Detroit rock legends team up to cover iconic MC5 song
Detroit rock icons Suzi Quatro and Alice Cooper recently teamed up to record a rendition of the legendary MC5 track “Kick Out the Jams,” which can now be found on Quatro’s latest album, “Freedom.” This collaboration came to fruition during a recording session at Rust Belt Studios in Royal Oak, Michigan, just a day before their joint performance at the Pine Knob Music Theatre on August 31, 2024. The accompanying music video showcases the camaraderie and energy shared between the two artists during the recording process.
For Quatro, the opportunity to work with Cooper on such an iconic song was a magical experience. As a native of Detroit, Quatro appreciated the chance to pay homage to the spirit of the city and their shared musical roots. Cooper also echoed this sentiment, describing “Kick Out the Jams” as the quintessential Detroit rock song that encapsulates the raw energy and essence of the MC5.
Notably, the recording session held special significance as it took place shortly after the passing of several MC5 founding members, Wayne Kramer and Dennis “Machine Gun” Thompson, as well as their first manager, John Sinclair. The timing of the collaboration served as a heartfelt tribute to the influential band and their legacy in the Detroit music scene. Both Quatro and Cooper shared a deep connection to the MC5, having been contemporaries during the vibrant rock era of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Quatro’s son, Richard “L.R.” Tuckey, who produced the “Freedom” album, played a pivotal role in bringing the collaboration to fruition. Inspired by his mother’s artistry and Cooper’s storied career, Tuckey proposed the idea of a joint performance on “Kick Out the Jams,” which ultimately led to the creation of the music video that captures their shared history and camaraderie.
The video not only showcases their musical collaboration but also highlights their enduring friendship and shared memories of Detroit’s golden era of rock music. Both artists fondly reminisce about their past experiences, with Cooper reflecting on the vibrant music scene of Detroit and the golden days they shared as musicians. The jovial atmosphere in the studio is palpable as they banter and trade verses, injecting the recording session with humor and nostalgia.
In addition to the collaboration on “Kick Out the Jams,” the “Freedom” album features 12 original tracks, with the title song serving as the lead single. Quatro, known for her musical career and acting roles, is set to embark on a U.K. tour followed by dates across Europe, while Cooper continues to tour with his band and plans to release his third memoir later this year.
Overall, the collaboration between Suzi Quatro and Alice Cooper stands as a tribute to their shared musical heritage and enduring friendship. Through their rendition of “Kick Out the Jams,” these rock veterans have captured the essence of Detroit’s rock ‘n’ roll spirit and paid homage to the legacy of the MC5.