Suzi Quatro's Signature Scream Remains a Thrilling Force at Age 75
Rock legend Suzi Quatro made a powerful statement at the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow, proving that age has done little to diminish her iconic vocal prowess. Now 75 years old, Quatro openly confessed to the audience that she has lost an inch in height, standing at 5ft 1in, but with a characteristic grin declared, "I can still scream just as loud."
The Unmistakable Suzi Q Scream
That signature scream was showcased spectacularly during her performance of 48 Crash, delivering what can only be described as a thrilling noise - a holler of swallow-the-world desire that has defined the glam era since her early days playing Detroit dance halls. There remains something eternally teenage about the trailblazing rocker, an innocent quality that persists even when clad in black leather.
This youthful energy transformed Neil Young's Rockin' in the Free World during the first of two sets, as Quatro drained the song of its inherent anger and flooded it instead with galvanising sincerity. Her ability to reinterpret classic material through this unique lens demonstrates why she remains a compelling live performer decades after her initial breakthrough.
A Show of Contrasting Halves
The concert's opening hour proved entertaining and well-paced, but the second, longer set revealed significant structural problems. What followed was a mess of lesser material, tedious instrumental solos, and drawn-out introductions of her eight-piece backing band. The performance hit its lowest point during an extended career retrospective aided by projected images, where Quatro detailed her fifteen years on BBC Radio 2 and nomination for broadcaster of the year at the Sony Radio awards.
This segment evoked uncomfortable comparisons to what might occur if Alan Partridge delivered a PowerPoint presentation in the middle of a rock concert - an experiment in awkwardness that ultimately fell flat with the Glasgow audience.
Glimmers of Brilliance Amidst the Excess
Despite these missteps, moments of pure pop brilliance emerged toward the evening's conclusion. Quatro delivered Can the Can and Devil Gate Drive back-to-back, creating an undeniable rush of musical energy that reminded everyone why she became a star. If You Can't Give Me Love followed with its beautiful country sway, showcasing her versatility beyond pure rock and roll.
Yet the performer demonstrated a troubling inability to recognize when to conclude the show. As she launched into Sweet Little Rock & Roller, audience members began leaving the venue. After briefly exiting the stage, Quatro returned with a towel around her shoulders and settled into a chair at center stage, creating an awkward moment where it seemed further showbiz anecdotes might follow.
A Syrupy Finale and Clear Conclusions
Instead, she offered Singing With Angels, a syrupy tribute to Elvis Presley that served as the evening's final number. The overall impression left by this Glasgow performance was that of a show screaming out for judicious editing - perhaps not by an inch like Quatro's height, but certainly by at least a quarter hour to tighten the pacing and focus on her strongest material.
Suzi Quatro continues her UK tour with upcoming performances at Glasshouse in Gateshead on April 8th, followed by additional dates through April 20th. While her signature scream remains undiminished, this particular concert suggested that some refinement of her live presentation could elevate the experience for both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
