Francis Rossi (Francis Dominic Michael Nicholas Rossi) was born 29 May 1949 in Forest Hill, London and is co-founder of the British rock band Status Quo, where he sings lead vocals and plays lead guitar. He is also known as 'Mike Rossi', 'Frame' and more recently, 'The GOMORR' (Grand Old Man of Rock 'n' Roll). He wrote the first Status Quo hit single, "Pictures of Matchstick Men", as well as many other hit songs like "Paper Plane", "Caroline", and "Down Down", often with the group's roadie and harmonica player Bob Young, and another writing partner Bernie Frost. He attended Sedgehill Secondary School. A highly rated guitarist (within the music hierarchy) he has been with Status Quo for his entire musical career, although he has worked on albums by other artists, including Demis Roussos and Graham Bonnet, and released occasional solo work, including the album "King Of The Doghouse" (1996), which was not a commercial success though it produced a Top 50 hit "Give Myself To Love". He also recorded two singles with Frost in 1985, "Modern Romance" being a minor hit.
His talent as an onstage frontman and his perfectionism mean that Status Quo remain a major live attraction after over 40 years on the road. Unlike other rock stars with equal success he remains very much a "down to earth" character and is very modest about his achievements.
Having toured almost every year, Status Quo remain as one of Britain's most active live bands.
