LOVE them or not, this year Status Quo mark their 40th anniversary of rocking all over the world.

Mention the Quo and most people laugh. Why? We all know at least one of their songs, dance to them at parties and play our air guitars when we hear their records being played.

They have produced staggering world-wide record sales of more than 118 million and enjoyed 62 British hit singles - more than almost any other band.

Twenty two of these songs have been in the top 10 and in November 2005 the band were voted Best Festival Feel Good Act by the UK Festival Awards.

Over the years they have opened Live Aid, broken the record for most gigs in a day and also raised millions of pounds for children’s charities.

As a fan I had my greatest accolade in interviewing founder member Francis Rossi. Was it my dream come true or just the hundreds of letters I wrote to Jimmy Saville on Jim’ll Fix It?

I spoke freely to Francis about his early days before the Quo, and the beginning of their career.

Born in South London, he teamed up with Rick Parfitt after meeting him at a Butlins holiday camp.

Originally named The Scorpions they changed it at a later stage to The Spectres. But it was not until the mid 1960s that they performed under their eventual name, which in Latin means keep things the way they are.

In 1965 they did a gig in the Orpington Civic Hall where they expected several eminent music industry figures to catch their act.

Unfortunately, it was not to be, but it gave them their first breakthrough. From this performance they were given an audition for a summer season at Butlins and the rest is history.

"We never thought we’d make it this far and have been surprised by how loyal our fans are," revealed Francis speaking from his tour hotel room in Amsterdam.

A little closer to home, it seems Kent holds many fond memories for him. Not only did his parents move to Bromley when he was younger, but he also remembers his summer holidays at Margate.

We talked about some of the gigs they have done in the county. These to name but a few include Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone, Margate Winter Gardens and they also performed at Dreamland fairground in the town.

They’ve also played open air shows at Bedgebury Pinetum and Rochester Castle, the latter being one of the 57 year-old guitarist’s most memorable venues.

"Hopefully we’ll be back in the county next summer, if Kent will have us, perhaps outdoors. Outdoors gigs are great on a nice warm evening. Hopefully there will be people of all ages making for a great night out."

Other members of Quo associated with Kent are keyboard player Andrew Bown who was born in Beckenham.

Their latest addition to their ranks, drummer Matt Letley joined in 2000 and was born in Gillingham. Another former member, Jeff Rich, left in 2002 and now teaches drums to various schools around Kent.

With all they have been through and their legendary love of a party, it’s no small miracle they are still in one piece.

Francis spoke openly about the health scare that affected Rick Parfitt who was recently diagnosed with a tumor on his throat. After tests this is was classed as malignant and is now doing very well. Francis praised him as a "a man with a lot of courage."

I asked him if the group had any animosity towards Radio 1 after the station banned their songs from the airwaves.

"No, I think it has done us a favour. I listen to Radio 2, it’s better station not just a local station but covers all of the UK, it’s nice to hear things happening in Scotland and also your own back door."

The Quo’s new World Tour 'Just doin’ it' started with the first gig in Amsterdam and coincides with a new CD 'Just Doin’ It' which is out on November 6. It’s a live recording of their gig at the NEC Birmingham which they rate as being their best so far.

This also brings me to their 40th anniversary book of the same name. It’s brilliant, I just can’t put it down and contains lots of information and photos, old and new. Go buy it, or put it on your Christmas list.

I for one look forward to seeing them again live, at Wembley Arena in December, making it a great start to Christmas. Remember fans, long live the Quo.

Status Quo’s 40th Anniversary Book, Just Doin It! is out now through Castle iIlustrated, priced £20.

The band play Croydon Fairfield Halls on Tuesday, November 21 and Wednesday, November 22 - tickets £29.50 Box office 0208 688 9291 - and Wembley Arena on Saturday, December 16. Phone box office for returns on 0870 060 0870.