In the grand tapestry of rock history, some moments crackle with a static charge that alters the atmosphere forever. The release of Suzi Quatro’s “Can The Can” in 1973 was not just a chart-topping event; it was a cultural earthquake. It was the sound of a steel-toed boot kicking down a door that had been bolted shut for too long. When that iconic, swaggering bassline rumbles through the speakers, you don’t just hear a song—you witness a manifesto of empowerment and the birth of a legend.
The Sound of a Revolution
To understand the impact of “Can The Can,” you have to understand the landscape of 1973. Glam rock was in full swing, with flamboyant characters like Marc Bolan and David Bowie dominating the airwaves. But where were the women? Sure, there were fantastic female singers, but a woman fronting a hard-rock band, playing her own instrument with ferocity, was virtually unheard of. Then, from Detroit, via the UK, came Suzi Quatro.
The song is a masterclass in pure, unadulterated rock energy. Written by the legendary hit-making duo Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn—the architects behind countless glam rock anthems—”Can The Can” is a relentless, high-octane assault on the senses. The driving guitar riffs, the pounding drums, and that booming, charismatic bassline all combine to create a wall of sound that demands to be played at maximum volume.
But the real revelation is Quatro herself. Her vocal performance is a revelation—raw, powerful, and dripping with a snarling confidence that was unheard of in a female performer at the time. It’s the voice of someone who isn’t just a part of the band; she is the band. As one reviewer reflected, such was her ferocious enthusiasm that “she could have sacked the band en-masse and carried the song all on her own” . When she screams the line “Scratch out her eyes!” in the lead-up to the chorus, it’s a visceral and unforgettable moment of pure punk attitude years before punk even had a name .
More Than a Catchy Phrase
The song’s title has become one of rock’s most famous nonsensical phrases, but it actually carries a clever meaning. Nicky Chinn explained that “can the can” refers to something that is impossible, like trying to fit one can inside another of the same size . In the context of the song, it’s about a woman trying to secure her man’s commitment when he’s unwilling to be tied down . The lyrics are a whirlwind of animal imagery—tigers, eagles—painting a picture of fierce determination in the battle for love and loyalty . It’s a metaphor wrapped in a rock anthem, but you don’t need to understand it to feel it. The message is in the delivery: determination, strength, and taking control.
The Birth of the First Female Rock Icon
The success of “Can The Can” was immediate and staggering. It shot to #1 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1973, making Quatro the first solo female artist to top the charts since Mary Hopkin in 1968 . The song went on to conquer charts across Europe and Australia, where she achieved a level of adulation that bordered on mania .
This success wasn’t just about a catchy tune; it was about the image. The world wasn’t just hearing Suzi Quatro; they were seeing her. The leather jumpsuit, the short, tousled hair, and the confident stance with her bass guitar created a new archetype: the female rocker . It was a look that was both powerful and strikingly modern. Quatro has stated she didn’t set out to be a “poster girl” for feminism; she just wanted to play music . However, her impact was undeniable. By defying the norms of a male-dominated genre, she became the first prominent female bass guitarist to become a major rock star, breaking a barrier that had seemed insurmountable .
A Legacy That Still Thunders
The influence of Suzi Quatro and “Can The Can” cannot be overstated. Her meteoric rise paved the way for generations of female musicians who followed, from Joan Jett and the Runaways to The Go-Go’s, Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads, and Chrissie Hynde . They all saw in Quatro a blueprint for how a woman could be tough, sexy, and the unquestioned leader of a rock band, all on her own terms.
Over five decades later, “Can The Can” remains a timeless anthem of empowerment and a thrilling piece of rock history. It’s the sound of a woman who said “I can,” and the world had no choice but to listen. As the track winds down to its frantic close, you’re left with the feeling of having witnessed something truly special. It’s a testament to a pioneer who proved that rock and roll has no gender, only attitude.
Watch the Legend in Action
To truly understand the raw power of Suzi Quatro’s performance and the impact of “Can The Can,” you have to see it. Here is the original music video featuring Suzi at her electrifying best, an embodiment of the rock ‘n’ roll spirit that changed the world.