I Met a star: I pulled a pint for Status Quo

Rick Parfitt, left, and Francis Rossi of British Rock group Status Quo, perform in the Stravinski Hall at the 43rd Montreux Jazz Festival, in Montreux, Switzerland, in 2009. Photo / AP

As part of our Summer Herald content, New Zealanders are recalling their brushes with celebrity. Today, John Lamplough tells of the time he pulled a pint for Status Quo.

It was 12.01pm on Friday the 12th of July, 1985.

The doors of the White Horse on Parsons Green had opened. I was on my OE, and had just started my first job in a flash London pub.

I was on "trial" to see if my barman skills would be up to scratch for the "Sloaney Pony". It helped that in those days they employed only Antipodeans.

Who should walk in but Rick Parfitt and Francis Rossi of Status Quo. Rick asked for a pint of something or another.

I pulled the pint successfully, and as I proudly presented it blurted out "Rockin all over the world".

To my surprise he said rather tersely, "Who told you?"

I replied that it was their most famous song, took his pound and that, I guessed, was that. The band left after a quick drink.

The next day Status Quo opened Live Aid with their famous song. Hence, I remember the time and date of our meeting.

It is with sadness that I learn today of his death.

Merry Christmas Rick. Travel well.