BIOGRAPHY

Meet Suzi Quatro

Suzi Quatro, whose career spans over six decades, is one of the most iconic figures in rock music. Known for her bold bass playing, striking vocals and unapologetic energy, she carved out a space where music thrives beyond gender, influencing countless artists in the process.

The Beginning

On June 3, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, Susan Kay Quatro was born into a musical family which included 3 sisters and one brother – all of whom played an instrument. Her on-stage debut was playing bongos in “The Art Quatro Trio”, her father’s jazz band.

She quickly developed a strong foundation in music, learning not only to read and write music but also to perform it. Her dedication and skill led her to earn the position of first chair in the percussion section of her school ensemble.

The Pleasure Seekers

The Band's Formation

At the age of 14, Suzi Quatro co-founded an all-girl garage glam band called The Pleasure Seekers (later renamed Cradle) with her sister Patti, inspired by The Beatles' appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show (Alexi, 2021).

Picking Up the Bass

As the band formed, each member picked their instrument, and Suzi, somewhat unexpectedly, was assigned to play bass, a role she would master.

In a way, the bass chose her.

Becoming the Frontwoman

Her musical start with The Pleasure Seekers gave her a lead in rock.

It wasn’t until she moved to the UK and began collaborating with producers Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman that she solidified her solo career, resulting in the release of "Can the Can."

Most of her early success was found in Europe and Australia.

She has since then released 18 studio albums, 20 compilation albums, 63 singles, and two live albums.

Rock Star to Media Star

Happy Days

Apart from her musical career, Suzi landed a recurring role in the worldwide hit TV series ‘Happy Days’ from 1978-1979, portraying the role of Leather Tuscadero, the leader of the girl rock band Leather and the Suedes.

This experience provided Quatro with a push into television, where she appeared in shows like Minder and Dempsey and Makepeace (My Biography).

A Life of Many Roles

In the years that followed, she returned to England to explore more creative avenues beyond music. While continuing to perform on television, she also made frequent appearances as herself, talking about insights into her life and career.

Expanding Her Reach

The 1980s and 1990s were marked by a blend of television and radio engagements, as well as significant stage performances. Quatro had truly become both a rock icon and a media sensation.

Honors, Achievements, and Tours

She has released a poetry book called ‘Through My Eyes’, her first novel, The Hurricane (2017), and headlined sold out festival tours and arena tours around the world.

She was also inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2011 and received an honorary doctorate in music in 2016 from Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK.

Personal Life

Quatro was married to guitarist Len Tuckey from 1976 to 1992, with whom she had two children.

She later married German concert promoter Rainer Haas in 1993. She has lived in many places over the years, including Essex, Hamburg, and occasionally Detroit.

Current Projects

Quatro remains an active musician, touring, releasing new music and taking part in other creative efforts.

Unzipped

She engages with lots of other activities such as radio broadcasting, writing, and performing her autobiography turned one woman show “Unzipped.”

Face to Face

Her latest release includes the collaborative album Face to Face alongside KT Tunstall which was released on August 11, 2023, which features rock and alternative influences.

Upcoming Shows

Suzi Quatro has exciting performances coming to Europe and Australia.

In October, she will headline a major floating festival at sea.

Shows

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