“The Go-Go’s” new documentary has everything you want- history, music and drama. It has been over 40 years since the band hit the scene in Los Angeles. This documentary, directed by Alison Ellwood (HISTORY OF THE EAGLES, American Jihad) features candid interviews and archival footage to tell the real story of their rise to fame and the struggles along the way.
As the first multi-platinum-selling, all-female band to play their own instruments, write their own songs and have a No. 1 album, the Go-Go’s are rooted in music history as not just a pop phenomenon but ground breakers as well. Born out of the L.A. punk scene, Charlotte Caffey (lead guitar, keyboards and vocals), Belinda Carlisle (lead vocals), Gina Schock (drums), Kathy Valentine (bass and vocals) and Jane Wiedlin (guitar & vocals) became a groundbreaking force in music. Their 1981 debut album “Beauty and the Beat,” featuring the hits “Our Lips Are Sealed” and “We Got the Beat,” was one of the most successful debut albums of all times, was at No. 1 on the Billboard charts for six consecutive weeks, and resulted in a Grammy® nomination for Best New Artist.
The band has released a new song “Club Zero” for the documentary. This is their first song in twenty years. The band was scheduled to tour this summer, but due to Covid-19 the dates have been postponed to summer 2021.
Fans of the band have known a lot of the band’s history from interviews, the band’s “Behind The Music” episode from VH1 20 years ago and from memoirs by Belinda Carlisle and Kathy Valentine.
Here’s a few things one will learn from this documentary:
The group’s punk background. Jane Wieldin starting the band. Wieldin, Carlisle and Caffey playing LA clubs along with other band members before Schock and Valentine joined the band.
How the band could not get a record deal after returning from a European tour with a new single.
Guitarist Charlotte Caffey discusses her secret heroin addiction while writing the band’s biggest hits.
The stories and heart breaks of replacing band members then the split from original manager Ginger Canzoneri who are interviewed in the movie.
Wiedlin’s departure from the band after refusing to agree on splitting songwriting royalties equally
Each member takes on why the band broke up and the hurt it caused and the reuniting for tours.
The documentary premieres on July 31 at 9PM on Showtime.
