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The Go-Go's
July 31, 2000 Shoreline Amphitheatre
Mountain View, California |
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So my roomie decided that we needed to re-live our youth (ugh) and go see the Psychedelic Furs, Go-Go's and B-52's show. And to make sure I didn't bail out at the last minute, she didn't pay me for her ticket 'til we were in my car on our way to the show. Cute.
It was a beautiful summer day (ok, so I lagged writing this). Just the sort of day that lends itself well to a large outdoor amphitheatre show, beer, a two mile walk from parking spot to show, and beer.
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While mentally preparing myself for the 30-something Brat Pack-lovin' crowd I was about to encounter (I'm eternally 21 FYI), my roommate shared stories of seeing the Go-Go's and the B-52's way back when and how much fun she had. I have always loved the Go-Go's but never saw them live, so I was actually kinda excited about going.
We arrived halfway through the Furs who were sort of mellow, but very tight. I forgot how many hits they had!
The Go-Go's hit the stage looking and sounding great. They were tight and seemed genuinely glad to be back together. Singer Belinda Carlisle was every inch the retro-pinup in sleek black top and black patent leather capri pants. Her voice was strong and her on-stage banter was quite witty. Talented guitarists Charlotte Caffey and Jane Wiedlen played as if no time had passed. Charlotte was playing a sea-foam green Fender and Jane used her trusty Gibson SG. Jane's cropped hair was highlighted with groovy colored streaks and she wore a cute skirt with tre-chic trainers. All the better to bop around in! Charlotte was disappointing in the fashion department. Her look hasn't changed much if any since the 80's, which is a shame. She could really enhance her natural beauty with a more up-dated look. Drummer Gina Shock was HOT. She is an amazingly powerful drummer with good meter. She incorporates interesting changes in the songs without being overbearing. Blew me away. She looked like Bubbles Power Puff, very cute but tough, ya know?
Kathy Valentine. Kathy Kathy Valentine. Ok, I saved my favorite Go-Go for last. Let me begin by saying that Kathy was an inspiration to me when I started playing music way back in *ahem*, and I still got all giggle-ly on this, my third time seeing her play live. The first time I saw her perform was not with the Go-Go's but in 1989 (?) with a band called Worlds Cutest Killers. This band also featured Kelly Johnson of Girlschool fame (another she-ro of mine). I saw Kathy again in 1993 while visiting Los Angeles in a band called the Blue Bonnets. After the show she was standing near the front door of the bar handing out flyers for a future show and I very timidly went up to her and told her what an inspiration she had been to me *blush stammer blush* yadda yadda yadda. She hugged me and said thanks, and handed me a flyer. I told her I didn't live in LA so I wouldn't be there, but that it was nice meeting her. She said thanks for coming to the show and it was nice meeting me as well. Now, those that know me know I'm a tough cookie to crumble, and somewhat of a well- jaded bitch. So slobbery - "wow, you rock" - stuff isn't something one is likely to hear from me. But man, that was a goooood nite :) But I digress...
Kathy was playing as good as ever and solidly held the music down with Gina. She was playing a totally silver bass- I mean silver body, silver neck, silver headstock, silver knobs...pretty neat-o. She looked kewl in her leather hip-huggers and beaded fringe halter top. Did I mention she was my favorite Go-Go? They performed a few new songs. One I liked especially called "Apologies" had that wonderful melodic, hard-pop, ton-o-hooks sound that made The Go-Gos famous. They have a new album coming out, which everyone should buy TWO of. Until then, if you get a chance to see them live - DO IT!!! You wont be sorry. No, I won't give ya that cliché "They still got the beat", so I'll just say: They Rawk.
Dee
(editors note: my good friend Dee aka 'Shandi' used to be a git player along with Punky in the band Leathur Panteez)
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