Interview: Suzi Quatro

A pioneer of women in rock and roll, iconic, with over 55 million records sold, and with a successful acting career too – Suzi Quatro is definitely a living legend. She talks to Victoria Nangle about joining David Essex, The Osmonds & Hot Chocolate on the Living Legends tour & more.

Hi Suzi, thanks so much for agreeing to this with the tour not far off. What are you most looking forward to with this particular tour?
A nice evening of memories with friends. Also I have not done the UK for a long time so it’s well overdue.

Were you familiar with the other acts on the line-up before the tour was set up, or are they new friends in the making? 
Hot Chocolate were stage mates on Rak Records. David I have known forever. Osmonds: new friends to come.

Do you have any kind of a tour routine to keep your energy up for the entire run – or is it rock’n’roll till you burn out and treasure the stories?
I am a professional. Always have been. I jog, gym and yoga. I always always keep fit. And never do anything to excess. I take my job seriously.

What is your favourite touring story? 
Saying all that. I had a wonderful roomwreck at the end of six months on the road. I paid for the damage of course. Had to be done.

You have been cited as an inspiration to so many women and musicians. Who were your inspirations when you started, and who inspires you now? 
I had no female role models obviously. So I had to make the blueprint myself… Elvis. Otis Redding.

I had no female role models obviously. So I had to make the blueprint myself…

Do you see an ‘heir’ to your music heritage on the current scene? 
No.

From a fellow musician: Do you find it hard singing vocal lines which are rhythmically different to the bass? 
No. Not whatsoever. But my background is drums and classical piano. I don’t even think about it.

You have a very distinctive fashion style, looking both on point and not restrictive in the least. Where did it come from first with you?  
I was a huge Elvis fan from age six. Then while searching for my stage style I saw him on a comeback special. And decided it was leather for me all the way. It is a timeless image.

Where do you find your stage items now? 
I always have my jumpsuits made. Other things I pick up here and there.

What dream acting role would you love to be offered, and why – plus any any requests for co-stars?
I would love to do a remake of Bonnie and Clyde. Co-starring with Richard Gere.

Legends Live, Brighton Centre, Saturday 21 October 2017, 7.30pm, from £50.15, www.brightoncentre.co.uk