Article: Frank words from rock star Francis; Status Quo front man Francis Rossi has reasons to be cheerful, he tells David Powell.(Features)

Byline: David Powell

RING Francis Rossi's phone number and wait. It takes 42 seconds for someone to pick up the phone.

Finally, a breathless voice with a southern twang answers: `` `Ello, Freddy's Sandwich Bar. Sorry about that, I was `aving a leak. ''

Wrongfooted, I ask: ``Oh, er, is it a sandwich bar?''

The voice replies ``Yes, it is a sandwich bar. How may I help you, sir? The avocado's off and don't ask for the pastrami, we've sold out of that. '' After a long pause, he says: ``I'm winding you up!''

Oh, I see. I've been a victim of millionaire, rock legend humour. But I can't blame him for wanting to vary the routine of ...

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