As Mick Jagger will tell you, performing is an aerobic work-out. I've got the bass guitar, which is the heaviest of all the instruments, and I'm a little girl, in boiling-hot leather under the lights. You have to keep the fitness level up if you want to look good up there.

The quote by Suzi Quatro highlights the physical demands of performing on stage, comparing it to an aerobic workout. She references Mick Jagger to reinforce the idea that live performances require high levels of fitness and endurance. Performing is not just about musical talent; it involves sustained energy, movement, and stamina, making physical fitness essential for a successful show.

Quatro emphasizes the challenge she faces as a musician playing the bass guitar, which she describes as the heaviest instrument. Combined with the intense stage environment—like wearing boiling-hot leather under the lights—she stresses the need to maintain a strong fitness level. This is necessary not only for performing well but also to look good and maintain a confident presence on stage.

The origin of this quote comes from Suzi Quatro’s experience as a pioneering female rock musician known for her powerful performances and energetic stage presence. Her insight reveals the often overlooked physical aspect of being a performing artist. It highlights how fitness plays a crucial role in supporting the demanding lifestyle of touring and performing under intense conditions.