5.16.2020
Movie Review: “SUZI Q”
Rating: Excellent
Reviewer: Anita Maree
Unrated Magazine was selected to participate in a private screening of the upcoming movie, “SUZI Q”, and it did not disappoint. This is a well documented look at the girl from Detroit, MI who became the first female bass player to become a major rock star. Born Susan Kay Quatro in 1950, the movie follows Suzi’s career path from her early days when her sister Patti formed an all-female rock band called The Pleasure Seekers in 1964. Her other sister’s Arlene and Nancy, at one time or another were members of the group. It was in this band where Suzi got her start and would sing and play bass, but her drive and push to stardom would lead her into a new path.
In 1971, Suzi left her sisters, her family, and her Detroit life and moved to England to work with record producer Mickie Most who spotted her individual talent. It was then she met with the legendary songwriter/producer Mike Chapman who wrote songs specifically for her, to fit her image of a rocker woman clad in a leather jumpsuit on stage. Boom! The hit songs started pouring out and Suzi and her newly formed band toured the world. She was an opening act for bands like Thin Lizzy and Slade. Her hit songs included “Can the Can”, “Daytona Demon”, and “Devil Gate Drive”. Her band members included Alastair McKenzie, Len Tuckey, Dave Neal, and Robbie Blunt. Suzi was wildly popular overseas, especially in Australia.
The documentary looks at her time when she played Leather Tuscadero on the hit television show Happy Days. After three seasons, Suzi decided to leave the show. Was this a good idea? Who knows? Her only major hit in the U.S. was the duet
she recorded with Chris Norman from the band Smokie called “Stumblin’ In” in 1978.
Guest stars in the documentary include Joan Jett, Alice Cooper, Deborah Harry, KT Tunstall, Cherie Currie, Donita Sparks, Kenny Laguna, Lita Ford, and Kathy Valentine. They all discuss Suzi, her unstoppable passion for rock music and being a trailblazer and inspiration for a generation of women who were to walk down the path she cleared for them.
“SUZI Q” showcases the unique talents of Suzi Quatro from her years touring around the world, to acting, to motherhood, to theatre life, and much more. Even listening to Suzi discuss her career path in the film, her energy to this day is evident. She insisted to follow the road she saw ahead of her and to this day keeps moving forward on that path.
The film seemed to showcase sadness and perhaps guilt by Suzi when she left her family so many years ago and headed to England. Also, she never conquered the US by having any number one hits. This is quite confusing after she had such a successful career overseas and sold over 50 million albums worldwide.
With theatres closed (for now) because of COVID-19, a special virtual event on July 1st will feature the film and an exclusive Q&A with Suzi Quatro + special guest. Tickets are available here: www.altavod.com.movies/suzi-q
Unrated Magazine gives this film 5 Stars. Don’t miss this documentary.
