A Quick Nine with SUZI QUATRO – December 2020

According to a recent press release: “Even in the highly adrenaline-fueled music business, it`s rare to find a bundle of energy and talent on a par with Suzi Quatro. The American rock vocalist and musician has been successful for over 56 years and continues to tour the world. She released her critically acclaimed current album No Control in 2019. With hits like “Can The Can,” “48 Crash,” “Devil Gate Drive,” “If You Can`t Give Me Love,” or “She`s In Love With You,” she became an icon in the seventies, and remains so to this day.” We get legend Suzi Quatro to discuss new music, reflection on her past, and much more…

1. Tell us a little about your Christmas track, “My Heart And Soul (I Need You Home For Christmas).”  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?

Well, the emotion is obvious on first listening, everyone comments on it. I would say they might night get my hometown Detroit influences. This takes a few listens. You have to get into the song first, then you hear the way I am singing it. The bass line (influenced by my hero, funk brother bass player Jamerson) and the backing vocal lines; very Motown. Also, I am singing different than I ever have. The track could be sung no other way.

2. How much fun was pulling the video footage together for the accompanying video? This is normally a side of an artist’s life that fans don’t have access to. What prompted you to use it now?

It was my son Richard’s idea. And a brilliant one. We often as a family look at these clips and enjoy these days all over again. The white piano has never moved since the day I moved in here in 1980. Richard thought put me at the piano playing the song and show the ’empty’ room. Then show the same room and same piano done up for Xmas with the kids. You get both emotional scales of the show. A very simple idea, but very very effective. I cannot watch it without tear coming to my eye.

3. What still revs you up to create and play music?  After breaking many rules and barriers over the years, what do you still enjoy the most about playing? Do any current musicians / artists inspire you?

Just that… I am old school. I absolutely love entertaining and creating. I love my job. I am not money motivated. I have simply done for 56 years what I was put on this Earth to do. I tend to be inspired by the people who meant something to me as I was coming up through the ranks and learning my craft. Elvis Presley, Otis Redding, and for sure Bob Dylan.

4. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

The one I would like him/her to ask is “How do you feel stepping off the stage after entertaining thousands of people?” In the light, sheer joy. Then into the darkness. It’s a weird feeling and no one ever talks about it. The one I am tired of being asked, but know I will have to answer it for the rest of my life: “What was it like being the only female in a male dominated industry?”

5. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I am a firm advocate of no regrets. Every move you make, good and bad, happens for a reason. It’s all part of the journey – there is a master plan. You just need to follow the map and hope your compass is in good working order.

6. While a mega-star across the ocean (especially Australia and Germany) and often performing many shows and mini tours in Europe and Australia, is there a lingering possibility of any shows in the US?  We miss you here in Detroit (with your last performance taking place at the DMA’s in 2013 if memory serves me).  We would love to see you grace the stage of one of our great rock venues once again.

Oh God don’t I know. I was in Canada, 2019 at River Cree Casino and played for 5000 people. It was fantastic. I always try and get back, but it never seems to work out. I have a feeling the documentary’s success will change that – Suzi Q. Watch it if you can. It was a big success in US and sat at the top of the Amazon charts for ages all over the world. There is soon to be a movie of my life. I want to do some gigs in the US again… it’s on my bucket list.

7. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I don’t usually get starstruck. Can’t remember anybody that I reacted this way to. Not ever.

8. If you could revisit any recordings from your monstrous catalog, which would you choose – and what would you want to change about that track or album?

OMG. That is huge. The only one that comes to mind is “Shaking All Over.” I thought it was recorded very gimmicky and I didn’t like it. All the other material, I was always hands on and always had a say so in the arrangement, recording, and vocal. I am pretty happy with everything as it is. There is one track which was finally released on A’s, B’s & Rarities. It was taken off our second album because it was thought by some that it wasn’t Suzi Quatro!!!! If it had gone on that album as planned, it would have changed everyone’s opinion of me. Have a listen – it is a mini opera and simply fantastic. [Ed – I believe this track Suzi is referring to is “Angel Flight.”]

9. Due to the current world situation with COVID-19 / quarantine / shelter in place, what have you discovered you miss the most from your life before the pandemic struck?

Definitely the concerts. In fact, my entire lifestyle. My husband is based in Hamburg and I am based in the UK, so our life ‘is’ traveling back and forth, both private and on my shows which my husband books. My entire lifestyle changed with the lock down. I have coped by being creative… hugely creative. With my son, I have written the entire next album which will come out on SPV in March, titled The Devil In Me. I have written and published my 4th book and an illustrated lyric book called Through My Words. I have worked on the script of the movie of my life. I am writing my 5th book now and writing songs for the next album after this one. I am a true ‘Artiste.’

SUZI QUATRO LINKS:

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Category: Interviews