THE WILD ONE - Nobody tried to change me that was who I am

Rock star Suzi Quatro on leading the way for women, being true to herself and her 60th anniversary tour

It's been 51 years since Suzi Quatro released her debut self-titled album, launching herself practically overnight into rock'n'roll royalty.

Now aged 74 with more than 50 million record sales under her belt, the Michigan-born singer, is set to go back on the road to celebrate outstaying many of her compatriots as she marks more than five decades in the business.

Given she once famously proclaimed she would only retire "when I go on stage, shake my ass, and there is silence", it's maybe no surprise that she's not ready to hang up her guitar just yet.

"It hasn't happened. They still cheer," she laughs, speaking from her stunning Essex mansion, which has dozens of guitars and gold discs on the walls in homage to her incredible career. "I've kind of altered it a little bit now I'm 74. If I go on stage and I turn my back on the audience and it shakes by itself, then it's time! The reviews are glowing, so I'm kind of like, after 60 years of the business I'm at the top of my performing skills." While her rise to the top happened almost overnight, after she was spotted by producer Mickie Most while performing with her sisters in their band, Cradle - formerly The Pleasure Seekers - in 1971.

She's managed to remain there ever since.

Between 1973 and 1980, Suzi featured in the UK charts for an incredible 101 weeks, and sold over 55 million records, thanks to hits such as Can The Can and Devil Gate Drive. But despite the success, Suzi admits it's still hard to think about leaving her sisters and their band to go solo.

"It was hard for my sisters, it was hard for me," Suzi recalls.

"My sister Patti took it the hardest because she had started the band and she knew that I was the frontperson. So she felt like her thing was going out the door. We are all fine with it now. But it was hard for me to leave emotionally.