IT was a long time coming but legendary rockers Status Quo tore the house down with a rip roaring set at the Ipswich Regent tonight.

Craig Robinson

IT was a long time coming but legendary rockers Status Quo tore the house down with a rip roaring set at the Ipswich Regent tonight.

The gig - reorganised from late last year - was part of the band's Pictures world tour, which celebrates 40 years in the music industry.

It was well worth the wait and as you would expect it was an extremely polished performance from such experienced showmen.

Right from opening track Caroline the hundreds of fans were on their feet and for over an hour and a half Francis Rossi and co moved seamlessly from hit to hit - only stopping for breath to share a few quips with the crowd.

The band dipped into a catalogue that went as far back as 1968's Pictures of Matchstick Men and included other classics such as Don't Drive My Car, The Beginning Of The End, In The Army Now and Roll Over Lay Down.

But the real crowd pleasers were saved until last - with the band finishing on a trio of Down Down, Whatever You Want and Rockin' All Over The World.

They left the stage to rapturous applause and cheers before returning for an encore to the delight of their adoring fans.

The gig was the first of two in Ipswich and judging by tonight's performance those who are lucky enough to be going along tomorrow won't be disappointed.