Living On An Island - American Remix / Now Hear This Version

Although they are typecast as a no-nonsense rock band, Status Quo have produced quite a variety of songs over the years. Running to 3 minutes 54 seconds, "Living On An Island" is a ballad grounded firmly in reality. In the 1960s and on into the '70s, UK tax rates for high-earning musicians and actors were so extortionate that many became tax exiles. Among the first were James Bond author Ian Fleming and the multitalented Noël Coward, who both took up residence in Jamaica; the Woking-born Rick Parfitt chose an island paradise much closer to home, Jersey. Parfitt, who supplied the lead vocal, co-wrote "Living On An Island" with Bob Young.

The Cruxie referred to in the song is band manager Alan Crux; curiously his name was replaced in a later recording by "Someone." The reference to Rick getting high when his friend comes needs no explaining here.

"Living On An Island" was track 5 on the 1979 Whatever You Want album; the single was released on the Vertigo label in November 1979 backed by "Runaway."