The Wild One

The song "The Wild One" by Suzi Quatro, featured on her 1974 album Quatro, is a high-energy glam rock anthem that captures her fierce, rebellious spirit. One fascinating piece of trivia is its inclusion in the 2010 film The Runaways, directed by Floria Sigismondi. The movie, a biopic about the 1970s all-girl rock band The Runaways, highlights Quatro’s influence on the group, particularly on Joan Jett, who saw her as a musical and personal role model. The song’s raw energy and defiant lyrics perfectly complemented the film’s coming-of-age narrative. Additionally, "The Wild One" was a commercial success, reaching No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart in November 1974, showcasing Quatro’s ability to dominate the charts with her bold sound. Interestingly, the album version in some territories, including the UK and US, featured a slower arrangement, while the single version was faster, giving fans two distinct takes on the track.

Another intriguing story about "The Wild One" comes from Quatro’s own reflections on her career. In a 2019 interview with The Australian Financial Review, she described her 1970s persona as a rule-breaking rock star, embodying the song’s untamed spirit. She noted that the track, written by the hit-making duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, was tailored to her "bad girl" image, which resonated with audiences in Europe and Australia more than in her native US. Quatro has also shared on her Facebook page that performing "The Wild One" live remains a highlight of her shows, as it gets crowds on their feet, echoing the electric atmosphere of her 1970s performances. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in fan posts on the Suzi Quatro Official Fan Club Facebook page, where Zoo Freaks and other devotees share memories of dancing to it at her concerts.

Suzi Quatro was born Susan Kay Quatro on June 3, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, and her journey to rock stardom began in a musically rich environment. Growing up in a musical family, she was exposed to rock and roll’s early days, which shaped her passion for the genre. At 14, she joined her sisters in the all-girl garage punk band The Pleasure Seekers, playing bass and singing. The band, which later evolved into Cradle, gave her early stage experience, but it was a pivotal encounter with British producer Mickie Most in 1971 that launched her solo career. Most, impressed by her raw talent, offered her a contract and invited her to London, though her sisters were not included, leading to familial tensions detailed in the 2019 documentary Suzi Q. This move to the UK marked the start of her rise, with her 1973 debut single "Can the Can" hitting No. 1 in the UK, Australia, and Europe, establishing her as a glam rock pioneer.

Quatro’s trailblazing career has made her an icon, particularly for women in rock, influencing artists like Chrissie Hynde and Debbie Harry. Her official website, www.suziquatro.com, offers fans access to her tour dates, merchandise, and a fan club, while her Facebook page, with over 194,000 followers, keeps fans updated on projects like her 2023 duet album Face to Face with KT Tunstall. On Instagram, Quatro shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of her tours and personal milestones, such as her 2023 honorary doctorate in music. Her X account engages with fans, often retweeting their praise for classics like "The Wild One." The Suzi Quatro Official Fan Club Facebook group is a vibrant community where fans discuss her music and share concert experiences. Additionally, fan sites like Discogs provide detailed discographies, catering to collectors and Zoo Freaks eager to explore her catalog.