STATUS QUO have been recognised as the hardest-working band in the British music industry.

The Performing Rights Society list also included Cliff Richard And The Shadows, Take That, Coldplay and Kings Of Leon, who took the second, third, fourth and fifth spots respectively, according to BBC News.

The list was compiled based on the number of fans bands performed to in the UK during 2009.

Status Quo played to 250,000 people at 27 arenas, putting them at the top of the list.

Frontman Francis Rossi said: "Performing in front of thousands of fans is the ultimate experience for any band."

PRS is the body that collects royalties for songwriters.

As previously reported Francis Rossi will go live – without a ponytail – when he undertakes his first ever solo tour in May 2010.

The One Step At A Time tour – which takes its name from his debut album to be released in April 2010 – will take in six UK dates.