When the awful news broke on Christmas Eve 2016 that legendary rocker Rick Parfitt had passed, fans around the world were devastated that one of rock’s most iconic performers had been silenced.
However, unknown to almost anyone, Rick had in fact virtually completed his first solo album whilst undergoing a period of recuperation after his heart attack in July. That album, poignantly titled ‘Over And Out‘ will now be released on 23 March 2018 through earMUSIC, a second single, ‘Long Distance Love’, will be released on March 2nd. Chris Wolstenholme of Muse features on the track, which was written by John David who previously wrote a number of hits for Quo including the UK top 10 single ‘Rollin’ Home’, which the band performed on the ‘Aquostic: Live at The Roundhouse’ album .
Featuring 10 brand new songs, including the title track that broke hearts anew when it was played at Rick’s funeral, ‘Over And Out‘ is an album of depth and passion. Created by Rick Parfitt and Producer Jo Webb, the record is a true labour of love and showcases the softer side of Rick as a writer, artist and performer away from the Quo maelstrom as well as the purest rock and roll sound of earlier Status Quo records.
Despite the fact Rick Parfitt had finished recording his guitar and vocal parts, a recording session was planned to happen in February 2017. Certain tracks were not totally finished when Rick died. The call to help ensure that his work could be completed, so that the world could hear it was answered by musicians of the calibre of Queen’s Brian May and Muse’s Chris Wolstenholme, both of whom were close to Rick.
Chris Wolstenholme was asked to replicate one of Rick’s guitar lines and said, “Take it from me, it was harder than anyone would imagine. Rick’s strength as a player was his immediately recognisable style; very staccato, like his left hand was constantly bouncing off the strings. It’s very hard to do, and I’ve never seen anyone else do it quite like him. But then, there never was anyone quite like Rick.”
Rick’s son, Rick Parfitt Jnr, was also involved in the creative process, as were John “Rhino” Edwards and Alan Lancaster, amongst many others. All of those involved in completing the songs that Rick had written for ‘Over And Out‘ have done him proud in bringing his vision to fruition.
Rick´s music always featured two elements – the raw rock and roll sound and a great passion for melodies. “Over And Out” offers the best of both worlds: It has been recorded and written with a band´s spirit between Rick and Jo. They shared various mixes, reflecting the sound of the sessions and the spirit that was present in the “room”. The album has also been mixed by top producer Ash Howes, offering a different view on the songs but also leaving a dilemma open for interpretation, which one would Rick prefer? The polished, big sounding mixes or the original band mixes, raw and full of musical honesty? Those who were close enough to him over the years would probably say… “both”. This is why the album will be available in its “finished” form, but also as a raw and pure version, for the fans of the rockier side of Rick´s music in special collector´s editions.
Brian May plays on the album’s opener ‘Twinkletoes’ and said, “The track has all the wonderful innocence and charm that were Parfitt’s hallmarks. We’re all sad that he was taken away from us too soon – but this track and this album will be a great testament to his life and work. Parfitt was born to Rock!! Rock on Rick!”. This album is the record that Rick Parfitt had been itching to write. His forced departure from Quo’s live performance circuit, whilst very hard for him to take, did at least free up the time that was needed to create ‘Over And Out‘.
‘Over And Out‘ is but the latest element of the incredible legacy and body of work that Rick Parfitt leaves. A testament to his talent, his winning way with words, an incredible joie de vivre and a spirit that never flagged. He’ll be missed but ‘Over And Out‘ is a great way to remember him. Gone but not forgotten.
