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At the head of that new wave, was the pert, sweet-


toned voice of the band’s lead vocalist…Belinda Carlisle. A woman who, along with her talented bandmates, managed to ride the crazy rollercoaster of the Go Go’s early smash success…And all of its excesses. They and she have witnessed their share of life’s ups and downs, events that are inexorably linked with a career in the music industry. But, Carlisle has ridden that wave and is still making her presence known. Like those of us who spent our early adulthood listening to the Go Go’s music, the songs and her outlook may have evolved and matured, but, Carlisle is still relevant and at the leading edge of performance, change and activism. Certainly, she’s a woman who still manages to “Get Up and Go.”


What was most important to you as a kid, as far as music is concerned? Music was always important to me. My first memories are of loving pop music and probably when I joined the local Beatles Fan Club on our block…I loved the Beatles! I remember my first concert at the Hollywood Bowl being Glen Campbell, the first single I bought was “Aquarius” by the Fifth Dimension and Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys was my first album. I grew up in Southern California and music was very much part of the culture there. “California Pop” is part of me on a cellular level. I don’t remember a time when music wasn’t important, really. Who most influenced you as a singer? Linda Ronstadt, Patsy Cline, Dinah Washington, Chrissie Hynde and Debbie Harry. They were my role models and they played a big part in my wanting to be a singer. Your voice and the Go Go’s music are a big part of the soundtrack for my early days as a young man and coming out. My first boyfriend was so into your music and there are many sweet, sweet memories associated with your music. Thank you for that. What for you, are some of the most powerful memories around those early years? It was a whirlwind and it all came and went so fast...But they are all good memories. It started out as a girl’s club and went beyond anything any of us could have imagined. There were ups and downs, of course, but 99 percent of it was just so amazing. If you had advice for yourself as a young woman entering the music industry, what might it be?


Simply…Don’t do drugs. (Laughs)


It’s hard to believe that was 39 years ago…What would you say is the most significant thing you have learned as an artist? Always be true to yourself—that’s so impor- tant—all the times I wasn’t, I ended up really regretting it. We’re so happy you haven’t given up performing and touring, even though there have been rumors that you and the Go Go’s might. Yeah, I’ll always sing and I think I’ll always


have that opportunity. I have such an amazing back catalogue between the Go Go’s and my own stuff. You have always been such an ardent supporter of the LGBT community. (Thank you!) What motivated you early on, and how has it changed over the years? Since I was a teenager, I have always had a lot


of gay friends. That fact still holds true today, 95 percent of my friends are gay or lesbian…I have just always loved the LGBT community. They were friends first and foremost, and I lost a lot of friends back in the early ‘80s to AIDS. Also, having a gay son has made me even more active in the commu- nity - PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) is an amazing organization that I have been involved with. They do such great work! I’ve always been about being “authentic.” I’m a


gypsy and I’m not normal… I know that. I may look normal but I’m not normal. (Laughs) I just read that your son is involved in the #ResistMarch during L.A. Pride this year. How proud a momma are you? I’m very proud and lucky to have him as my son. I


can’t imagine it any other way. Tell us a little about your work with Animal People Alliance. Ever since I was a little girl… I have loved animals. About eight years ago, I went to Udaipur, India. I went to this amazing animal hospital that was created by this great American family from Seattle, Jim and Erica Abrams and their daughter, Claire. They created everything that I ever dreamed of. They had an animal hospital and sanctuary for beasts of burden, a spayed and neutering program along with educational programs. They do so much for the animals in that area. I thought, this is something that I really, really


want to do one day and I’ll know when the time is right. So, a year ago, a friend of mine, Paul Suit, [the managing director of a non-governmental organization (NGO) called “Made by Survivors” herfuturecoalition.org] and I met in Bangkok with


APRIL 2017 | RAGE monthly 37


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