlists, as noted on Status Quo Online Gigography, underscores its role as a fan favorite during his final performances in 2022.

John Coghlan’s journey to rock stardom began in Dulwich, London, where he was born on September 19, 1946, to a Glasgow-born father and a half-French mother. Growing up, he attended Kingsdale Comprehensive School but left at 15 to pursue an apprenticeship as a mechanic. His true passion, however, was drumming, sparked by lessons under Lloyd Ryan, who also mentored Phil Collins. In 1962, at just 16, Coghlan’s life changed when he met Francis Rossi, Alan Lancaster, and Jess Jaworski, who were jamming as The Paladins (later The Spectres) through a single Vox AC30 amplifier. As Coghlan recalled in a Wikipedia entry, “It sounded amazing and that was the start of it all.” By 1967, the band became Status Quo, and their 1968 hit "Pictures of Matchstick Men" launched them into fame, with Coghlan’s relentless drumming anchoring their rise through the 1970s.

Coghlan’s tenure with Status Quo spanned nearly two decades, contributing to 14 albums, including the iconic 1977 live album *Live!*, and hits like "Down Down," their only UK number-one single. His departure in 1981 during the recording of the *1+9+8+2* album was dramatic—he kicked over his drumkit and left for the Isle of Man, as he shared in the Louder interview. Post-Quo, Coghlan explored solo projects like Partners in Crime and John Coghlan’s Diesel, and later led John Coghlan’s Quo, keeping the spirit of classic Quo alive. Fans can connect with him on Facebook, where he shares updates, or follow his legacy on Instagram for gig photos and throwbacks. While he maintains a low profile on X, searching his name yields fan discussions about his Quo days.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, Coghlan’s official website offers tour archives and bio details. Fan communities thrive on platforms like Status Quo Fans Facebook Group, where enthusiasts share memories of Coghlan’s era, and Status Quo Online Gigography, a fan-driven site cataloging his performances. These spaces keep the spirit of "Spinning Wheel Blues" and Coghlan’s legacy alive, celebrating his role as the heartbeat of Status Quo’s golden years.