Rick Parfitt quits performing with Status Quo for good

Rick Parfitt has confirmed he will never play live with Status Quo again.

Rick Parfitt (Emelie Andersson/WENN.com)

Fans of the 68-year-old guitarist will be disappointed to hear he’s called time on his performances with the group after nearly 50 years because playing rock music live has taken its toll on his body.

Four months ago the star suffered a serious heart attack following their show in Turkey and “died for several minutes” and quizzed on whether he’ll ever play with the group again, he said: “No. I don’t think I really want to. In my heart I’m a rocker, I’ve always been. If I’m going to make music it’s got to rock.

"There would probably have been room for me if I decided I wanted to, but I’m not a great fan of the whole acoustic malarkey. It doesn’t float my boat. What I am disappointed in is missing the last of the band’s electric shows.”

Rick doesn’t think he’ll make their last shows, adding: “That wouldn’t be a good move. Some fans would think, ‘If you’re well enough to be here then you’re well enough to play.’

"Plus, standing there in the audience … no, I don’t think I could do that, but I do wish Richie Malone all the best. He’s a f***ing good little player and it must be all of his dreams come true.”

Rick admits he still hasn’t “fully recovered” but did recently pass his driving test.

He added to Classic Rock magazine: “I would say that I’m fully recovered. As the weeks pass I’m better and better. I don’t know whether I will be able to improve on that because I feel as well as I did when I fell over.”

So I can’t complain. I’ve just passed my driving test - which wasincredibly stressful at my age - but I’m mobile again now, so that’s abig difference.“