The Go-Go's-Concert Review-Hollywood Bowl-9/29/12

A capacity crowd of over 17,000 people packed the Hollywood Bowl tonight to see the triumphant return of the Go-Go's. It had been over 30 years since the band had played the historic stage in their hometown. After a 5 minute video retrospective played on the venue's big screens, the band took the stage with the Rocky theme song "Eye of the Tiger" playing in the background. Guitarist Jane Wiedlin told the enthusiastic crowd that the band was formed less than a mile away from the Bowl in the heart of Hollywood so they considered this show a homecoming. They opened the concert with the song "This Town" which seemed a very fitting beginning to what was to be a very special night.


The Go-Go's: Charlotte Caffey, Belinda Carlisle, Gina Schock, Abby Travis, Jane Wiedlin

The classic Go-Go's lineup was on stage tonight with the exception of bassist Kathy Valentine who is sidelined with a wrist injury. Friend of the band, Abby Travis filled in on bass and did a terrific job during the band's hour and a half, seventeen song set. After many years of breakups and reunions the band seem to be having fun together again. Below is a video we shot of the band playing "Vacation" complete with dancing water skiers.



The band played a high energy show that seemed to channel some of their old 1980's new wave spirit. They played songs from all the different eras of the band's career as well as a few songs from their solo careers. The band gave the Belinda Carlisle song "Mad About You" a whole new vibe by speeding up the tempo to the point where it sounded like it could have been pulled right out of the Go-Go's back catalog. They also performed "Cool Places" a song that guitarist Jane Wiedlin originally recorded with Sparks in 1983. Belinda taking over the male vocal parts originally recorded by Russell Mael.

After over 30 years together the band have all become seasoned musicians. Belinda's vocals are strong and she still has the same charm and charisma that she had during the band's heyday. Guitarist Charlotte Chaffey told the crowd that she had actually been on the Bowl stage three times, twice with the Go-Go's and a third time when she graduated high school. Charlotte and Jane's guitar playing were both extraordinary this evening. Jane even took the opportunity to play a short guitar solo toward the end of the band's set. With the back beat playing such a vital role in the Go-Go's sound, drummer Gina Schock's talent really shined throughout the show.

The band sent the crowd into a frenzy by ending the night with three of their most well known songs. Their first two singles from the Beauty and the Beat album "We Got The Beat" and "Our Lips are Sealed" and the encore "Head Over Heels" from 1984's Talk Show. A perfect ending to an unforgettable night of music. I know that there had been talk last year of the tour being their last. There were 17,000 people in the crowd tonight (including us) that would love to make this Hollywood Bowl show an annual homecoming.

  

Set List:

This Town

Vacation

Tonight

How Much More

Get Up and Go

Mad About You

Lust To Love

Stuck In My Car

Automatic

Fading Fast

Cool Jerk

Cool Places

Unforgiven

Skid Marks On My Heart

We Got The Beat

Our Lips Are Sealed

Encore:

Head Over Heels