The Bangles
Friday - December 26, 2008
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While shoulder pads and loud metallic jewelry never made their way back from the 1980s, the music of that era has never left the hearts of those who reveled in it - including hits by the Bangles.
Arguably the biggest all-girl band of the ‘80s, their resume includes the international No. 1 single Eternal Flame, and multi-platinum album A Different Light, which contained hit singles such as Walk Like An Egyptian, Manic Monday and Walking Down Your Street. Then there are familiar tunes such as If She Knew What She Wants, In Your Room, Going Down To Liverpool.
The 24/7, all-consuming music lifestyle and a number of personal reasons left the ladies - Susanna Hoffs, Debbi Peterson, Vicki Peterson and Michael Steele - in array and in need for a break. Following their own personal paths, the ladies took what would be an eight-year haitus.
In 1997 motherhood brought Susanna and Debbi together, and the idea of getting back together had them meeting with Vicki and Michael to see what they thought of the reunion.
With everyone on board, in 1999 they hit the studios to record the song, Get the Girl for the Austin Powers:The Spy Who Shagged Me soundtrack. And in 2003 they released their latest full-length album, Doll Revolution, which received positive reviews, including generating a No. 1 single in Germany with Something That You Said.
A year later, Michael decided to retire from the group. Her reason was primarily to spend more time at home. Susanna, Vicki and Debbi made a group decision to move forward as a trio.
On New Year’s Eve, the ladies will make their way to Hawaii for a one-night-only performance at Hilton Hawaiian Village. They will perform all their greatest hits as they ring in the new year with their fans.
Opening for the Bangles is local favorite A Touch of Gold. Using a dazzling display of dancing and singing, A Touch Of Gold mixes the thrill of the golden oldies and contemporary music.
Preshow entertainment begins at 9:30 p.m. and the Bangles will take the stage at 10:45 until the clock strikes midnight. Doors open to the Coral Ballroom for the concert at 9 p.m.
Tickets are $90, $130 and $200. All tickets are general admission within each assigned table. Tickets are available for purchase from Honolulu Box Office. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.honoluluboxoffice.com or call 550-8457. For more information, visit http://www.hawaiipacificentertainment.com.
MidWeek caught up with Vicki Peterson,guitarist and singer for The Bangles,for a more intimate look at how one of the greatest all-female groups ever is holding up:
Can you talk about how the band has changed since regrouping in 1999?
We’ve seen several changes since 1999, one of the major ones being Michael Steele’s choice to leave the band in 2005.
What were the goals for the group when you all decided to start up again?
We were really clear with each other when we regrouped: We stated things we hoped for and things we feared about returning to Bangledom.We wanted to continue to make new music, and to find a viable, interesting, balanced way to go out and play it, along with the older faves.
How have your relationships with each other changed?
I think we’re all more patient with each other’s foibles and individual needs, while having a greater respect for what each of us brings to the band.
Has it been much more challenging to continue with the group with children and families?
Absolutely. We drive our manager and agents crazy.
What are the biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge is probably finding the overall balance between Bangling and family life. We fit everything in around kids’school and activities scheduling, and sometimes things take awhile to get done (just ask our fans who are waiting for a new record ...).
To keep everyone happy and working together, what are key priorities within the group?
Mutual respect, fun. Fun is underrated.
How was it like shifting from four members to three when Michael left in 2003?
We took much of 2004 off (Debbi was pregnant with her second child) and when 2005 rolled around, Michael decided that she wanted to do other things. It was odd, understandably, since we’d functioned always as a four-piece, and Micki had been a part of the band for so, so long (we did have two bass players before her). But we made a deliberate decision to not formally replace her with a band member.We felt that was appropriate and respectful. This year we even hired a - shock, horror - male bass player!
Where has the bulk of your touring been?
We love touring Europe and get there as often as we can, but generally we tour in the States.
What can fans expect at the Hawaii concert? Is it a combination of old and new material?
Yes, most definitely. We have a comfortable relationship with our old songs; we mess with them a little, inserting musical non sequiturs here and there ... and we’ll probably grab a few things from Doll Revolution.
Right now, what are the goals of the group?
The major goal right now is the writing and arranging of songs for a new record. Finally, huh?
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