Status Quo’s Francis Rossi thrills residents at Skelton Court with goodwill message

Residents at Skelton Court care home in Skelton-in-Cleveland are gearing up for a party to celebrate 25 years since rock giant Status Quo played at the pub where the home is now have been thrilled by receiving a goodwill message from band legend Francis Rossi. 

The 74-year-old lead singer and lead guitarist of the British rock institution recorded and sent the video after the Skelton Court care home’s community partnership manager got in touch with Status Quo’s agent to tell them about the celebration event.

Status Quo played the former Hollybush pub in the north Yorkshire town of Skelton-in-Cleveland on 8th April 1999 and the home is holding an anniversary event on the same date this year, which will also mark a year since the home opened its doors.

Mr Rossi’s short video has left residents of the home “absolutely chuffed” by such an endorsement from the sole continuous member of Status Quo.

In his piece to camera, he says:

Hi, this is Francis Rossi of Status Quo. I hope you have a really good night tonight at your anniversary concert at the Hollybush.

The home has christened the room where the celebration event with refreshments available will take place at the Hollybush Bar at Skelton Court at 1pm on Monday April 8 in memory of the pub. Singer Glynis Peacock from Age UK Teesside will be performing Status Quo classics including songs the band performed at the actual gig.

Status Quo played the Hollybush as part of a tour of ten pubs across the country to support the release of the then newly-released Under The Influence album, leading to one of the UK’s biggest rock bands playing for fans in intimate settings. 

The pub was demolished in 2018 after being auctioned off by its former owners.

Community Partnership Manager David Wood said:

Skelton Court has now been open for one year and it’s been a fantastic first year for the home. We’ve made some amazing memories here for the residents and we were absolutely thrilled that Francis Rossi took the time to record and send his video message to us.

We are looking forward to a fantastic night marking both the home’s first year anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the gig Status Quo performed at the former Hollybush pub.

Skelton Court care home is a contemporary residential care home, set in luxurious and comfortable surroundings and benefiting from private landscaped gardens. 

Located near Saltburn-by-the-Sea in the market town of Skelton-in-Cleveland, Skelton Court offers first class residential and dementia care for up to 65 residents. Find out more about the care home here.