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The first all-female band that both wrote their own songs and played their own instruments to top the Billboard charts, The Go-Go’s enjoyed a resurgence of interest of late related not only to a recently released self-titled documentary but also bassist Kathy Valentine’s new memoir, “All I Ever Wanted.”
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“I was quite the advocate for doing the documentary,” said Valentine, calling from Austin, Texas. “It took awhile for everybody to be on board, but once it happened, we were committed. I was really glad we were doing it because I thought there wasn’t enough documentation that really celebrates our legacy.
“I felt like some of the more salacious parts of The Go-Go’s mythology — they partied, they did drugs, they fought with each other, they broke up — had kind of overtaken our incredible achievements.”
The Go-Go’s emerged in the1980s as a new-wave act with ties to California’s punk scene. The all-female band enjoyed radio and MTV success with radio hits “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation” and “Head Over Heels.”
The documentary highlights Valentine’s important contribution of hit single “Vacation,” the title track to the band’s second album. The song, which was previously recorded with her former band Textones, continues to be discovered by new generations of fans.
“I feel incredibly lucky that I had that song and that The Go-Go’s did it,” Valentine said. “That became my signature song. It’s sometimes what saved me financially.”
The band recently added to its popular catalog with new documentary song “Club Zero.” The female-empowerment anthem hit the top 10 on the Rock Digital Song Sales chart.
While both a 2020 book tour for Valentine and band tour for The Go-Go’s was canceled due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the hope is both can happen later this year.
The Go-Go’s 2
The Go-Go’s are known for hits including hits “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation” and “Head Over Heels.”
Submitted
Up next for The Go-Go’s is being named a 2021 She Rocks Awards honoree. The annual Women’s International Music Network event — being held virtually this year — pays tribute to women in the music industry.
The ninth annual “She Rocks Awards” takes place at 9:30 p.m. Jan. 22 with live music performances, awards, speeches, celebrity appearances and a silent auction. This year’s event is free online.
Joining The Go-Go’s as honorees are Nancy Wilson (Heart), Cherie Currie (The Runaways), Amy Lee (Evanescence) and comic Margaret Cho. The event will be available afterward at youtube.com/user/thewimn.
“I don’t know why we wouldn’t be included,” Valentine said. “I mean, we’re (expletive) The Go-Go’s. To me, it’s not some big surprise. It’s called ‘She Rocks.’ It’s like, we should be honored every year.”
That sentiment also applies to the fact The Go-Go’s, despite its bona fides, have yet to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Considering all of the recent publicity regarding the documentary and Valentine’s book, the band finally could receive a call in the fall.
“I personally think part of a museum’s job is to educate,” Valentine said. “If you’re going to educate about rock and pop music, then you need to educate about women’s role in music. That’s just part of the deal.
“It would obviously be a wonderful thing for us to be inducted. We still inspire people.”
