Status Quo fans can own 'a piece of band's history'

Auctioneer Luke Hobbs with Status Quo's equipment

A famous British rock band is giving fans the chance to buy equipment used in a recent tour that could be their last.

Instruments, amplifiers and stage equipment used by Status Quo are to be auctioned in Corsham, Wiltshire, on 3 December.

The sale will take place at Gardiner Houlgate auctioneers and is expected to fetch in excess of £45,000.

The equipment was most recently used when Status Quo performed at a festival held at Vivary Park, Taunton, Somerset, in August.

Thousands of fans travelled to Taunton for a Status Quo open-air concert in August

Lead guitarist and singer Francis Rossi has hinted that the recent tour may be the band's final one, and said the equipment is "the real deal".

“This is equipment has lived a life but can still deliver at the top of its range.

"All these items have been used directly by the band, have travelled miles with us and got an outing most recently at the 23 August show in Taunton.

"This phase of Quo is over and it is time to pass these pieces on to our fans.”

The band performed in Halifax in August as part of a tour

Founded in 1962 and adopting the name Status Quo in 1967, the band's hits have included Caroline, Paper Plane, Whatever You Want and Rockin’ All Over the World.

With a career stretching more than 60 years, the British rockers produced 60 UK chart hits, 33 albums and were the opening act for 1985’s Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium.

Status Quo's Francis Rossi has hinted that the recent tour may have been the band's last

Also included in the sale are items from Rossi’s home studio

Luke Hobbs, auctioneer from Gardiner Houlgate, said: “Status Quo are a British rock institution so it’s with mixed feelings that we’re auctioning their equipment.

"However, the sale will give Quo’s fans a chance to buy a piece of British rock history. We’re expecting a lot of interest.”