We’ve Got The Beat: The Legacy of the Go Go’s
Every classic movie buff knows this opening scene; teenagers at the mall, shopping, working, dipping corn dogs, tearing movie tickets, fighting over the last pair of pink hot pants, checking each other out, and going back for a second look. All while the quintessential new wave guitar riff plays in the background. Fast Times at Ridgemont High, the epitome of ‘80s teen movies, made even more spectacular by a soundtrack led by the epitome of ‘80s, all female, rock groups.
Raised in the Los Angeles music scene, The Go Go’s first formed in 1978 as a punk rock act dubbed The Misfits (one can only assume they were unaware of the New Jersey Misfits founded the year before). Although the lineup would go through some early changes, it didn’t take long for the band to officially solidify with it’s five core members: Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, Kathy Valentine, and Belinda Carlisle. The band's name would change to The Go Go’s not long after, as they began to make a name for themselves on the LA punk scene. As they explored song writing more and more, the band began to evolve and form their now iconic sound. Unlike their predecessors, The Runaways, who had worshiped at the feet of garage and glam rock icons like David Bowie and Iggy Pop, The Go Go’s combined the simple, driving guitar riffs of their LA punk rock roots with echoing, new wave melodies, and pop music sensibility.
The Go Go’s and their newly formed sound would burst onto the popular music scene in 1981 with their debut album Beauty and the Beat. By March of 1982 the album would reach #1 on Billboard’s top LP’s chart, spawning the hits, “We Got The Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed.” They were fun and enigmatic with an undeniable stage presence. In an era where the majority of female driven groups were little more than manufactured novelties, The Go Go’s stood out as a full, organically formed, entity. They were unafraid to push forward a sound that was (and still is) distinctly female. No need to imitate the boys. On the contrary, The Go Go’s had a reputation for beating the men at their own game, often partying harder than the all male bands they toured with. Although drugs and alcohol would take their toll, the band would continue to thrive.
Two more albums would follow, Vacation in 1982 and Talk Show in 1984, before the band disbanded in 1985 (with subsequent reunions and breakups to follow), and although the ‘80s would spawn other, all female groups, like The Bangles and Bananarama; with over seven million records sold worldwide, none would be as successful as The Go Go’s.
In 2020, a self-titled documentary was released defending the band as the most successful, all female pop rock group of all time. The film served as a battle cry for induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and on October 30th of this year, that cry was answered. Ushered by the band’s friend and longtime fan, Drew Barrymore, The Go Go’s took to the stage in Cleveland Ohio, brandishing their uniquely powerful brand of female rock and roll.
With the hall of fame induction, the influence of The Go Go’s on female driven rock music is finally highlighted. The band can be seen as pre-architects for the Riot Girl movement of the mid ‘90s. Bands like Bikini Kill and L7 emerged with harmonizing vocals laid over masterfully pounding guitar riffs and drum beats. A combination that would draw a straight line back to The Go Go’s dutifully curated sound. Even in token female bands like Garbage and No Doubt, the weight of The Go Go’s is still undeniable. The impact of The Go Go’s sound can be heard in newly emerging bands as well. The all female, Los Angeles punk band, The Linda Lindas released their single “Oh!” in July of 2021. With a lead guitar riff that would send any ‘80s kid back to fast times at the mall, this song makes it clear, the influence of The Go Go’s will be heard for years to come.
