PETE KIRCHER

Drummer for Status Quo 1981 - 1985

First Quo gig: 15-4-1982 Cork City Hall, Ireland

Last Quo gig: 13-7-1985 London Wembley Stadium, UK (Live Aid) 

Pete Kircher's career began in the late 1960s with the pop group Honeybus, where he served as the drummer from 1967 to 1969, contributing to their breakthrough hit "I Can't Let Maggie Go“. After leaving Honeybus to tour with Engelbert Humperdinck, he joined various outfits in the 1970s, including the folk-rock band Compass and the blues rock group Shanghai (supporting Quo in 1976), before achieving further success with Liverpool Express (1978 – 1979) appearing on two of their albums. In the early 1980s, he drummed for the new wave band Original Mirrors (1979 – 1981), supporting Roxy Music on their tour.

Beyond these groups, Pete Kircher collaborated with notable artists such as guitarist Noel Redding in the Noel Redding Band during the mid-1970s and participated in a Honeybus reunion in the early 2000s, reflecting his enduring connection to his early work. Now retired from full-time touring, Kircher has occasionally engaged in signwriting and other pursuits while remaining a respected figure in rock drumming circles, with his legacy tied to the evolution of British pop and rock music.

Pete Kircher began his professional drumming career in the early 1960s by joining The Burnettes, a Folkestone-based beat group led by singer Neil Landon, with Noel Redding on guitar and bass in early lineups. The band formed in September 1962 and quickly became part of the burgeoning British beat scene, performing covers of American R&B and rock standards. As part of the wave of British groups seeking opportunities abroad, Kircher toured West Germany extensively with The Burnettes, playing club residencies in cities such as Frankfurt, Cologne, and Wuppertal from 1964 to 1965. These tours included high-profile support slots for acts like The Rolling Stones, The Searchers, Merseybeats, and Tom Jones, exposing Kircher to demanding live environments and international audiences during the height of the beat boom. Following The Burnettes, Kircher transitioned to The Loving Kind in late 1965, a Folkestone-originated group that marked his shift toward more structured songwriting and recording efforts. The lineup featured Kircher on drums, Noel Redding on lead guitar, Derek Knight on vocals, and Jim Leverton on bass. Active from January to September 1966, the band focused on local and regional gigs in the UK club circuit. They recorded several singles for Pye Records' Piccadilly label, alongside unreleased demos that captured their Motown-influenced sound. Venue bookings in the competitive UK scene often required navigating limited resources and irregular schedules, reflecting the semi-professional realities of the era's beat groups. This period solidified Kircher's growth from amateur performer to semi-professional drummer, as the British Invasion's emphasis on rhythmic drive and live energy shaped his technical style and adaptability. The international tours and domestic gigs honed his ability to perform under pressure, setting the foundation for future endeavors amid the evolving rock landscape.

In 1967 Pete Kircher joined Honeybus as the band's drummer, completing the core lineup alongside founders Pete Dello on vocals, keyboards, and guitar, Ray Cane on bass and keyboards, and Colin Hare on rhythm guitar. The group, initially conceived as a studio project by Dello and Cane to craft polished pop songs, enlisted Kircher specifically for promotional needs after signing with Deram Records, a Decca subsidiary; his solid drumming style became integral to their signature blend of psychedelic pop harmonies and intricate arrangements. Honeybus achieved their commercial breakthrough with the 1968 single "I Can't Let Maggie Go," written by Dello, which peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and remained in the Top 40 for 12 weeks. Kircher's rhythmic contributions provided a steady, driving pulse that underpinned the track's catchy, baroque-tinged melody and soaring vocals, helping propel the band from obscurity to national attention amid the evolving late-1960s psych-pop scene. Tensions within the band escalated after Dello's abrupt departure in April 1968 due to exhaustion from fame and touring, leading to lineup instability as temporary members like Jim Kelly and Bill Bremner filled gaps. By 1970, mounting frustrations over creative direction and label support culminated in the group's breakup, with Kircher and others pursuing separate paths.

Following his departure from Honeybus in 1969, Pete Kircher transitioned to freelance session drumming in London's vibrant music scene throughout the 1970s. His contributions during this period demonstrated his versatility across pop and rock genres, providing a bridge between his earlier band experiences and future group commitments. Kircher also lent his talents to lesser-known projects, including the pop-rock outfit Compass in 1974. In a similar vein, Kircher joined the blues-rock band Shanghai in 1974, teaming with veteran guitarist Mick Green (formerly of Johnny Kidd & the Pirates). Handling drums and backing vocals. Pete Kircher's role here was confined to the band's short lifespan, underscoring his adaptability in supporting diverse rhythm sections amid fluctuating lineups. Kircher's extensive networking through these London-based sessions and short-term bands fostered connections that paved the way for renewed band work in 1978, highlighting his resilience and skill in navigating the era's freelance landscape.

In mid-1978, Pete Kircher joined Liverpool Express as their drummer, bringing his extensive session experience to facilitate a swift integration into the band's lineup. His arrival coincided with the recording of the group's third album, L.E.X., released in 1979 on Mercury Records. On the album, Kircher handled drums across all tracks and contributed backing vocals, enhancing the band's signature melodic pop-rock style characterized by lush vocal harmonies and introspective ballads. During 1978–1979, Pete Kircher participated in Liverpool Express's active touring schedule, including a European support slot for Rod Stewart that bolstered their visibility on the continent. The band also undertook UK tours and made notable UK television appearances, where they received enthusiastic fan reception amid their ongoing commercial momentum following earlier hits.

In 1979, following his tenure with Liverpool Express, Pete Kircher joined the newly formed Liverpool-based new wave band Original Mirrors as their drummer. The group, founded by vocalist Steve Allen (formerly of Deaf School) and guitarist Ian Broudie (ex-Big In Japan), assembled a lineup drawing from the UK's punk and new wave scenes, including bassist Phil Spalding (previously with Bernie Tormé) and keyboardist/guitarist Jonathan Perkins (from XTC and Stadium Dogs). Kircher's addition brought a seasoned rhythm section to the ensemble, which signed to Mercury Records shortly after formation. Kircher contributed drums to the band's self-titled debut album, Original Mirrors, released in 1980, which blended power pop hooks with an edgier, guitar-driven rock sound reflective of the burgeoning UK new wave movement. Adapting from his prior pop-oriented work, Kircher's playing emphasized tight, driving beats that supported the band's shift toward a more angular, scene-aligned rock edge. The band promoted the album through extensive touring in the UK and Europe, including opening slots for Roxy Music on their Flesh and Blood tour, while gaining media exposure via BBC TV appearances on The Old Grey Whistle Test and The Oxford Road Show. Pete Kircher departed with the group, later reflecting on the period as a challenging but formative adaptation to the punk-infused intensity of the early 1980s scene.

Pete joined Status Quo in early 1982 as their new drummer, replacing John Coghlan who had departed during the recording sessions for the group's fifteenth studio album in Montreux, Switzerland. His arrival came at a pivotal moment, as the band sought to maintain their high-octane boogie rock sound amid lineup changes. Kircher quickly integrated into the rhythm section alongside bassist Alan Lancaster, providing a solid, driving beat that supported the dual guitar attack of Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt. Kircher's debut recording with Status Quo was the album 1+9+8+2, released in April 1982, where he handled drums and percussion across all tracks while also contributing backing vocals. One of the standout moments of Kircher's time with Quo was the band's performance at the Live Aid concert on July 13, 1985, at Wembley Stadium in London. As part of the classic lineup - including Rossi, Parfitt, Lancaster, and keyboardist Andy Bown. Kircher drummed during their 15-minute opening set, which energized the massive crowd and global audience with high-octane renditions of "Rockin' All Over the World," "Caroline," and "Don't Waste My Time." The performance, marked by the band's signature head-down, relentless rhythm, is often credited with setting an upbeat tone for the historic event despite internal band tensions and the recent "End of the Road" tour signaling a potential farewell. Kircher's four-year stint with Status Quo concluded shortly after Live Aid, with his departure in late 1985 amid the band's decision to continue despite earlier announcements of retirement from touring. The constant rigors of arena tours and studio commitments had taken a toll, leading him to step away for a simpler, less demanding lifestyle outside the music industry's spotlight.

After departing Status Quo in 1985 following their performance at Live Aid, Pete Kircher retired from the music industry, stepping away from professional engagements to recover from the physical and mental toll of extensive touring. This shift allowed him to prioritize personal well-being over the demanding schedule of band commitments and studio work that had defined his earlier career. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Kircher avoided major musical projects, reflecting a deliberate choice to escape the high-pressure environment of the rock scene and focus on a more balanced lifestyle. He participated in a brief Honeybus reunion in 2003 for a Dutch TV show. By the early 1990s, he had fully transitioned to non-musical pursuits, marking the end of his active involvement in the industry.

MATT LETLEY

Drummer for Status Quo 2000 - 2013

First Quo gig: 19-5-2000 Kiel Ostseehalle, Germany

Last Quo gig: 4-5-2013 Grimaud Golfe de St-Tropez, France

Matt started playing drums at age six. His Dad taught him the basics of playing and reading music before taking Matt to lessons with Graham Willeard of Drumland in Dartford. After four years with Graham, he studied with Bob Cleall from Rochester. 

By the age of twelve he was playing with a local progressive-rock band called ‘Sindelfingen’ which was fronted by a brilliant guitarist called Richard Manktelow and also featured Matt's brother Mark on bass. This involved playing long complicated pieces of music in all manner of time signatures. He also developed an interest in playing guitar at this time.

At fifteen he spotted an advert in Melody Maker… the London Youth Jazz Orchestra were looking for players and his father took Matt to the audition in Wandsworth. His time with LYJO culminated in a week-long tour of Holland in early ’77, just when he was supposed to be taking his mock O’levels. The tour was a great success, unlike his mock O’levels.

Around the same time, his drum teacher Bob recommended Matt for a local dinner/dance residency at a motel called the ‘Inn on the Lake’. This was playing in a nine-piece show band every Friday and Saturday, reading lots of charts. Extra gigs came in and he was often doing four or five nights a week. Matt's mother (incidentally a flute player) was also his private driver – sometimes picking young Matthew up from school and taking him straight to gigs.

On leaving school in the summer of ’77 the show band gig soon came to an end but he stayed with the bandleader as part of his backing band for his cabaret floorshow. He did fire eating, juggling and allsorts – it was certainly entertaining – at least for his backing band!

Needless to say, that didn’t last long but he put Matt forward for a band called ‘Flint’, whose drummer had just left. They were doing a residency at ‘La Dolce Notte’, a restaurant in Jermyn Street, six nights a week and a club in Leicester Square on a Sunday. Still too young to drive, Matt's Mum was now chauffeuring him from his home in Gillingham to London seven days a week in their family blue Austin Mini-Van. Before he joined Flint they had already passed an audition to appear on the TV talent show ‘New Faces’. In the January of ’78, Flint won the show and secured a recording contract with Mickie Most at RAK Records. Unfortunately the single only reached 47 in the charts but the band worked pretty much non-stop playing all kinds of clubs, summer seasons and air force bases.

Matt started getting hired for sessions at a local studio in Rochester and after five years with Flint, in the autumn of 1982, he decided to try it alone. This was quite a step as he had not long been married, bought a house and acquired a mortgage! Fortunately, before long he got a call to do a tour of Spain with folk/rock band Magna Carta. It turned out to be the first of many tours to come and with many different artists…

Matt Letley's Tours history: 

2000 - 2013: Status Quo (UK/Europe/Australia/Asia/Middle East/Russia/South America/Mexico/ USA)

1997 - 2000: Hank Marvin (UK/Europe)

1995 - 1997: Vanessa-Mae (UK/Europe/America/Australia/Asia)

1990 - 1997: David Essex (UK/Australia)

1988 - 1989: A-ha (UK/Europe/Japan/South America)

1987 - 1990: Bob Geldorf (UK/Europe/Japan/Australia)

1986 - 1987: Kim Wilde (UK/Europe)

1984 - 1985: Elkie Brooks (UK)

1983 - 1985: Judie Tzuke (UK/Ireland)

1982 - 1983: Magna Carta (Europe/Middle East)

In 2000, Letley became the drummer for Status Quo, replacing Jeff Rich. Over the next dozen years he toured extensively and recorded on several of the band’s studio albums, helping to sustain their signature boogie style on records like Heavy Traffic (2002) through to the soundtrack-styled Bula Quo! (2013), the last album released during his time with the group. On 17 December 2012, Matt Letley announced via his official channels that he was leaving Status Quo after 12 years in the band, stating it was time to “move on to something new.” His decision was not because of the band’s original-member reunion plans — but rather a personal choice to pursue other musical opportunities. He played his final scheduled shows with the group in early 2013.

Since departing Status Quo, Letley has continued to work as a professional drummer and recording artist rather than stepping back from music:

• Session and recording work – After his Quo years he continued contributing his drumming skills to various projects. For example, he produced and recorded drum parts for the Russian alt-rock band 208 Talks of Angels.

Collaborations with other artists – In 2022 he played drums on the debut single “Falling Out of Sight” by singer-songwriter Stu Allen.

• Letley also maintains an active presence on social and music platforms, sharing clips of his performances and studio work.

Outside of these specific collaborations, Letley’s official site points to a long history of touring, studio sessions, and other musical activities dating back many years, showing a career that extends far beyond any single band.

LEON CAVE

Drummer for Status Quo since 2013

First Quo gig: 25-5-2013 Frankfurt Wolkenkratzer Festival, Germany

Last Quo gig: 23-8-2024 Taunton Vivary Park, UK

Leon began playing drums at the age of five, developing his musical talent early in life. He is a multi-instrumentalist who also plays guitar and bass, sings, and writes songs. Before his time with Status Quo, he built a varied musical career performing with a broad range of groups and artists, including working with Andy Brook and Nicholas Rossi (Macara)also with Francis Rossi (the band’s co-founder) on Rossi’s solo project One Step at a Time in 2010. Leon also played with other acts such as Bonnie Tyler, British blues guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick (FM, Band of Friends, Bernie Marsden), his Quo bandmate John Rhino Edwards (Rhino's Revenge) and the punk/rock band The Middlenight Men (again with Andy Brook)

Prior to joining Status Quo full-time, Leon’s early years in music saw him performing and touring with various groups, as well as working in music education and as a music technician, helping support and train students while gigging extensively.

Leon was invited to join Status Quo as their drummer in 2013, succeeding Matt Letley and becoming part of a long-standing lineup that included Francis Rossi, Rick Parfitt, Andy Bown, and John “Rhino” Edwards. With Status Quo he contributed to albums like Aquostic – Stripped Bare (2014), Aquostic II – That’s a Fact! (2016), and Backbone (2019), while also playing hundreds of shows worldwide.

Since becoming a member of Status Quo, Leon has expanded his musical footprint in several directions:

🎵 Collaborations & Side Projects
Outside Quo, Leon has performed with various artists and groups. He has toured and recorded with fellow musicians, contributed to projects with other rock performers, and appeared in live settings beyond the band. For example, he has played with the group Rhino’s Revenge, a side project featuring Status Quo bassist John ‘Rhino’ Edwards, blending original material with classic rock favorites. He also played all drums on Francis Rossi's latest solo album "The Accidental", released on 30.1.2026.

🎸 Special Guest Appearances & Touring
In 2025, Leon joined the Belgian Quo Band as a special guest on their summer tour, bringing his experience and energy to concerts in Belgium, Germany, and France alongside Quo guitarist Richie Malone. His latest live project is Guitar Heads featuring Paul Rose, Jim Kirkpatrick, Nick Foley, Chris Childs and Leon on drums.

Creative & Personal Interests
Leon remains active as a musician and collaborator. His skills extend into songwriting and multi-instrumental performance, and he continues to explore both live work and studio sessions. He is also known to enjoy a variety of interests outside music, such as Formula One, travel, and food.

Although Status Quo’s traditional touring life concluded following their extensive run through 2024, Leon’s musical journey is ongoing. His future projects include:

• Continued collaborations with classic rock and blues artists in live and recording settings like Rhino's Revenge.

• Guest performances and festival appearances, both with legacy acts and tribute ensembles like the Belgian Quo Band and Guitar Heads.

• Session work and creative projects that make use of his broad skill set across instruments and styles. He's currently working on his first ever solo album.

Leon’s commitment to music and performance suggests a future filled with diverse artistic endeavors rather than a single fixed role, reflecting his long-standing passion for rhythm, rock, and collaboration.

Live projects in 2025/2026:

25/10/2025  Guitar Heads - Bowness The Royalty, UK

09/11/2025  Jim Kirkpatrick Band - Stoke Eleven, UK

12/11/2025  Jim Kirkpatrick Band - London Cavern Raynes Park, UK

16/11/2025  Jim Kirkpatrick Band - Llandudno Motorsport Lounge, UK

17/11/2025  Jim Kirkpatrick Band - Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, UK

28/11/2025  Guitar Heads - Troon Winterstorm, UK

29/11/2025  Guitar Heads - Kinross Back Stage at the Green Hotel, UK

30/11/2025  Guitar Heads - Kinross Back Stage at the Green Hotel, UK

01/12/2025  Guitar Heads - Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, UK

10/12/2025  Rhino's Revenge - Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, UK

11/12/2025  Rhino's Revenge - Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, UK

12/12/2025  Rhino's Revenge - Blackpool Waterloo Music Bar, UK

13/12/2025  Rhino's Revenge - Sedgefield Rock & Blues Club, UK

14/12/2025  Rhino's Revenge - Kinross Back Stage at the Green Hotel, UK

18/04/2026  The SKB's - Colchester Three Wise Monkeys, UK

19/04/2026  The SKB's - Colchester Three Wise Monkeys, UK

16/05/2026  Rhino's Revenge - Sheffield The Greystones, UK

17/05/2026  Rhino's Revenge - London The Half Moon Putney, UK

18/05/2026  Rhino's Revenge - Stoke Row The Crooked Billet, UK

14/08/2026  Belgian Quo Band - Oostkamp De Oude Schaere, Belgium

15/08/2026  Belgian Quo Band - Hamburg, Germany (private Show)

16/08/2026  Belgian Quo Band - Weert Festival Vrakkerplein Boshoven, Netherlands

31/10/2026  Belgian Quo Band - Vennep Vanzantenhal, Netherlands