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The Queen of Glam Rock
The Queen of Glam Rock
Much like Quatro as an artist, the genre she was within is attributed to be revolutionary when it comes to gender and aesthetics (Alexi, 2021).
In its emergence, rock was male dominated until influential female musicians entered the scene. Quatro’s emphasis on approaching music beyond the lens of gender prompts reflection on the underrepresentation of women in rock, particularly within the glam rock scene.
It also brings to question whether this active exclusion can be minimized if we begin to broaden our perspective on who gets to define and embody rock music.
Paving the Way
Paving the Way
Suzi Quatro helped redefine what it means to be a rockstar, breaking away from the image that had commanded the genre for so long. She laid the groundwork for a new kind of rock presence -- one that embraced toughness, authenticity, and musical talent without conforming to gender norms.
Joan Jett's Bedroom Wall featuring Suzi Quatro
Joan Jett's Bedroom Wall featuring Suzi Quatro
Quatro had a direct influence on the Runaways and Joan Jett (Oglesbee, 1999) and went on to inspire artists like Debbie Harry of Blondie, Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads, Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go's, and other major female rock icons.
Influences
Influences
Even idols have idols.
“I made up my mind that I was going to be just like Elvis. It never occurred to me that Elvis was a man. I just wanted to be him,” said Quatro, “He had a huge impact on me, right down to that black leather jumpsuit he wore on the 68 Comeback Special.”
She even covered his classic hit ‘All Shook Up.’
And in a black leather jumpsuit accessorized with black leather bracelets, and a studded collar Suzi Quatro carved out a unique identity in rock as a singer, instrumentalist, songwriter, and bandleader all at once. She transcended an overtly masculinist subculture, embracing her own power and identity.
"I never, ever did gender."
"I never, ever did gender."
Quatro has stated that she doesn’t “do gender,” considering herself a musician, not a "female musician."
At the same time, she acknowledges her identity as a woman in music, emphasizing that her true essence lies within the music itself, but that there is power in being a woman in the industry.
Her Sound
Her Sound
Suzi Quatro is a hard rocker, cock rocker, glam rocker, and a powerhouse vocalist. Her timbre is gritty and full-bodied in songs like "The Wild One", "48 Crash", "She’s In Love With You", and of course, "Can The Can."
Her voice commands the songs with edge and a slight roughness; higher notes reached with a grainier texture while deeper sounds are projected fuller.
There’s a rasp in her delivery, especially in moments where she’s shouting or calling out and challenging the listener or the subject of the song directly.
Conversely, Quatro reveals a more yearning, emotionally rich tone in songs like "Four Letter Words" and "Wiser Than You," where the catchy melodies carry a subtle sense of wistfulness.
No matter the song, introspective or punchy, the presentation of the lyrics often feels very conversational, sometimes even confrontational. She has included bits of direct non-singing communication with the listener like in "Keep a Knockin’."
Instrumentation
Instrumentation
Instrumentation within her songs is often bold and electric.
What stands out are Quatro’s own basslines within her music that are sharp and establish a groove, stabilizing the direction for the rest of the instruments.
Her rock melodies are just as infectious with chant-like repetitive choruses that get stuck in your head.
They capture the essence of rock with intense energy, keeping the balance of dynamic loudness and controlled chaos without ever feeling overcrowded.
Performance Style
Performance Style
Her performance style is also very distinctive and physically bound to the aggressive bass playing. She considers her performances to be like aerobic exercise.
Maintaining high energy while wearing leather and carrying a pretty heavy bass guitar requires a certain level of fitness.
Wearing the instrument low on her hips to showcase her playing, combined with bobbing and classic rocker facial expressions, was her way of being the star that she is. She bounces her bass guitar – that feels very much a part of her -- against her leg to the beat, and nods her head to the words, emphasizing every single one that she feels.
As she shifts across the stage, the jumpsuit shines in her movements.
She thrusts herself forward to the mic when singing and her signature, short textured shag becomes another huge part of her performance – moving along with her rhythmic stomps and bouncing with the occasional headbang.
During her bandmates’ solos, she locks eyes with them, connecting deeply with their energy as well. It’s all about the music for her and you can tell she loves it.
For an overview of her music, check out the This Is Suzi Quatro playlist on Spotify which features all her biggest hits and captures the essence of her artistry.
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