If you have any interest in the history of the music industry or love a good story about women who rock, study this film. More importantly, study Suzi Quatro, the legendary bassist from Detroit City, who redefined the role and image of women in rock & roll. The documentary Suzi Q, made by Australian filmmaker Liam Firmager (who I can imagine being a superfan), is a passionate look at Suzi’s rise to fame. From her first band with the neighborhood kids called The Pleasure Seekers to front lining her self-titled band, Suzi struck the match of heavy feminist rock that would later catch fire with artists like Joan Jett, Cherie Currie, and more.

Her leather bodysuit, her mullet, her unique voice, and her bass-playing abilities- Suzi had what it took to make it big. But she never really made it “big,” especially in America, her home country. One reason could be the hesitancy to invest in a woman musician. Suzi explains that record execs were nervous about signing her band, afraid one of the girls would get pregnant or fall in love. You know, typical girl problems, right? But being held back for being a woman didn’t stop her, as her peers admire her relentlessness. Interviewees include Alice Cooper, Deborah Harry (Blondie), Joan Jett, Cherie Currie (The Runaways), Tina Weymouth (Talking Heads), Henry Winkler (Happy Days), KT Tunstall, and more.

Suzi Q plays a little like insider baseball. The story itself is interesting, but if you aren’t passionate about this niche history of 1970’s rock n roll, the film could drag at times. It’s not the most visually exciting documentary I’ve seen, but the energy radiating from Suzi made this film special in its own way. Utopia Distribution will host a Suzi Q virtual event on July 1st featuring the film and an exclusive Q&A featuring Suzi Quatro and Special Guests TBA (available for 24 hours only).