Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The Bangles







The Bangles were four California girls who dreamed of being the Beatles. They were an all girl, all American garage band with a great chemistry on stage and off. The Bangles started in the Peterson's family garage in California's San Fernando Valley. Though most girls wanted to date rocks stars the Peterson sisters, Vicki and Debbi wanted to be rock stars. Susannah Hoffs answered a news paper ad for a female guitarist (which was posted by Vicki and Debbi.) Then a few weeks later Debbi and Vicki went down to Susannah's house and lied down the foundation for a real band. The girls recruited Annette Zilinskas for base and the girls started playing small clubs under the name of the Bangs. They saved up and recorded a single and set out to get it played. When it finally got played it caught the attention of Miles Copeland and the band signed with him. He had them recorded five songs for an album but before the album's release a New Jersey band with the same name threaten to sue the band. The girls quickly changed their name to the Bangles to avoid trouble. They released their first album and in 1982 they set out for their first tour. They opened up for the English Beat which was a gentle sailing ship. NOT!!!!!!!!!! The crowd threw carp at them and gave them the finger during their set. But they survived and after their tour they signed with Columbia. But Annette left the band to join her boyfriend's band.(BIG MISTAKE) The girls found their news bassist from the all girl band The Runaways and started to work on their first album with Columbia. They released "All Over The Place," in 1984. The album became wasn't commercially successful but it did produced two singles and the Bangles released a big string of hits throughout the 80s. Like "Hero Takes a Fall, Going Down to Liverpool, Manic Monday, If She Knew What She Wants, Walk Like an Egyptian, Walking Down Your Street and Hazy Shade of Winter." But friction started up due to the press singling out Susannah Hoffs as the lead singer because she was lead vocals on many of the singles the band produced. The firing of their manger, Miles Copeland also contributed to their problems. They also couldn't confront each other about the deterioration of the band. So in 1989 they disbanded. It wouldn't be until 2000 they got together and they released Doll Revolution in 2003. They haven't put out any new albums since (WHY?? they're a great band put out another album!!!) But they have been touring. And I missed them!! Carp. Anyways they have great songs and Vicki Peterson can play that guitar sooo great. And her sister Debbi can play those drums awesomely. They kick ass and they show girls can carry tune better than guys. Also I have Walk like an Egyptian stuck in my head and I wanna dance when I hear it. And the guitar part in Hazy Shade of Winter is soooooooooooooo awesome! I have to learn it. Well that's it pics and the video for Hazy Shade of Winter and Walk like an Egyptian will be posted.



2 comments:

  1. I learned a little something from reading this post. I always thought Cyndi Lauper sang "Manic Monday." I have no idea why!

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  2. Ha nice. I do every thing I can.

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