The Story of The Quo-Cast
The Quo-Cast story starts in 1997/8 when Jamie Dyer discovered the British Rock band Status Quo. Introduced by his father, Ray, Jamie developed a passion for their music. He regularly bought new releases and tried to catch up with what he had missed in their Quo journey. So intense was this passion that he would often get picked on by his contemporaries, but this never deterred him.
While volunteering on the radio in 2011, Jamie got the chance to interview Quo founding member Alan Lancaster. The 21-year-old stumbled his way through the interview but came away with a sense of positivity after speaking to one of his heroes.
Eight years later in 2019: Jamie was struggling with his mental health, and searched for a new podcast project. Without any prior thought, The Quo-Cast was created. Initially only expected to run for a few episodes, it exceeded expectations and grew.
Podcast Timeline:
2019: Jamie welcomed members from Status Quo tribute bands, general fans and Quo producer and engineer John Eden.
2020: It was during COVID-19 lockdown that audiences began to discover the podcast more widely. Jamie’s decided to carry on, and welcomed guests including John Coghlan, Jason Hodgson, Greg Harper and John ‘Rhino’ Edwards.
2021: The Quo-Cast YouTube Channel was launched in this year. Guests included Alan Crook, Lee O’Brien, Andy Brook and Ian Hill.
2022: The podcast attended the Status Quo Fan Club Convention for the first time at Butlins in Minehead.
2023: This website was launched.
About Jamie Dyer
Jamie Dyer is a Broadcaster, Podcaster, Writer and YouTuber. Jamie started his radio career on Endeavour FM (formerly Stump Radio) back in 2008. Upon moving back to his home county Sussex in 2009, Jamie volunteered for a number of online radio stations. Podcasting on and off since 2014, Jamie has presented a variety of other formats including The Week Before, Nineties ‘n’ Noughties UK, Old Time Trio and Renford ReWatched. He is also a regular writer and reviewer for Old Time Review, which he started in 2018.
A Brief Interview:
What was your first Quo album?
The first album I ever received was the 1997 compilation Whatever You Want: The Very Best of Status Quo. 1994’s Thirsty Work was bought for me shortly after this, making it my first Quo studio album. The first one I bought myself was probably Blue For You, which I purchased on vinyl at a market in Long Sutton in around 2004.
What was your first Quo concert?
Skegness in 2007, it was on the Just Doin’ It tour. I loved it. I wrote about my experience shortly afterwards, which is available to read in the book Goin’ Quoin’.
What are your favourite albums?
I have a fondness for all eras of Quo, and so my taste changes depending on the day. I would say the albums I consistently revisit are On The Level (1975), Ma Kelly’s Greasy Spoon (1970), Just Supposin’ (1980), Thirsty Work (1994), Under the Influence (1998) and In Search of the Fourth Chord (2007).
Have you met any members of Quo?
Yes, in a way. I have interviewed Rhino, Alan Lancaster and John Coghlan over the phone. They were all really down-to-earth and friendly. My wife and I shook Francis Rossi’s hand at a book signing after his I Talk Too Much show in 2019. I didn’t get to chat with him, but to shake the hand of someone who has brought me so much comfort and joy was thrilling. I also had a photo taken with Jeff Rich at the Status Quo Fan Club Convention in 2022, which was amazing as he was part of my era of discovering Quo. As an aside, I also met Jackie Lynton there too, which was a real privilege.
What other music do you like?
I know it sounds obvious, but all sorts of different genres. Outside of Quo, I really like Rock ‘n’ Roll music from the 50s and 60s; Artists such as Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Buddy Holly, Cliff Richard & The Shadows, The Everly Brothers et al. I also have an interest in the British invasion scene that included The Beatles, Gerry & The Pacemakers, The Searchers, Freddie & The Dreamers and Herman’s Hermits. My taste also stretches far and wide, taking in The Proclaimers, Penguin Cafe Orchestra, 90s Pop and Dance music, and classic Country of the 50s, 60s and 70s.
A NOTE ABOUT THE QUO-CAST:
Please note that The Quo-Cast is not officially affiliated or endorsed by the band Status Quo, or any of its past or present members. Any views expressed by any of the guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent those of the host unless stated or implied. The purpose of the podcast, and this website, is to celebrate the music, career and legacy of Status Quo, and anything connected to it.