IT has played host to kings, Shakespeare is rumoured to have been a tutor there, Charles Dickens was a visitor.

But even in its long history, tomorrow night will be like no other for historic Hoghton Tower with the arrival of the Quo!

Hard-rocking legends Status Quo will headline the first of two special open air concerts which make up Symphony at the Tower - Saturday sees Blake, Lucy Kay and the Heart of England Orchestra offering a more genteel, classical touch - in aid of St Catherine's Hospice.

But tomorrow Status Quo will be out to shake the venerable old building to its foundations.

"I could say we've got Chippendales in the wings for the girls and lots of gimmicks lined up," said Francis Rossi. "But we ain't. It's a Status Quo show, that's what we do.

"The bulk of those who come along are Quo fans, they know what to expect and some nights it can be absolutely blinding.

"We never know til we get on stage."

Francis is taking time out from a soundcheck ahead of an outdoor show in Hamburg to do the interview, part of the band's busy summer schedule which sees them playing dates all over Europe.

Tomorrow's Hoghton Tower date is one of 17 the band will be playing in July.

"To be honest, this has been a quiet year for us," said Francis. "When you have a run of a few shows it's good because you stay up for it, you don't need to shake off the cobwebs.

"But our shows are pretty physical and we're not getting any younger.

"I'm 66 for goodness sake I shouldn't be doing this," he joked.

"The day after a show the joints complain a bit but this is what we do."

For almost 50 years, Status Quo have been thrilling audiences with their sound - they have had more top 10 hits than any other rock band and have released over 100 singles in their career.

At the heart of any Quo show is the power - the wall of Marshall amps behind the band has become their trademark.

"We played in Bonn the other night," said Francis. "It was a nightmare. They had all these rules about how loud we could play - my lawnmower sounded louder than Quo did that night.

"I'm hoping they won't be too restrictive at Hoghton Tower - we want to rock the place."

Status Quo will be supported by New York Tourists and Good Foxy tomorrow night. Proceeds from the Syphony at the Tower event will go to St Catherine's Hospice.

For details visit www.symphonyatthetower.co.uk