John Robert Coghlan (born 19 September 1946)[2] is an English musician, best known as the original drummer of the rock band Status Quo.

The son of a Glasgow-born father and a London-born half-French mother, Coghlan grew up in Dulwich and was educated at Kingsdale Comprehensive School.

[4] John Coghlan joined Status Quo, then called The Paladins (later The Spectres),[5] in early 1962 after a meeting with bassist Alan Lancaster, guitarist Francis Rossi and keyboard player Jess Jaworski.

Quo's hit singles from the band in the 1970s/1980s, with peak UK chart position and year, include: "Paper Plane" (No.

He also played on a one-off single by The Rockers, a supergroup also featuring Roy Wood, Phil Lynott and Chas Hodges.

[citation needed] His own band, John Coghlan's Diesel, was a loose ensemble of musicians he had known in his years with Quo, notably Bob Young and Andy Bown.

[citation needed] Coghlan continued to play in his own solo bands mostly known as John Coghlan's Quo, and also with members from other bands, including members from well known Quo tribute acts, including Rick Abbs (Dog of Two Head), Rick Chase and Mick Hughes from Predatur.

Gillie worked in the music business, including for the agents at MAM, NEMS and Bron, who represented bands such as Hall & Oates, Black Sabbath, Nils Lofgren, Hot Chocolate, Barclay James Harvest and Ace.

Gillie has competed in, and won, many TV quiz shows over the years, including The Chase, The Weakest Link, Lose a Million and Sale of The Century International representing England.

[citation needed] John and Gillie featured in an episode of The Life Laundry which looked at much of his music memorabilia.

[citation needed] Coghlan has a love for 4-wheel drives and military vehicles (especially vintage), and the band participated in an off-roading video whilst he was with them.

He is also the patron of the 'Westie ReHoming' charity which aims to find homes for West Highland White Terriers.