Introduction
On September 18, 2022, British rock legends Status Quo graced the live open-air stage of ZDF-Fernsehgarten in Mainz, Germany, delivering two of their most iconic hits, “Paper Plane” and “Rockin’ All Over the World.”
ZDF-Fernsehgarten is a premier summer entertainment show broadcast live from the ZDF broadcasting centre, attracting up to 6,000 on-site fans and around two million television viewers each Sunday during its May to September run.
“Paper Plane,” originally released on November 10, 1972, soared to number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and became a staple of Status Quo’s hard rock boogie repertoire, penned by guitarist Francis Rossi and lyricist Bob Young.
Its driving three-minute riff and infectious shuffle rhythm made it a concert favourite that still ignites dance floors and airwaves more than five decades later.
The band then launched into “Rockin’ All Over the World,” a John Fogerty composition first released in August 1975 and famously reinvented by Status Quo in September 1977 as a heavy, riff-driven anthem that climbed to number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.
Their cover version transformed Fogerty’s roots-rock original into a boogie powerhouse, becoming synonymous with their live shows and even serving as the opening number at Live Aid in 1985.
Throughout the performance, Francis Rossi’s gritty vocals and twin-guitar attack blended seamlessly with Alan Lancaster’s thumping bass lines and John Coghlan’s propulsive drumming, showcasing the classic Status Quo lineup’s enduring chemistry.
Against the scenic backdrop of the Mainz-Lerchenberg festival grounds, the stripped-back production highlighted the raw power of Status Quo’s musicianship, reminding fans why the band’s boogie-rock style remains undiminished.
The ZDF audience responded with enthusiastic applause and chants, with viewers at home quickly taking to social media to celebrate the band’s energetic stage presence and timeless sound.
As the final chords rang out, the audience erupted, capturing the spirit of rock ’n’ roll unity that has defined Status Quo’s live legacy for over 60 years.
This performance reaffirmed the band’s ability to connect across generations, proving that a simple, driving riff and a passionate delivery can still move hearts and feet alike.
For those who missed the live broadcast, the ZDF-Fernsehgarten recordings are readily available online, offering a front-row experience of Status Quo’s undying boogie magic.