Whatever You Want

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Whatever You Want" by Status Quo, from their 1979 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are surely loving this boogie rock anthem. This song, a staple of the band’s live performances, reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart and became one of their most enduring hits. According to a 2007 interview in Classic Rock magazine, frontman Francis Rossi revealed that the song’s infectious riff was born out of a simple jam session, with the band aiming to capture their raw, live energy in the studio. The lyrics, co-written by Rossi and Rick Parfitt, reflect a tongue-in-cheek take on desire and freedom, perfectly matching the band’s denim-clad, no-nonsense vibe.

One quirky piece of trivia comes from a 2008 collaboration that saw Status Quo team up with German techno group Scooter to create a jumpstyle version called "Jump That Rock (Whatever You Want)." This unexpected mashup, blending boogie rock with electronic beats, was a bold experiment that Rossi later described on Facebook as “a bit of fun that confused some fans but showed we’re not afraid to try something wild.” Fans on the Status Quo Fan Forum have also speculated about the album cover’s peculiar penguin imagery, with some suggesting it was a playful nod to the band’s growing commercial success, though Rossi has remained tight-lipped on its true meaning.

Status Quo began their journey in 1962 as The Scorpions, formed by schoolboys Francis Rossi and Alan Lancaster at Sedgehill Comprehensive School in Catford, London. Initially playing a mix of rock’n’roll covers, the band evolved through various names and lineups, becoming The Spectres and then The Status Quo by 1967. Their first hit, the psychedelic "Pictures of Matchstick Men" in 1968, marked their early success, but it was their shift to a heavier, boogie rock sound in the early 1970s, after signing with Vertigo Records, that defined their legacy. The addition of Rick Parfitt in 1967 solidified their classic lineup, and their relentless touring and raw energy earned them a loyal fanbase, as noted on their Instagram.

With over 60 UK chart hits, more than any other rock band, Status Quo have left an indelible mark on rock history. Fans can connect with the band through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and archival content. For deeper engagement, the Status Quo Fan Forum and the Status Quo Fans Facebook Group offer spaces for Zoo Freaks and other devotees to discuss the band’s music, share memorabilia, and celebrate their enduring boogie rock spirit.