Suzi Quatro, the pocket dynamo from Detroit, Michigan is heading back Down Under for a series of concerts later this year. MiNDFOOD sat down for a chat with the leather-clad rocker to talk about longevity, authenticity and her special relationship with Australia.
Suzi Quatro tours Australia 2019
I know you are a frequent visitor to Australia…
Are you kidding me?! This is my 37th visit! I first came in 1974 when I was doing my very first concert tour [Australia is one of the countries where Quatro’s records have charted the highest]. There’s a real connection that Australians and I have with each other. You Aussies got me from day one.
What can we expect from your upcoming Aussie concerts?
Well, it’s a two-hour show. I’ll be doing the old favourites plus some of my newer material.
You’re 69 … a two-hour show is quite demanding?
I’m not even out of breath at the end. I’ve always tried to keep in good shape…you have to, to do this. I jog, lift weights and do yoga. But I do nothing extra when I’m on tour; the shows are enough of a workout.
What are you looking forward to doing here?
I love the Italian restaurants in Melbourne – they’re just great! [Quatro’s father, Art was an Italian immigrant to the US]. I’m 99% vegetarian but I listen to my body so if it says ‘Have a steak’, I have a steak.
What’s new with you?
I have a new album out, No Control – my son, Richard Tuckey wrote all the songs with me and played guitar on it. I think it’s my best album to date. It’s everything I have gathered along the way. And I have a documentary coming out this year, Suzi Q. I wanted it to be not just a bunch of talking heads saying, “Suzi’s wonderful”. I wanted it to be the whole story – there’s good and bad to everyone’s story. It’s a true account of my life.
Do you have any weird fan memories?
I remember one time years ago during a concert in the Netherlands. Somebody from the crowd managed to jump up on stage and my crew didn’t see it. All of a sudden, she was on top of me. It was a girl…a big girl… I think she just wanted to be close to me but it gave me quite a shock.
What are you proudest of in your career?
I’m proudest that I stuck to being who I am as a musician and performer. I was successful as that and I’m still here with my feet on the ground.
