Sex symbol? I just wanted to be Elvis

But surprisingly, looking back, Suzi had no idea there were even barriers to break down – and never considered herself as ‘gendered’; wanting, as a child, to grow up to be Elvis Presley.

“I can’t say that I knew that was what was happening, but I will say that all this time, all I was ever doing I was being myself,” said Suzi, now aged 66.

“I’ve never been a gendered person. I saw Elvis when I was six-years-old on TV and thought ‘that’s going to be me’. It didn’t even occur to me that he was a guy.

“I’ve talked to guys about this. I think it had to be somebody like me to pave the way.

“I kicked that door open, but I’d never had a female role model.

“Not that I realised what I was doing back then. I’d been in bands since I was 14.

“I wasn’t even aware there was a ‘door’.”

Suzi, who achieved great success with hits such as Can The Can and 48 Crash, says that despite the difficult time in which her career began in the early seventies, she also never encountered any significant sexism or stereotyping – despite the issues which reportedly remain in the industry today.

“I always took myself seriously. What you give out, you get back,” adds Suzi.

“I was a serious bass player. Don’t mess with me – that was the vibe I gave out.

“You know, you just can’t teach this to people. I can be one of the guys, up to a point – but there’s a line.

“If men step over that line, they only do it once.

“I had some issues in the very, very early days when playing clubs with the bands. They wanted us to wear mini skirts because we were girls. Not that I minded wearing skirts, I just didn’t like being dictated to.

“I came from a family of four girls – and we’re all ballsy ladies.

“I’m the kind of person who believes everyone should shine their light. Gender simply shouldn’t come into it.

“If you want to stay at home and be a housewife, and that will make you happy, then do it. Be who you are.”

Despite always carrying a very sexy image, Suzi rarely bared any skin – and, as such, takes a dim view of female stars feeling the need to expose themselves to obtain fame and recognition.

“I think people like Cher and Madonna were true to themselves at the time,” says Suzi.

“But nowadays, a lot of women stars are basically naked on stage. They think they’re running the show and that they’re in control, but they’re not.

“I had a sexy image, but I was never up there exposing anything.

“I’m really hoping it will turn around again soon. It’s not what I fought for.”

The star will perform at the Genting Arena on October 14, on the Legends Live tour – accompanied by Hot Chocolate, The Osmonds and David Essex.

“I’m touring with David Essex – we used to see each other at every Top Of The Pops. I’m really pleased to be headlining this tour with people I know. We all started off in the same era.

“I’m going to get a few poker games going, I tell you.

“I can’t say I know The Osmonds as well though.

“Errol Brown, meanwhile, was good friend. I loved him truly. Before I’d made it, I was at his house and asked if he could lend me £5.

“For 35 years, every time I saw him after that, he’d say ‘don’t you pay me back, that was a lucky £5’. He was such a lovely man.

“The show will pretty much be made up of all the hits – that’s what the fans will be there for.”

Suzi, who previously had a show on ITV called Gas Street, has had plenty of experience in Birmingham, having filmed the programme there.

“I like it very much. There’s a nice big shopping centre there, which I’ll certainly be visiting. I’m a mall-aholic any way,” laughs Suzi.

“I’ll be sure to have an Indian meal while I’m in Birmingham too. It has to be done. Indian food isn’t big in the US like it is here, but I love it.”

In recent years, Suzi has worked on other projects – forming a supergroup called QSP with Bilston-born Don Powell from Slade and Andy Scott from The Sweet.

She also released a poetry book in 2014 named Through My Eyes and was named Doctor Of Music last October by Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge.

“I don’t even have a high school diploma, so I was absolutely thrilled,” adds Suzi.

“I have got a bucket list. And I’m very proud of the poetry I’ve released.

“I’ve also formed a new band called QSP. The album’s come out in Australia and it’s already at number 23 in their charts.

“I’d really like to make a film of my life next.

“I’m currently part way through writing a novel. I used a rock and roll girl as the lead character, but it’s not me. In fact, as the story goes on, the characters seem to have minds of their own.

“And I’ve still got my Quatrophonic show on Radio Two. I’m a busy girl.”

If given the opportunity to duet with anyone from history, Suzi says her top choices would include Elvis and Otis Redding. Modern day stars she’d like to work with, meanwhile, include Melissa Etheridge, Tom Petty or KT Tunstall.

“I’m also a huge fan of Bob Dylan,” adds Suzi.

“I’d give both arms and legs to work with him.

“If I could meet anyone from throughout history, I would love to meet Jesus. He must have been the most charismatic of people.

“He’d be a good dinner partner too – you’d never have to buy wine.”

More than 45 years after she launched her solo career, Suzi says the greatest thrill is still performing live.

“I really love my fans. It’s a huge thrill every show when I see everyone walking away with a smile on their faces – and I can think, ‘I did that’. If that happens, I really am a happy girl,” she adds.

“You can’t buy that feeling for all the money in the world.

“It’s just who I am, I’m a born entertainer.”

Kirsten Rawlins

For more entertainment news and reviews see The Ticket in your Express & Star every Friday.