The Go-Go's became one of the first female bands to emerge in the 70s and 80s. They were held in high public regard because they were the first female band not controlled by any male influences. They had many hits that are still played on today's radio stations, including 'We Got the Beat', 'Our Lips Are Sealed', 'Vacation', and 'Head Over Heels'. The girls were not only a part of the new wave pop outlook, but also an important part of the punk rock scene.
The Go-Go's were originally called the Misfits in 1978. The group consisted of Belinda Carlisle on vocals, Jane Wiedlin on guitar and vocals, Charlotte Caffey on lead guitar and keyboards, Margot Olaverra on bass, and Elise Bello on drums. The group changed their name before they started to play at parties and clubs all over California. Gina Schock replaced Elise Bello on the drums a year later. They finally recorded a demo and began to tour all over England with a ska group called Madness. This is when Stiff Records released their single, 'We Got the Beat' and, though they were popular all over the U.S. and could sell out concerts, they not land a record deal. Kathy Valentine, an inexperienced bassist, replaced Margot Olaverra at the end of the tour.
In 1981, they were signed with IRS Records and released Beauty and the Beat. After their debut release became a hit, they were living like true rock stars. The album was Number 1 for six weeks and sold over 2 million copies. The single 'Our Lips are Sealed' was at Number 1 and a remix of 'We Got the Beat' was Number 2 for three weeks straight.
Though their second album, Vacation, made it to top 10 and also went gold, it didn't have the same outcome of their debut. A few years later in 1984, they released their third album, Talk Show. Though the album didn't quite make the charts as usual, it had two hits, 'Head Over Heels' and 'Turn to You'. A year later, the band broke up and some members went solo. Belinda Carlisle had the Number 1 hit single, 'Heaven Is a Place on Earth'.
Years later in 1994, the Go Go's finally reunited and recorded songs for a compilation album called Return of the Valley of the Go-Go's. The band continued to stay together and tour and made an appearance on VH1. Today they continue to tour all over the world, including North America, Europe, and Japan.
