Francis Rossi is guaranteeing a hit-packed gig when Status Quo kick-off Epsom Live this week - and the veteran frontman is refusing to apologise for it.

Despite four successful decades in the music industry, the Quo are still the butt of numerous jokes from showbiz insiders due to their populist lyrics and guitar riffs.

But Rossi refuses to the bait.

He retorts: “I have read a few reviews of us recently where we were described as ‘that band that plays their hits’ but what do people expect us to do?

“We wrote the records, we sold the records and the way to build a following is to play the records.

“Fans come to our gigs expecting to hear the hits and that is what we give them.

“People have come to be entertained - we are in showbusiness and we want to give people a good time.

“So many musos think the audience is beneath them and you should try something abstract when on stage but I think that is a load of rubbish.”

Despite stating his obvious desire to please the rabid Quo fanbase, the 60-year-old admits that does spring up its own set of problems.

He continues: “When we do a gig it is all about connecting with the fans, but it is difficult that we have such a big back catalogue that some stuff has to be left out.

“Fans are always asking us to play this or that, but the truth is that some of our songs just don’t work live - and we have tried!

“What we do on stage is a lot more frantic than on record, and you have to tailor the set to that.”

Despite their enviable success, having racked up 64 chart hits since their inception in 1962, the Quo show no signs of letting up, with lengthy tours and album releases still on the agenda.

But Rossi explains his attitude has changed slightly over the years.

He reveals: “The highlight for me now is often the tour bus!

“Back in the day it was all about the gigs and enjoying the moment, and I still do, but now sometimes it is just a case of wanting to get on stage, get on with it and get back on the bus.

“I think it must be me getting old!”

The Quo will be one of a series of gigs to run at the racecourse, including The Saturdays and UB40 - just don’t expect to see Rossi having a flutter before the gig.

He adds: “That’s something I definitely won’t be doing.

“I do not understand that at all - I find it incredibly peculiar that people want to put money on a horse running round and round a field.”

Status Quo, Epsom Racecourse, July 2, (after last race at 9pm) £15-£30, 0844 579 3004