Introduction: A Dream Ignites – The Birth of The Bangles
In the vibrant music landscape of the 1980s, where rock ‘n’ roll was predominantly a boys’ club, four young Californian girls embarked on an extraordinary journey. The Bangles, with their irresistible blend of 60s-influenced garage pop, would prove that rock ‘n’ roll was not just a male domain. In this article, we delve into the captivating story of The Bangles, from their meteoric rise to their tumultuous journey within the music industry and their triumphant return to the spotlight.
The Early Days: Northridge’s Musical Sisters and the Genesis of The Bangles
The roots of The Bangles can be traced back to Northridge, a quiet Los Angeles suburb, where the Peterson sisters, Vicki and Debbie, spent their formative years. Their parents, an aerospace engineer father and a model and congressional worker mother, encouraged their daughters’ love for music, filling their home with melodies playing through an intercom system. Vicki, the elder sister, spent hours in her room strumming her guitar and immersing herself in her favorite records. Debbie, on the other hand, divided her time between air drumming, miming lyrics with hairbrushes in front of the mirror, and pursuing a more studious path.
While Vicki’s passion for music burned brightly, Debbie was determined not to let her education hinder her musical ambitions. Vicki formed her first band during the 9th grade, inspired by iconic 60s bands such as The Hollies, The Byrds, and The Beatles. Yet, the band was missing a drummer, and Vicki provided her sister, Debbie, with a drum kit, albeit with a small repayment requirement from Debbie’s part-time job at McDonald’s.
The band went through various names before settling on the peculiar moniker, “KooKoo and the DooDooHeads.” Yes, you read that right. However, by 1980, the sisters were still performing under this rather unconventional name, and Vicki was pursuing her English studies at UCLA while residing with Debbie and another bandmate. The sisters faced a challenge in finding the right female vocalists to complete their harmonies. As Debbie later recalled in an interview with The Washington Post, “We never had two other people who could sing well enough to do the harmonies we wanted to do. We had to find the right females.”
The Paisley Underground: A Turning Point in The Bangles’ Journey
Fortune smiled upon The Bangles when a new music movement, known as the Paisley Underground, emerged in Los Angeles. This movement was characterized by its embrace of the 60s sound that had deeply influenced the Peterson sisters. Moreover, paisley shirts became a symbol of the movement. It was during this period that The Bangles would cross paths with Susanna Hoffs and David Roback, who would later co-found Mazzy Star.
Susanna Hoffs and David Roback had been involved in various bands during Hoffs’ college years, including a group called Unconscious. While they were romantically involved at one point, their relationship eventually ended, leading them down separate musical paths. Hoffs hailed from a privileged background, with parents who had relocated to Los Angeles from the East Coast and attended prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale. Her father was a psychoanalyst, while her mother worked as a writer and director in Hollywood. Hoffs picked up the guitar during elementary school, and her parents nurtured her early love for music.
Her college years at Berkeley introduced her to influential bands like the Ramones, Blondie, and Talking Heads, thanks to her brother’s musical discoveries. She also attended shows by Patti Smith and even witnessed the Sex Pistols’ infamous final performance at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. These experiences, coupled with the tragic loss of John Lennon in 1980, cemented her determination to pursue a career in music.
By 1981, Hoffs had completed her studies at Berkeley, and fate intervened when she responded to an advertisement in a local publication called The Recycler. The woman behind the ad happened to be roommates with the Peterson sisters but had been dismissed from their band. When Hoffs answered the ad, it was one of the Peterson sisters who answered the phone, sparking an instant connection. The Peterson sisters and Hoffs soon discovered their shared love for 60s music and the profound impact of John Lennon’s death on their lives. They agreed to form a band and began rehearsing in Hoffs’ garage.
Reflecting on those early days, Susanna Hoffs shared with Rolling Stone, “It was really scary. I remember talking to Vicki in the kitchen about a week after we decided to form the band, and I suddenly got these butterflies in my stomach. It was like I’d married a stranger.” Vicki added, “Debbi and I had gone through a series of playing with women and men who were trying to be in bands, but they always were lacking that sense of commitment. It was frustrating to have guitarists or bass players who would come to rehearsal with their books because they were actually studying to be archaeologists. There band would go through a few different monickers. Calling themselves the Colours, which paid homage to their British influences by spelling Colours the British way with a “u.” They eventually became the Supersonic Bangs, inspired by an Esquire article about popular 60s haircuts. Then, they shortened it to The Bangs. Hoffs explained, “We liked the double-entendre of the name. You can read a lot into it. There was something kind of gutsy about it.”
A Journey Begins: The Bangles’ Ascent in the Music Industry
The Bangs soon found themselves performing at local clubs, slowly but steadily building their reputation. They saved up enough money to record a single titled “Getting Out of Hand.” To promote their single, Hoffs dressed in a mini skirt and personally delivered it to DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, who had a show on KROQ. This was in 1981, and that single’s airplay marked a turning point for the band, boosting their popularity.
During this period, The Bangles solidified their lineup with the addition of bass player Annette Zilinskas. One of their early breakthroughs came when they played a benefit show for the fanzine “No Magazine.” Vicki recalled the experience to the LA Times, saying, “We were really scared. The kids that were there were basically kids that were going to listen to Channel 3 and the Descendants and stuff, and they were not what we thought were an audience that would accept us playing Paul Revere & the Raiders… I remember there were kids, a bunch of skinheads going, ‘Can’t believe it, skinheads slam dancing to the Seeds. What is this?’ I just said, ‘All right, we did it.'”
Their growing popularity landed them a record deal with independent label Faulty Products. The label released their debut single “The Real World,” which started gaining airplay on college radio stations. Unfortunately, the song’s success would be overshadowed by a lawsuit. As it turned out, there was another band called The Bangs, and they weren’t thrilled about the name similarity. A legal battle ensued, and The Bangles had to find a new name.
After considering several options, they decided to simply become “Bangles.” With this new identity, they released their first full-length album, “All Over the Place,” in 1984. The album showcased their impressive harmonies, jangly guitars, and memorable songwriting. One of the standout tracks was “Hero Takes a Fall,” which was co-written by Hoffs and Vicki Peterson.
“All Over the Place” received positive reviews from critics, and it marked the beginning of The Bangles’ ascent in the music industry. They embarked on a tour to promote the album, sharing stages with bands like The Ramones and Cyndi Lauper. This exposure helped them gain a dedicated fanbase and set the stage for even greater success in the years to come.
Chart-Topping Success: The Bangles Conquer the 80s
The turning point in The Bangles’ career came with their second album, “Different Light,” released in 1986. The album featured a perfect blend of catchy pop-rock songs and showcased the band’s incredible vocal harmonies. But what truly catapulted them to stardom were the hit singles “Manic Monday” and “Walk Like an Egyptian.”
“Manic Monday,” a song penned by Prince (credited as “Christopher”), became an instant classic. The song’s catchy melody and clever lyrics resonated with audiences and climbed the charts, eventually reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. This marked a significant moment for The Bangles, as they were now rubbing shoulders with the biggest acts in the music industry.
“Walk Like an Egyptian” followed as the album’s second single and became an even bigger sensation. The quirky, fun music video featuring the band dressed as various historical figures and the iconic “walk” dance move made it a cultural phenomenon. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for several weeks, solidifying The Bangles’ status as one of the biggest bands of the 80s.
Inside the Dream: Challenges and Tensions
Despite their chart-topping success, The Bangles faced challenges and tensions within the band. The media often focused on Susanna Hoffs, singling her out as the face of the group. This spotlight created internal friction and contributed to the perception that The Bangles were Hoffs and the Peterson sisters plus one. This was not the dynamic the band had envisioned when they set out on their journey.
Additionally, the music industry had its own pressures and demands. The band members were expected to maintain a certain image and deliver hit songs consistently. The weight of expectations took a toll on their creative process and strained their relationships. The road to success was not always smooth, and the band’s dynamics were tested.
In 1988, Susanna Hoffs made the decision to embark on a solo career. This move added uncertainty to the band’s future. It was a pivotal moment, and fans wondered whether The Bangles could continue without one of their founding members. Hoffs released her debut solo album, “When You’re a Boy,” in 1991, but it didn’t achieve the same level of success as her work with The Bangles.
The Dissolution: A Temporary Farewell
The early 90s marked a challenging period for The Bangles. The band’s future was uncertain, and it seemed like their remarkable journey might be coming to an end. The remaining members, Vicki and Debbi Peterson and Michael Steele, pursued their own projects, leaving fans with a sense of loss.
During this time, various members explored different aspects of the music industry. Vicki and Debbi Peterson formed the short-lived band The Continental Drifters, which allowed them to explore their musical talents further. Michael Steele also pursued solo endeavors and dabbled in acting.
The band’s dissolution was a heartbreaking moment for fans who had followed them from their Paisley Underground days to their chart-topping success. It appeared that The Bangles’ journey had come to an end.
Reunion and Resilience: The Bangles Return to the Stage
Despite the challenges and uncertainties that had befallen The Bangles, their story was far from over. In 2000, a reunion was in the works, thanks to the efforts of Susanna Hoffs’ husband, director Jay Roach. The band reunited for a tour, and the response from fans was overwhelming. It was a testament to the enduring love for their music and the special place The Bangles held in the hearts of many.
The reunion marked the beginning of a new chapter in The Bangles’ journey. However, it was not without its challenges. The band faced divisions and external pressures as they navigated the ever-evolving music industry. They continued to create music, releasing albums like “Doll Revolution” and “Sweetheart of the Sun.” Original bassist Michael Steele left the band, and Annette Zilinskas returned, bringing back the magic of the original lineup.
Their journey was a testament to the resilience of rock ‘n’ roll. The Bangles had weathered storms, faced internal struggles, and found their way back to the stage. Their passion for music and their desire to share it with the world had triumphed over adversity.
Conclusion: The Bangles’ Enduring Legacy and the Power of Rock ‘n’ Roll
The story of The Bangles is a remarkable journey through the maze of the music industry. From their humble beginnings in Northridge to their chart-topping success in the 80s, the band’s story is a testament to the enduring power of rock ‘n’ roll. Their music, influenced by the sounds of the 60s, continues to resonate with audiences today, reminding us that great music knows no boundaries of time or gender.
The Bangles’ journey was not without its challenges and setbacks, but their resilience and passion for music carried them through. They overcame internal tensions, weathered the changing tides of the music industry, and returned to the stage stronger than ever. The Bangles’ legacy is not just a collection of hit songs; it’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of musicians who refuse to let their dreams fade away.
As we look back on their journey, we are reminded that rock ‘n’ roll has the power to inspire, unite, and endure. The Bangles’ music will forever be a part of the soundtrack of our lives, a timeless reminder of the magic that happens when talented musicians come together to create something truly special. In a world that often tries to silence dreams, The Bangles remind us that sometimes, dreams are meant to be lived, sung, and shared with the world.
