Rick Parfitt was born in Woking, Surrey on 12th October 1948 to parents Richard and Lillian. It was clear he had great musical talent and from the age of 11, encouraged by his parents, Rick started to play clubs in and around London as a solo singer and guitarist. Having gained a contract to play at the Hayling Island Sunshine Holiday Camp at age 15, Rick met and subsequently joined up with twins Jean and Gloria Harrison to form a trio called The Highlights.
In 1965, whilst playing at Butlin's Holiday Camp in Minehead with The Highlights, Rick met with a group called 'The Spectres' that were playing in the camp's rock ballroom. 'The Spectres' included Francis Rossi, Alan Lancaster, John Coghlan and keyboard player Roy Lynes. Rick and the members of 'The Spectres' became great friends and hung out together after their performances, often drinking and talking until the early hours.
Forward to 1967 - 'The Spectres' had achieved some degree of success, along with a name change to 'The Traffic Jam', but decided to branch out with the addition of another lead singer. Rick was the obvious choice and was contacted by the band's then manager Pat Barlow to see if he wanted to audition for the band. Having recently split with The Highlights, Rick jumped at the chance and following the audition he became a full member of 'The Traffic Jam'.
Shortly after this the band decided that another name change was necessary as Steve Winwood had just launched his new band 'Traffic'.
A new name was chosen and in 1967 - 'The Status Quo' - with Francis Rossi, Alan Lancaster, John Coghlan, Roy Lynes and new addition Rick Parfitt went into the studio to record two songs, one of which was 'Pictures Of Matchstick Men'. The single was released in January 1968.
The rest, as they say, is history - and is well documented in the many books, documentaries and articles about Rick and Status Quo.
Credits - Photos:
Top - Christie Goodwin
Bottom - Roger Johansson (2006)
Thanks to David Oxley for information from his book:
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