by Marija Brettle
— Senior Columnist —
With her trademark leather jumpsuit and big bass guitar, Detroit-born Suzi Quatro created a new and potent image for women in rock, one that spoke of both strength and sex appeal.
Quatro was 14 years old when she began recording and touring across America with The Pleasure Seekers. By the early 20s, she had moved to London, where she put her own group together. With singles like “Can The Can” (1973), “48 Crash” and “Devil ‘Gate Drive”, she became a major international star in the ’70s, though it would take a while before she was as readily recognized in the United States as in the United Kingdom.
Since then, Quatro has sold 50 million albums worldwide, and she isn’t stopping yet. Some might say, it’s testament to her talent and determination, that she is still releasing material today.
Following her successful studio album, No Control (2019) and a documentary about her extraordinary life, on March 26, 2021 via SPV/Steamhammer, Suzi Quatro has released her eighteen studio album, The Devil In Me. The best album of her career to date!
With her latest studio effort, The Devil In Me, Quatro actually managed to outperform her strong predecessors in all respects. There is basically no failure on the new album if you’re into honest, handmade, straight-organic rock music!
HARDROCK HAVEN caught up with the singer-songwriter, musician, actress and the Mighty rock icon, Suzi Quatro, to talk about her new album, and why with The Devil In Me she is going back to her roots in Detroit. We discussed about the latest collaboration with her son Richard Tuckey, (who plays the six-string on this album) and why working with her son was different on this album. Also we talk all about the early days of her career and how she is determined to get back on stage with her loyal fans and more…
Hardrock Haven: Hi Suzi, thank you for taking the time to talk to us! Now that your new album, The Devil In Me is out, it must be an exciting time for you! Did you do anything special to celebrate the launch of the album?
Suzi Quatro: Wish I could have done something to celebrate… in this pandemic very hard to celebrate, but saying that, I have been very excited every single day. Even if I have to drink glass of champagne on my own.
Hardrock Haven: You also just finished your new book alongside your new album and that’s a lot of work to take on, considering the current situation. Did your drive and ability to multi-task come from anywhere in particular or have you always just been a hard worker?
Suzi Quatro: Yes, always a hard worker, but mainly, always creative. It is in my blood. I either need to be writing a poem, writing a song, writing a book, drawing my own xmas cards or doing my radio shows. I have to do the following to be happy…create, communicate and entertain!
Hardrock Haven: Since the pandemic hit the music industry hard, for many musicians and bands it’s been a very tough and challenging year to make any music. For you it seemed to be the perfect time to release your new studio album, The Devil in Me. What was it that prompted you to start working on the new album and where’s this creative explosion coming from?
Suzi Quatro: 2019 was a very high year for me. With the release of No Control, my son’s and my first album together, and the release of my documentary Suzi Q, which stayed at the top of the Amazon charts and has played in cinema’s all over the world, to great critical acclaim.
2020 was to be even better, but of course the pandemic… Neither Richard with his band, or me with mine was going anywhere. SPV had taken up the option and we were trying to figure out when we could write the songs, and now we had our answer. My son worked in the studio and I worked on the patio and we began. I found it to be hugely an inspiring situation. The creativity is in the air … it’s all around me… and yes it is an explosion. So many emotions to deal with. And, the extra bonus of my son’s influence making me see myself completely fresh through his eyes. Like a rebirth! (Laughs)
Hardrock Haven: The Devil In Me is already hitting high on the world charts and so far the world media can’t get enough of you. Still, with all the current uncertainty in the world of music and touring, must be very frustrating, that you can’t make any plans to promote the album?
Suzi Quatro: Sure it is frustrating, but luckily we do have social media and I am on it daily; Instagram, private and official Facebook, Twitter. I did 50 Suzi’ Quatro bass lines, 10 Sunday Specials on piano and I have released 3 videos so far on YouTube from The Devil In Me! And I am working on the next video, “Do Ya Dance”, that is coming out on Friday. So I am very visible! The videos are getting a huge amount of clicks daily.
Hardrock Haven: Your previous album No Control was a major success. You said it that it was a completely organic album. How would you describe the sound of your new album and in what way does The Devil in Me differs from the No Control album?
Suzi Quatro: No Control, was testing the water. We had not worked together before and did not have a blueprint, so it was a case of, anything goes. The Devil In Me had a plan. Richard (Tuckey, Suzi’s son and the guitarist on this album) wanted this to be as ground-breaking as my first album and insisted on this…nothing got past him. He kept saying “trust me mum, I know how this album should sound.” And he was right. It is fresh, it is diverse, and it is 100% Suzi!
Hardrock Haven: With all your three new singles (“My Heart and Soul”, “The Devil in Me” and “I Sold My Soul Today”) you’re getting raving reviews and a lot of positive feedback from your fan-base. How does it feel to not having the opportunity to get out on tour and share your joy and excitement live on stage with your fans?
Suzi Quatro: As I said, it is like a rebirth. My son has somehow managed to relight my fire…although I had no idea it needed to be relit! (Laughs) He has brought his 36 year old magic to the table, and it’s in his DNA… How he sees me having watching me on stage since as far back as he can remember. I have brought my 70 year old 57 years in the business and life experience and we have indeed created a ‘perfect storm’! The interest has been amazing and I feel like I won the lottery. At my age, with nothing left to prove to anyone, this is icing on the cake and I am enjoying every single second of it! Hopefully the gigs will return. I do miss them…
Hardrock Haven: A few of the songs on the new album have references about real life, warning, or at least advising the listener to be careful. Did you draw upon some of your own experiences when you wrote those songs?
Suzi Quatro: I never write fiction. All my songs I take from personal experience and because of the pandemic, I had plenty of time to think and write about my feelings.
Hardrock Haven: Were there any specific influences you drew from, when creating this album?
Suzi Quatro: The influence was the situation… being separated from loved ones, feeling lonely, feeling frustrated, having nothing but your memories to keep you company…. I could go on, but I won’t.!!!
Hardrock Haven: On your new album you collaborated again with your son Richard Tuckey, who also wrote some of the songs on it. How would you describe your professional relationship with Richard, considering he is your son and a successful musician in his own right?
Suzi Quatro: I don’t do mother/son relationship when I am working. Never did with my sister, or my ex (Len Tuckey, Richard’s dad). When I am working I am working. We have a good understanding of each other. He is a very ‘vibe’ person, so when he say’s something isn’t correct I trust him. He did have to learn a little studio diplomacy, but that was just experience. When you are playing, singing whatever, you are exposed and you must be delicate with your comments. We are on the same wavelength.
Hardrock Haven: Could you take us through the creative process in making your new album and more info about putting the band together for the album?
Suzi Quatro: I used the same musicians who contributed to No Control and except for the guitarist in my live band all the other people are in my band. I also used 2 male vocalists along with my 2 girls for backing vocals. Everything gels together nicely. I do all the percussion (not the drum kit) and I did play piano on the demo’s but not in the studio. I have an excellent player Jez Davies, who does all the keyboard work.
Hardrock Haven: Love the video for your song “The Devil in Me”. From the start it’s a real power blast and it seems as though you really made something outstanding! Was it a conscious decision to tie the audio and visuals together in this particular way?
Suzi Quatro: I have been using a young guy, with fire in his belly. (Laughs) He is fresh and vibrant and brings that to the table. I love what he does!
Hardrock Haven: You said that The Devil in Me is your best album to date. So, what is it about your music that’s enabled you to resonate so much with people?
Suzi Quatro: Maybe because I am real…always have been…not manufactured. That’s why I am still around and people relate to that realness. What you see is what you get! (Laughs)
Hardrock Haven: Although you were raised in a musical family, stepping into a male dominated industry at such a young age had to be a quite daunting experience for you?
Suzi Quatro: No, in fact, I never thought about it because I was raised in a musical family. It was natural to me. I don’t do gender, never have. I have always been a ‘musician’, plain and simple. The fact that most of the time I was the only girl, didn’t faze me. I can handle myself.
Hardrock Haven: Back in the 70’s, you were discovered by the British popular producer Mickie Most, the man who offered you a solo contract and the man who persuaded you to fly to England in 1971, to begin your journey to fame. What was it like being very young and from Detroit, living alone in England?
Suzi Quatro: I was 21 when I arrived here so it was my time to leave. Two separate offers to go solo in one week. Mickie was the right choice. It was a very lonely scary time, but I had my dream and determination to see me through. I made up my mind to not go back to Detroit till I had a hit!
Hardrock Haven: So, in 1973, thanks to Mickie Most and your determination and talents, you hit sudden success with your debut song, “Can The Can”, reaching number one in the UK charts (also in parts of Europe and Australia). How did it feel to suddenly be known just as a Suzi Quatro, the solo singer?
Suzi Quatro: It’s what I worked for my entire life and it was worth it! I followed my dreams, they came true, and I am still living that dream! (Laughs)
“Can the Can” was a huge hit, in fact, everywhere but in USA. That song sold two and a half million records!! Because I had been raised in a musical family, and had all the training on the road from the age of 14, by the time this hit came along, I was 23 and more than ready for it. I took it in my stride.
Hardrock Haven: At the beginning of your career as a solo singer, you found yourself touring with British bands, such as Thin Lizzy and Slade. What was it like being surrounded by men on stage and on the road?
Suzi Quatro: I learned how to take care of myself in my early club days, and it stood me in good stead in my early touring days after my hits started to come in. I do not have any problem being with the guys all the time. But, if they get out of line with me, even though I can be one of the boys quite easy, they know all about it. Like I said, I can handle myself. (Laughs)
Hardrock Haven: Being a pioneer of female rockers, what kind of obstacles did you face early in your career?
Suzi Quatro: This is always a difficult question for me to answer because I ‘don’t do gender’. I never have. I was a tomboy when I was young. I had no idea I was being a pioneer. I was simply doing what I do, sticking to me, uncompromising, playing my rock ‘n’ roll with the bass slung low over my shoulder. Just being me. It was much later that I realized what I had done for women. As far as facing obstacles go, I can’t remember this ever being a problem for me. I was going where I was going and nobody was going to stop me. That was my attitude then and that is my attitude now! (Laughs)
Hardrock Haven: Acting’s been one of your other passions that you’ve enjoyed great success with, like with the American TV sitcom ‘Happy Days’. When you look back now, do you have any regrets about not pursuing acting further?
Suzi Quatro: No…none whatsoever. I have the freedom to take a part in a series, a movie, a musical, if I want to and have done enough that people accept I am also an actress. I don’t go looking for it but if it comes it comes. Music has always taken precedence, but saying that, I would love to do some more acting. I do enjoy it.
Hardrock Haven: What do you think of the social distancing concerts? Some have already happened in America, and I heard some are being promoted in Germany too…
Suzi Quatro: Well, it’s better than not having any concerts at all. When something like this happens you have no control over it. So you either follow the rules or you don’t do the show. Quite simple really…it is what it is.
Hardrock Haven: How do you think the music industry has changed since the pandemic and what kind of changes do you think will happen once it blows over?
Suzi Quatro: There are a lot of problems, especially with Brexit. I don’t know how it’s going to work with bands going back and forth from the UK. I can predict many problems, which we will just have to deal with. Also, there will be a nervousness from the audience which is natural, and if the halls can only be half full due to restrictions, promoters will find it very hard to make any money. So, we are not out of the woods yet.
Hardrock Haven: Last year, almost one hundred of your shows were cancelled. After the release of your new album, it must be tough for you not to know for sure when your next show will be?
Suzi Quatro: I know when my next show is…June 12th, Peterborough show ground. Some in June, some in July, some in August/Sept/Oct/Nov/Dec. The gig lists is available on all my sites!
Hardrock Haven: Still, there is one show that you can get excited for! Your one-off gig at the London’s Royal Albert Hall on April, 2022. Do you have any surprises for the crowd on the night?
Suzi Quatro: This will be amazing. I don’t want to give anything away re surprizes. It will be my solo 2 hour show with interval and I am sooooo looking forward to it! (Laughs) I have been telling everyone the following,
“The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll is playing the Royal Albert Hall!!! Love it!!!”
Hardrock Haven: You’ve had a phenomenal music career so far! Looking back now, what would you say is your proudest moment so far?
Suzi Quatro: My career is now in its 57th year. I began in 1964 and have been professional ever since. It’s hard to pick one moment, really hard. Let’s say having my first number 1 was pretty damn special!
Hardrock Haven: After all these years of being a Rock Star, you’ve never been one of those musicians that succumbs to the stereotypical “Rock star lifestyle”. How did you manage to avoid the darker side of that lifestyle all these years?
Suzi Quatro: It was my upbringing. My parents didn’t drink or smoke, my mother was very religious. I had the right tracks to run down, the right training. I put it down to this. I never saw the point of the ‘sex, drugs and rock n roll’. Mentality I love what I do! It gives me a natural high. Always has, always will!
Hardrock Haven: You’ve often been called “The Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll”, the pioneering female rocker! How would you describe yourself personally?
Suzi Quatro: I would use three words to describe myself; creative, entertaining and a communicator. I don’t really have hobbies, as my artistic endeavours are what keeps me busy. I do keep my ‘wild’ side for the stage though. Off stage, I can be very quiet. I wrote my autobiography UNZIPPED in 2 people, little Susie from Detroit and Suzi Quatro. They are both me and they are both important, and they balance each other perfectly.
Hardrock Haven: Is there anything else or any word of inspiration you would like to share with your fans?
Suzi Quatro: To all the original SQ fans, thank you for sticking with me all these years and for the new ones, welcome on board the Quatro rockin and rollin train! Enjoy the ride!!
HRH: Thanks Suzi for your time and for catching up with us! It’s been a real privilege and an honour meeting with you and all the best with your new album!!!
