STATUS QUO has announced that guitarist Rick Parfitt has been ordered to rest for the remainder of the year at the very least following on from his heart attack and associated complications following a QUO show in Turkey on June 14. This means, of course, that he will be unable to take part in the forthcoming "Last Night Of The Electrics" European tour, which commences in Vienna, Austria on October 12. Simon Porter, the band's manager, comments: "Although Rick is recovering well and is now able to lead a relatively normal day to day life, he is far from being fit enough to undertake the rigors of QUO's touring schedule. Perhaps now is the time to reveal that Rick 'died' for several minutes directly following his heart attack which resulted in mild cognitive impairments for which he continues to receive neuropsychological support. "His medical team continue to be confident of a full recovery, but Rick's absolute priorities for the foreseeable future are for his health and well-being and to be able to see his eight-year-old twin children Tommy and Lily grow up. "To this end, Rick may well have performed his last show with QUO, but no final decision will be made until next year. Regardless, it is his wish that the band continue to tour as planned and he will always be a part of QUO's numerous other off-stage activities. "Rick has given his full blessing for the band to continue to honor their touring schedule in order to not let down the fans. Until the end of 2016, STATUS QUO will continue to utilize guest musicians. Irish guitarist Richie Malone, who is currently playing with the band, will continue in this role at least until the end of QUO's European schedule which concludes in Paris on December 4th. Freddie Edwards, son of QUO bass player John 'Rhino' Edwards also stepped in for Rick during some of the summer shows." Rick will also use his convalescence period to compose songs for a long-overdue solo album which he plans to record early next year. In the meantime, both Rick and the band would like to thank the fans for their continued understanding and support.
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