Rick Parfitt quits Status Quo

Status Quo guitarist

Rick Parfitt

has quit the band after nearly 50 years just months after suffering his third heart attack after a show in Turkey. The 68-year-old guitarist has called time on his performances with the rockers after nearly 50 years, just four months after he suffered a serious heart attack following their show in

Turkey

and 'died for several minutes', reported Contactmusic.

When asked if he will play with the group again, he said: "No. I don't think I really want to. In my heart I'm a rocker, I've always been. If I'm going to make

music

it's got to rock.

"There would probably have been room for me if I decided I wanted to, but I'm not a great fan of the whole acoustic malarkey. It doesn't float my boat. What I am disappointed in is missing the last of the band's electric shows."

Listen to the songs by Status Quo Band on Gaana.com

While

Rick

will still be involved in the band's

business

activities, he has been replaced by

Richie Malone

for their tours but the veteran rocker won't be in attendance. Quizzed on whether he will still be at their electric shows, he added "That wouldn't be a good move. Some fans would think, 'If you're well enough to be here then you're well enough to play.'

"Plus, standing there in the audience ... no, I don't think I could do that, but I do wish Richie Malone all the best. He's a good little player and it must be all of his dreams come true."