Guitarist Rick Parfitt will not be appearing at the Status Quo concert in Rochester later this week.

Quo fans who are set to flock to Rochester Castle on Wednesday for one of the band’s last ever electric concerts, will see Freddie Edwards, son of the band’s bass player John ‘Rhino’ Edwards perform in his place.

Last year their sell out gig had to be cancelled when Parfitt fell ill with a stomach complaint and this week’s rescheduled gig was thrown into jeopardy again when Parfitt suffered a heart attack while on tour in Turkey.

However, Edwards’ son Freddie stepped in alongside Francis Rossi as a temporary replacement and the band’s management have now confirmed he will be appearing this week in Rochester.

Edwards has won praise for his performances so far but nevertheless tickets from disgruntled fans have appeared on some internet sales sites.

Diehard fans will surely still turn out in droves to see the legendary rockers on their last tour.

Quo’s gig is the first of the Castle Concerts and will be followed by Will Young and Gabrielle on Thursday, a Soul Party on Friday, July 15, and a military-themed Castle Proms on Saturday, July 16.

Simon Porter, the band’s manager said: “Rick is now making an excellent and steady recovery from an extremely serious life threatening situation following a Quo show in Turkey last month.

“He has now had a defibrillator fitted into his chest in order to regulate any future heart issues and has left hospital in order to recuperate with family and friends.

“Although I am now happy to report that his medical team anticipate that Rick will make a full recovery, it will likely be a long and ongoing process" - Simon Porter

“Although I am now happy to report that his medical team anticipate that Rick will make a full recovery, it will likely be a long and ongoing process.

“To this end, Rick has given his full blessing for the band to continue with the current summer touring schedule utilizing guest guitarists.

Freddie Edwards, son of Quo bass player John ‘Rhino’ Edwards has successfully stepped in for Rick over recent gigs and will now continue for the majority of Quo’s shows during July and August, the current exceptions being gigs in Leuven, Belgium and Edinburgh, Scotland on July 20th and 23rd where Irish guitarist Richie Malone will step in.”

A spokesman for Rick’s family said: “We would like to thank everyone including the fans for their messages of support during the last weeks and especially the kindness and care of all the staff at the Royal Brompton.”

Mr Porter added: Both the band and Rick would like to thank the fans for their continued understanding and support and would like to stress that he will return to the fold as soon as possible, but in Rick’s best interests any return will not be rushed until he makes a full and absolute recovery.

“No further comment will be made at this time.”