THEY are used to playing to thousands of people in some of the world's biggest venues.

But last night rock superstars Status Quo entertained just 200 people in a Hove pub.

The band, who have scored more than 50 chart hits, played at The Brunswick, Holland Road, on the last leg of their British tour.

The Quo, who are used to selling out venues like the Brighton Centre, turned their back on the big stages to promote their new album Under The Influence.

They played a mixture of old favourites and new material to fans who queued through the night for a rare chance to see the group up close.

Many wore the band's trademark denim outfit and sported Quo memorabilia for the occasion.

But the group, who practically invented denim as the uniform of any self-respecting hard rocker, arrived in casual dress.

Lead singer Francis Rossi told the Argus: "The build up every day has been hard work. We have been doing 12-hour days.

"But the Brunswick is a really good venue compared to some of the places we have played. The stage is really big.

"It is quite a treat for the fans to be able to see us so close.

"We have caused quite a bit of havoc at a lot of the venues. There have been more people outside than there have been inside."

Outside, many fans watched the group's set through the half-closed blinds on the windows.

For pub boss Ron Crossley, 40, it was a dream come true. He said: "I cannot describe how it feels. I have bought every record Quo have ever made.

"I have really enjoyed it. We will be having more gigs after this, but this is a great way to start."

Earlier in the day the group were besieged by fans who queued around the block for a record-signing session at HMV in Western Road, Brighton.

And before last night's concert the group met fans and signed musical instruments belonging to enthusiasts from as far away as Bournemouth.

But for those that managed to get tickets, the music was enough.

Jessica Wayne, 34, of First Avenue, Hove said: "It might be a small venue but seeing them in my local is just fantastic."

Also in the audience were members of Brighton folk-rock group The Levellers.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.