TOURING five countries in three months is enough to sap the energy of the most youthful rock 'n' roll hero.

But when your bus pass could be in the post within the year, how do you find the emotional and physical strength to electrify an audience night after night, town after town?

The Victoria Theatre, Halifax, is just one stop-off point for Status Quo on a 32-date tour of Britain, following gigs across Germany and France last month.

And frontman Rick Parfitt is promising (unexpected ill-health permitting) some riotous rock 'n' roll next Wednesday to psych Calderdale folk up for a rockin' good festive season.

To help them get through the gigs, the Quo have a mini-army of medics to make sure they are patched up and ready for battle the next day.

Rick, who will be 60 next October, said: "We're not getting any younger and it is physically and mentally demanding. Thirty years ago we could party most nights after a gig but you have to look after yourself when the public are paying to see you.

"We have a travelling chemist for every kind of ailment, masseurs and chiropracters. It's important not to drink too much when you have a gig the following day."

He admits to the most un-rock 'n roll behaviour when not on stage – "it's back to the tour bus for a cup of tea, a sandwich and George and Mildred on the TV" – before going to sleep.

And he describes his long-standing partnership with Francis Rossi as "like marriage without the sex".

But even the closest of couples need time apart and the pair give each other space off-stage. They keep a low profile on tour, going into "robot mode" as they dive from tour bus to dressing room and hotel room before it all starts again.

Rick said: "The sort of music we play is very demanding and you have to give it 100 per cent.

"We always like to warm the machine up really, before we hit the UK. We started with the campaign for the Fourth Chord in France a few weeks ago. We worked on it and smoothed it out.

"We rehearsed a few tracks, played in France and Germany and then we had about 10 days free so I went home to Spain and spent a few days lazing around before it all clicked back into gear."

Touring in Britain is different to touring in Europe. "With the British audience you can feel the Christmas vibe, it's more of a family-friendly party atmosphere," he said. "Everyone starts turning up in silly hats – including us!"

Rick and Francis had a great time when they were invited to join Coronation Street for the wedding of Les Battersby and now there is talk of a movie, Care Factor Zero, with filming due to start in Thailand in Febru-ary.

But for now, they just want to make music to please their loyal following. "All being well – you never know what's round the corner – we're up for it and ready to rock," Rick said.