Suzi Quatro, the Detroit born, but Essex residing leather clad rocker, showed her softer side when she read from her recently published collection of poetry, to a sold-out crowd at Chelmsford Museum on Monday 19 March 2018, as part of the Essex Book Festival.

The 1970s rocker known for the monster hits ‘Can The Can' and ‘Devil Gate Drive', as well as appearing in the US show ‘Happy Days', put aside her Fender Precision bass guitar and leather catsuit, for an intimate insight into her life and career, as well as revealing poems from her book ‘Through My Eyes'.

Suzi, who has sold over 55 million albums, has lived just outside Chelmsford since 1980, revealed that she intends to spend the rest of her life in the house that she has spent over 30 years in.

Dave Finkle, Museum Business Manager, Chelmsford Museum, interviewed Suzi, and she announced that she is working on new material with Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, and gave some insight to what is was like touring with David Essex, Alice Cooper and The Osmonds at the height of her fame.

Suzi spoke about meeting the major music stars of the 1970s including Marc Bolan and David Bowie - and confessed that Angie Bowie, David's wife, made a pass at her, which she declined. Suzi also spoke about her love for Elvis, and that she had to decline meeting him when Elvis turned up backstage after one of her shows, because she was too exhausted.

An alternative meeting was arranged, but sadly, Elvis died before the arranged date. However, recording a tribute to Elvis with his backing band was one of her career highlights.

Whilst at the museum, Suzi donated some personal items, a pink paisley Fender bass guitar and one of her legendary leather catsuits, to the museum. These iconic items will be displayed at the museum. 

To discover more about Chelmsford Museum, visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums