Status Quo legend Francis Rossi has announced his new solo album The Accidental, set for release on 30 January 2026 via earMUSIC on CD, LP and digital. The record marks his first solo set in seven years and finds Rossi plugging back into an energetic, guitar‑driven sound with fresh collaborators including guitarist Hiran Ilangantilike and co‑producer Andy Brook. Bassist John ‘Rhino’ Edwards and drummer Leon Cave complete the core band, with Amy Smith adding backing vocals.
Two songs lead the charge today with Something In The Air (Stormy Weather) and Go Man Go, available now on streaming platforms. Across the album Rossi plays to his strengths while cutting loose, delivering bite, swing and groove in equal measure. Fans of Heavy, melody‑rich rock will find plenty to love in this batch of songs, which also nods to the classic attitude that defined his Metal‑adjacent riffing in Status Quo.
Highlights include the ebullient Go Man Go, the chug and chant of Something In The Air (Stormy Weather), the cantering Picture Perfect, the widescreen November Again and the epic closer Beautiful World.
Rossi also reunites the classic Rossi/Young writing partnership on two tracks. The album was produced by Rossi, with Andy Brook engineering, mastering and co‑writing three songs.
Francis Rossi says he had no plans to make a record, but the sessions “came out of nowhere” and captured a raw, loud feel with guitars front and centre. “I spend my life in and out of the studio, rehearsing, tinkering,,” he says, “but something happened earlier this year and, before I knew it, we had created something special.”
On this evidence, he is once more at the top of his game with this searing yet thoughtful set that blends heft with melody.
The Accidental will be released on Black LP Gatefold, Ltd. Crystal Clear LP Gatefold, CD Digipak and Digital. Pre-orders are available from francis-rossi.lnk.to/TheAccidental.
