ONE of Britain's best-loved bands has announced a West Country date for next summer. The legendary Status Quo will be appearing at The National Arboretum, Westonbirt, as part of the Forestry Commission's Annual Forest Tour. The concert will be supporting The Forestry Commission's valuable social and environmental programmes.

Status Quo has become a rock'n'roll institution. It will be 40 years in January since they first made the charts with 'Pictures Of Matchstick Men' and subsequently they have made a massive impact on the popular music scene. They have accumulated total world-wide record sales exceeding 118 million units; 63 British hit singles - more than any other band, resulting in over seven and a half years on the singles charts; 106 appearances on television's Top of the Pops' - more than any other group.

Public adoration has been complemented by music industry accolades including: the coveted 'Silver Clef Award', presented annually by the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy Trust for 'Outstanding Services to British Music'; a Brit Award for 'Outstanding Contribution to the Music Industry'; an 'Outstanding Contribution to The Rock Industry' award at the World Music Awards.

A prolific touring and recording act, in July they joined a star-studded line-up at the new Wembley Stadium to perform at the globally-televised 'Concert For Diana' and this autumn has seen the release of the band's latest album, 'In Search Of The Fourth Chord.' Commenting on the Forest show Status Quo's Francis Rossi said: "We are really looking forward to playing in the forest - fans can rest assured they'll be rocking all over the woods.."

Status Quo will be performing at Westonbirt Arboretum on Sunday, June 22, 2008.