QPAC

Like many artists who’ve been creating for decades, there’s a long list of descriptors that run beside Suzy Quatro’s name – singer, songwriter, actor, activist and glam rock legend and role model are among the many.

Ahead of her time in being a strong, sexy woman fronting a rock band, playing an instrument and co-writing her own material, Suzi’s been an inspiration to many including a teenage Joan Jett as we learned in movie The Runaways. With more than 50 years as a professional artist and 50 million albums sold, the rocker from Detroit continues to delight in creating music.

What or who inspires you?

I am inspired by true understanding and communication between people, and strive to achieve that every single time I open my mouth. I think most of the problems in the world would be solved if people would talk ‘to’ each other and not ‘at’ each other. Always speak your truth, thereby allowing the other person to speak theirs and always listen. I have given a serious answer because it is, in my opinion, a serious question.

Have you ever heard one of your songs being performed as Karaoke? How did it feel?

I once saw strippers in Russia taking it all off to "Too Big". Mmm makes you think, doesn’t it? I thought it was quite funny, gave a different meaning!

Which of your songs means most to you?

There are a few, "Sometimes Love is Letting Go" from the Back to the Drive album. "Singing with Angels", from the In the Spotlight album – which is my tribute to Elvis. And on our upcoming QSP album (to be released for the 2017 Australian tour, where our new super-group Quatro, Scott & Powell will be performing the first part of the show) there is a song called "Pain", co-written with Andy Scott. But I must say…there is a track on this new album, called "Broken Pieces Suite". I wrote this a little while ago and humbly call it my masterpiece. I don’t think I will ever write a song like this again. Don’t even know where it came from. Truly inspired.

Favourite album? Why?

First one. Because it is the first one. Suzi… And Other 4-Letter Words. Lots of good self-penned songs. Back To The Drive, my 'coming of age' album.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Early bird for sure. Always have been unless I am working then you don’t really have a choice.

What does making music mean to you?

Everything… I could not exist without doing what I do. I love it exactly the same as the first time I stepped onto a stage. It is a labour of love. My life cycle is complete every time I see the audience leaving smiling…long may it continue.