A ground-breaker – and a history maker, Suzi Quatro has entertained audiences on record and on tour for over half a century, creating a brand and legacy that has influenced a number of key female artists that has come since.
An iconic image and some absolute classic tracks – including ‘Can The Can’ and ‘Devil Gate Drive’ – have taken her to a globally stellar level; and a new official documentary ‘SUZI Q’ reflects on her life both in and out of the music business.
Film And TV Now had the absolute pleasure of speaking with the music legend, as she reflected on the film – and some of her life experiences.
FILM AND TV NOW: What is so admirable about this documentary is that it doesn’t paper over the cracks – it’s very much in the zone and captures not only your musical, but also your emotional journey. Did you have any specific brief to give to the film-makers when you agreed to do it?
SUZI QUATRO: Sure. I told the director that ‘if’ we were going to do this documentary, I was only interested in it being the entire truth, and nothing less, and although I had editing rights, I told him I would only exercise them if it was a lie. I told him, even if there are uncomfortable moments, if they are true, and important to the story, they stay in.
These moments are among the best in the film. I wanted the whole story warts and all. Nobody get a perfect life, and my journey was not easy. I am happy to say, mission accomplished!
FTVN: I was thinking about the concept of ‘Glam Rock’ per se and was wondering how it could be defined and what does come out is that your own musical perspective seemed just off the path compared with the artists and bands which, as the documentary points out, you were part of. How would you define ‘Glam Rock’ based on your own experience at the time?
SQ: I was not glam rock whatsoever. I was always based firmly in rock, always. I saw what was glam rock as interesting with the men dressing up with make-up on. Gender bending for sure. I get lumped into the term because I started having hits in that era, but I was never glam. I wore no make-up and a plain black leather suit. I was the opposite of glam. Even the glam sound was not me.
FTVN: A few years ago, I heard a cover of ‘SHE’S IN LOVE WITH YOU’ by a Eastern European singer (can’t remember who it was), singing it in their native language. Do you have a particular favourite cover version of one of your songs?
SQ: Mmm….that is a hard one. There was a German singer who covered ‘Mama’s Boy‘, which is my own composition that comes to mind. You will have to Google it. Also….and again I can’t remember who…I believe it was a girl band who covered ‘48 Crash‘
FTVN: A number of artists talk about the influence and importance of your musical heritage, people like Tina Weymouth and Joan Jett for example. In terms of the musical legacies they had, what records stood out for you from these other artists?
SQ: With Joan, it was obviously ‘I Love Rock N Roll’. Great record, and I knew the song from the original recording – The Arrows, and Alan Merrill (R.I.P.) who wrote the song. Re: Talking Heads, I don’t have a specific track, but I liked their music a lot
FTVN: You have a tremendous work-life balance over the decades and have such a connection to the fans. How have you evolved as a family-oriented person and how has working with your son Richard on your recent album affected you as a musician?
SQ: I am close to my fans, they are the reason I am still here.
I keep in contact on social media all the time. I need them…and they need me. It is a perfect situation. Working with my son has been an eye opener. It is a completely different relationship when you ‘work’ together.
Since I came from a background of working with family members, even marrying my ex-husband who was my guitarist, I am able to go into ‘Suzi’ mode when I am working.
Apparently this takes some adjusting to. My son is talented and sticks to his vision. On the current album – no control!. He pushed my ‘Suzi Quatro’ buttons. We wrote 14 songs into the next album and, besides a few artistic disagreements, it has been a joy both times around.
FTVN: We learn that you returned to Detroit five years after coming to the UK to pursue your musical ambitions. You mentioned about the ‘pulse’ of the city early on in the film. What did you notice had changed about your home city when you returned, either subconsciously or visually in your mind?
SQ: It wasn’t five years later….I left in 1971, and returned to tour the States with my UK band in 1974, after having three big hits and a hit album around the world. At that time I did not notice a big difference in Detroit – not until I returned in 2010 to celebrate my 60th birthday and stayed downtown at the Motor City Casino. Then, I saw how the city has broken down -lots of empty lots, ruined buildings, empty streets.
That was a surprise to me…but now it’s being built back up.
FTVN: In the documentary, we learn that you recorded one of your early songs in the Motown Studios and the legacy of the ‘Funk Brothers’ and Berry Gordy is undeniable in Detroit being synonymous with the city. Do you have a particular favourite Motown track?
SQ: No, I did not record at Motown. I was there after Mickie Most had seen ‘Cradle‘. He was recording Jeff beck at Motown and asked me to come along to the session. That was a thrill.
Favourite Motown? That is real difficult. I am a Motown fanatic!! A couple that come to mind are Kim Weston – Take Me In Your Arms – and of course, My Girl – The Temptations.
FTVN: You have been recording some YouTube videos in lock-down with the title ‘THE BASS LINE’. What has been the general reaction to these of your fans?
SQ: Happy to say that it has been fantastic. I did fifty altogether – being ‘grounded’ so to speak. I wanted to reach out and entertain everyone to lift the mood – and this seems to have had the desired affect – and it was educational. May do some again. Fantastic for me to readdress some of the old bass lines.
FTVN: You reflect on your relationship with your sisters and it is an open dialogue from all talking about the period when you left the family nest. Have they seen the documentary yet and if so, what are their thoughts on it?
SQ: I can’t answer that, I’m afraid. Unfortunately, they have not been in contact with me at all since the film came out, which is confusing and hurtful. They were given their platform to speak, and answered the questions put to them. I was not aware of the questions asked or the answers until I viewed the film myself.
Even though some of it is emotionally uncomfortable, I have no problem with anyone speaking their mind. If there ‘is’ a problem it is on their side and not mine. I love my family unconditionally.
FTVN: We learn of your other achievements away from the bass and rock world. What are you most proud of when you reflect back on everything in addition?
SQ: That I was able to be in this business for fifty-six years now, and remain pretty normal – and feet on the ground.
FTVN: Fun question now – when you google the name ‘’Suzi Quatro” this statistic appears:’ ‘About 7,190,000 results’
Has there ever been one so called ‘fact’ written about you on something like Wikipedia that you know is not true, but you would love it or wish it to be?
SQ: Well, they used to say that my real name was ‘Quatrocchi’ – which it is not. I was born Susan Kay Quatro. My Team Quatro had it finally fixed. Also, they sometimes report my size as too small. For the record, I am 5′ 2” tall, and sometimes say I am blue-eyed, which I am not. I have hazel-coloured eyes.
FTVN: In terms of the new generation of female rock artists, who would you say stand out that have the same fire for you?..
SQ: That’s hard to say. I can’t think of anyone completely up to date, but – Melissa Etheridge and Pink have my vibe for sure.
FTVN: Finally, what are your favourite moments up there on screen in SUZI Q?
SQ: The two moments when I start to cry. It is real and it touches me every time. I didn’t expect the questions.
SUZI Q is available from July 3rd, 2020 on VOD and DVD.
For more official updates from Suzi herself, please go to her official website here:
[…] Related post: Film and TV Now Interview Special: Suzi Quatro – ‘Suzi Q’ […]
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