Suzi Quatro
is one of the most influential women in the history of music.
This is true especially in rock… though it is equally true throughout
many areas of the music and entertainment industries.
It
has been her efforts in places dominated by men... often in places
occupied only by men... that have shattered ceilings, knocked
down doors, and paved the way for countless musicians that followed.
The
“countless” benefitting from her hard work and accomplishments
include both men and women. And, those efforts are still creating
opportunities and changing the landscape today. (Yes, often Suzi’s
influence and accomplishments are cited for what they have meant
for women. But it’s more than that. Much more.)
Suzi
brought to music... and I hope she’d approve of the description…
what I’ve learned is pure Detroit – what you see is what you get.
Authentic, served up with plenty of attitude.
Where
there were women throughout the music industry in general, and
within rock specifically… many accomplishing great things… Suzi
was truly the first playing all of the positions: in the studio
and on the stage, writing music and performing concerts, a strong
musician and singer. She was never contained by any one category
or definition.
Plus,
Suzi was never trying to be a successful female. She was trying
to be the very best rock and roll performer she could be. In short…
she demanded respect as an artist, regardless of gender, and she
was damn well talented enough to deserve it.
The
success she has realized as a result is a testament to overcoming
obstacles, and approaching the world with skill and tenacity.
These
days she remains incredibly busy and in demand. She has been working
in radio for many years, and continues to do so. A book of her
poetry has been released and is receiving tremendous response
from critics and readers. And, the music continues… not only with
solo work, but also some projects that we had a chance to cover
while developing this piece.
After
working with me on an interview a few years ago, I was able to
contact her recently to see about going over some of her efforts
since we last exchanged news. I cannot overstate my appreciation
to Suzi for helping out with this. A simply fantastic woman… and
I am honored to have worked with her.
So
now… let’s catch up with Suzi Quatro…
~ ~
~ ~ ~
Since
we spoke, you released In the Spotlight. This album was
incredibly well-received, and featured two very ambitious and
exciting efforts… “Singing with Angels” and “Strict Machine”.
It seems like several aspects of this album were quite special,
personal, and important to you. Can you share a bit about how
the project developed and your thoughts on it?
This
was the first actual studio album Mike Chapman and I worked together
on since the 80s. We had always done the odd track, but not this.
He put lots of stuff together… musicians… suggested covers… and
it all worked very well. I have since used Nat Allison on 3 tours,
including 1 in Japan and 1 in Australia. She is a very talented
guitarist.
Between
live concerts and shows, writings and books, television and radio,
In the Spotlight, and more, the past five to ten years
have held a pretty diverse selection of projects for you. And
yet, the idea of you recording new music, getting on stage, and
tackling a variety of acting opportunities is hardly new. You
have always been a leader in grabbing the reins and trying new
things. What attracts you to a project, or inspires you to investigate
an opportunity? Because, quite frankly, on a professional level…
going all the way back to the start of your career… you have been
fearless, ambitious and groundbreaking.
I
need to be intrigued by something. Needs to get my creative juices
going. I am an ‘artiste’ to the Nth degree. I love to write songs,
books, poetry. I love to perform. I love to do my radio shows.
I love to act.
In
fact, I ‘love’ entertaining people in whatever guise it takes.
What
are some of the things you are working on now and what can we
expect to see from you in the near future?
In
2014, Cherry Red released an 82 track, 4 CD, box set to celebrate
my then 50 years in the business – The Girl from Detroit City.
It is beautifully packaged and one of the nicest jobs I have ever
seen.
I
have already released my poetry book – Through My Eyes
– just in Australia for my ‘final’ tour last year, but I am now
in the process of releasing it worldwide. I am told it is my finest
work!!!
Also…
very exciting… Andy Scott (Sweet guitarist),
Don Powell (Slade drummer) and myself have formed ‘Quatro, Scott
and Powell’ and have recorded an album… half covers and half original.
We hope to tour this act very soon. The results have been great
with the three of us all coming from the same ballpark.
My
radio show continues… Quatrophonic. Each week I choose
a different theme.
And
very exciting too… I am also working on a novel.
Phew…
I’m tired just reading this.
~ ~
~ ~ ~
I
want to thank Suzi Quatro for participating in this effort. She
is an amazing person, and over the years has been incredibly gracious
and kind with her time. I appreciate everything she has worked
on with me, and offered to these projects.
Suzi
performs regularly and… as noted here… has a ton of great projects
on the horizon. To learn more about her efforts, along with all
of the most up to date details, check out her web site.
Suzi
Quatro’s official web site
BBC
information page for Quatrophonic
Suzi
was kind enough to join me a while back for an interview we conducted
for the In My Backpack web site. Later, she approved
for that interview to be published in my book, Time Just Drifts
Away. If you would like to read that interview, or if you
are interested in learning more about the book…
The
Suzi Quatro interview at In My Backpack
Time
Just Drifts Away