United Kingdom, Jan. 26 -- Francis Rossi has suggested Rick Parfitt's partners caused problems in Status Quo.

The 76-year-old frontman felt people resented the close bond he had with his late bandmate - who died of sepsis in 1976 - and claimed his pal's wives and girlfriends tried to stoke a rivalry between them.

He told The Times newspaper: "Rick was tormented, really. Management didn't like how close we were, nor did anyone else in the band. Then wives and girlfriends come along, saying, 'You're the talented one. It's not him, it's you.'

"Have you seen Spinal Tap? Every band has a Jeanine.

"It happened to the Beatles. [Yoko Ono] is screeching her f****** head off and McCartney must have been looking at Lennon, going, 'Are you all ri...