Sexy pop icon Suzi Quatro reckons Scotland’s top women politicians are the real rock chicks now
The 1970s rocker admits she is proud of smashing down barriers and showing the men who’s boss
SUZI Quatro was the postergirl for strong and sexy women back in the day but she reckons Scotland’s top politicians are the real rock chicks now.
With International Women’s Day yesterday, the rocker admits she is proud of smashing down barriers and showing the men who’s boss.
Credited with bridging the gap for women in rock ‘n’ roll, the 66-year-old, above, is a cultural icon and has refused to be messed around during her 53 years in the music business.
And the straight-talking singer thinks First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Tory leader Ruth Davidson and Labour chief Kezia Dugdale have all taken a leaf out of her book.
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Razor-sharp Suzi says: “I think it’s fantastic for them.
“It’s the way the world is going and maybe you need a gentler touch now because it’s in turmoil.
“You have to be tough to succeed but women have sensitivity at the same time. By nature we are nurturing and that helps.
“But I’m dangerous because I feel like a man but think like a woman — you have to play the game and fire with ammunition. You need to that to be successful.
“It’s a fire that is lit and you can’t teach it — it’s either in you or it’s not.
“But you still maintain your femininity and there’s a line that you don’t cross — no one can ever accuse me of not being feminine.”
Suzi was the first female bass player to become a major rock star and shocked what was then viewed as a man’s world in the 1970s.
She found quick success in Europe and Australia and had a recurring role as bass player Leather Tuscadero on the popular American sitcom Happy Days.
After releasing her debut album in 1973, she went on to release another 25 albums that sold more than 50million copies worldwide.
But she still thinks women aren’t taking full advantage of the trail she blazed for them.
She says: “I was not the first woman in rock music, but I was the first to really succeed.
“I gave women permission to be rock ‘n’ roll artists by knocking that door down. And I’m surprised more haven’t walked through it.
“It’s not easy and I don’t think all women want to do that.
“Things have changed now and it’s much too sexual I think.
“I’ve been in the business 53 years and I’m still headlining shows, so it can be done.”
After first playing The Apollo in Glasgow almost 40 years ago, Suzi will return to the city later this year for a show at The SSE Hydro.
She has a special affinity with Scotland because her ex-husband’s family was from Aberdeen.
And she admits her mother-in-law from the Granite City wasn’t a woman to anger.
Suzi says: “She could be very tough, she was no-nonsense and you wouldn’t mess with her.
“But I’m the kind of person that would walk up to a 6ft tall guy and tell him off when I’m only 5ft 2in.
“It never occurs to me to be frightened but it’s a tough old world and what I do isn’t for everyone.
“I’ve been to Scotland so many times throughout the years and love the place.
“It’s gorgeous and I look forward to being in The Hydro.
“I’ve been married to a German man for 23 years now and we will try to get there a few days early.
“On the day of a gig, I do nothing and save all of my energy for that.
“But I just like sightseeing and walking around and I really can’t wait to come back.”
Despite being all about girl power, Suzi isn’t willing to write off US President Donald Trump just yet.
Although she admires the Scottish stable of female politicians, she thinks that Trump needs to be given some time, even if his views are sexist.
Suzi says: “I’m not a fan of Trump but I’m a big fan of democracy.
“I respect the public vote and he has a chance to make it work and needs a chance until he does something wrong. Brexit was the same — just see how it goes because the people have spoken.”
The rock star will headline The Hydro on October 13 as part of a Legends Live show which includes David Essex, Hot Chocolate and The Osmonds.
She might be a pensioner, but Suzi feels better than ever and thinks she’s got plenty more years left in the tank.
The singer has just returned from her biggest tour yet that ended in Australia — the country that brought her a first No1 album.
In 2015 Quatro did a farewell tour Down Under, suggesting she was ready to wind down.
But just two years later, the bassist was back on her Leather Forever encore tour. The passion is still there and age is just a number.
She says: “At my age, I don’t need the money. And I haven’t needed money for years so why would I bother doing this if I didn’t love it?
“I don’t have to do it but I still love it, I love my job.
“I’m now an honorary doctor of music at Cambridge University and I’m so proud of that.
“And I have a poetry book that has been released worldwide.
“I supported myself on my Australian tour with my new band as well. It’s me, Andy Scott and Don Powell and we call ourselves Quatro, Scott and Powell. Our debut album made the Top 20 in the charts which is great at our age.”
With no signs of stopping, she insists she won’t quit until the people don’t want her anymore.
A true kick-ass rock chick, Suzi wants to continue to inspire women to follow their dreams.
As she famously said after 50 years in the music business: “I will retire when I go on stage, shake my ass and there is silence.”
TICKETS for the Legends Live show at The Hydro on October 13 go on sale tomorrow at 9am at www.ticketmaster.co.uk
colan.lamont@the-sun.co.uk
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