Trailblazing Queen of Rock’n’Roll Suzi Quatro still selling out venues in her mid 70’s

★★★★☆ (4/5)

SUZI QUATRO PERFORMING AT YORK’S BARBICAN CENTRE
PHOTOCREDIT: JOHN HAYHURST

This is the second female septuagenarian rock and roll show in the space of a few days, first Lulu in Leeds, now Suzi Quatro in York and tonight was another masterclass in how to do it – old school style.

This was another celebration of a 60-year career. The venue was sold out with devoted fans eager to see the original Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. Before Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar or any of the other ladies of rock, it was always Suzi Quatro for me, with that leather outfit, low slung bass guitar and silver heeled boots, I can still remember watching ‘Can the Can’ on Top of the Pops in 1973 and being wowed by this woman in black shrieking and shaking her hair around. (watch https://youtu.be/TPTsl3GQffc?si=GwkwUcn2jiG2Cxkx )

The concert opened with a high-energy rendition of “The Wild One,” setting the tone for a night filled with classic rock hits and selections from her recent albums. Quatro, clad in a denim and leather outfit, wielded her bass guitar with the same flair and confidence that catapulted her to fame in the 1970s. Pulling faces at the crowd with wide eyed stares and laughing with her band who put in a tight and powerful performance, blending seamlessly with her raw and dynamic energy.

The setlist was a carefully curated journey through her extensive catalog. Fans sang along to beloved hits like “Can the Can” and “Devil Gate Drive,” while newer tracks from albums like “The Devil in Me” and “Face to Face” proved that Quatro continues to produce music that resonates. Songs like “I Sold My Soul Today” demonstrated her ability to blend introspection with rock grit, while her classics, such as “48 Crash” and “If You Can’t Give Me Love,” carried an undiminished charm. These moments reinforced her role as a trailblazing female in rock music, a legacy she wears with pride.

Quatro’s voice was in fine form, delivering every lyric with power and authenticity. Her vocals, combined with the rhythmic thrum of her bass, filled the Barbican with a commanding presence. Particularly moving was her performance of “Stumblin’ In,” a duet originally recorded with Chris Norman, which showcased her range and emotive storytelling ability. The audience was captivated, erupting in cheers and applause after each song.

Splitting her set into 2 with an interval meant she started at 7:30pm which surprised a few fans that were still in the bar. The first set ending with a stunning performance of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.”

The energy of the evening wasn’t just confined to the music. Between songs, Quatro shared personal anecdotes and reflections on her storied career. From her beginnings as a pioneering female rocker to her more recent projects, these stories added depth and warmth to the evening. Her charm and humour shone through, further endearing her to the audience and creating a connection that felt intimate despite the large sold out venue. She even had time to put in a shout out to Berwick Kaler in the audience, who was a legendary pantomime dame (now retired) in York, Quatro wrote a song for one of his pantos “The Queen Mother of Rock and Roll” it would have been great fun if she had played that one tonight.

In summary, Suzi Quatro’s York concert was a masterful showcase of a living legend. It was a night of great old school rock’n’roll music, heartfelt memorable moments, and unbridled energy. Quatro’s ability to blend past triumphs with present artistry underscores why she remains an icon in the world of rock music. Tonight Quatro at age 76, delivered a show that was both nostalgic and fresh, showcasing the timelessness of her music and the continuing vitality of her stage presence.