1978 May-June -Ready, Steady Go-Go!

May 1978
The original line-up for the Go-Go's:

• Belinda Carlisle on vocals,
• Jane Wiedlin on guitar,
• Margot Olaverria on bass
• Elissa Bello on drums.

The girls rented and shared rehearsal space at the Masque with the band the Motels. They got pointers on how to play from members of other bands.

They also rehearsed in the basement of the Canterbury apartments. The manager let them practice there. The girls had only rehearsed a few times before their first show.

Belinda wanted to sing. Jane opted for guitar.

On May 29, 1978, while at the Whisky, Darby Crash asked Belinda and Margo if the girls were going to play that night at the Masque for Hal Negro's birthday party.
They said, Sure! We'll play.

So the Go-Go’s just went to the Masque and played.

Former site of the Masque

2008photo:tlc

They played a 2 1/2 song set at the gig.

Set list of their first gig:

• Overrun
• Robert Hilburn
• Overrun (again)

As Belinda once put it, People were either laughing or they were just
horrified at what they saw.

Schedule for the Masque 1977-78
(No concerts between Jan and May 1978)

source:alicebag

June 1978
The GoGo's played the next night at the Masque - their first official gig.

Belinda

source:PlanetGoGo

June 1, 1978

The GoGo's first official gig - YEAH!

Masque

w/Rhino 39, Plugz, the Bags

Who is playing around town...

source:flipside fanzine

Charlotte Caffey had been playing bass in a local band called the Eyes. They had been a band for about a year. One night (June 1978) after seeing an Eyes show, Margot ask Charlotte if she could play lead guitar. Charlotte assured her she could. Margo asked her if she would like to join the GoGo's. Charlotte said she would seriously consider it.

Charlotte began to learn how to play lead guitar and left for England with the Eyes for a short tour. When she returned, Charlotte decided it was time to change bands and go with the GoGo's.

July 1978
Charlotte returns from touring with the Eyes in England and quits the band.
She then joins the Go-Go's.

The GoGo's were thrilled to have a real musician in the band.

July 1978 GoGo lineup:

• Jane- rhythm guitar
  
• Charlotte lead guitar
  
• Belinda - vocals
  
• Margo - bass guitar
  
• Elisa -drums.

Jane was impressed with Charlotte's music abilities. She knew the names of chords and how to plug into amps properly.

Charlotte proved to have strong music and songwriting skills. After Charlotte joined, the band
sound improved dramatically.

Jane, Margot, Charlotte, Belinda and Elisa

PlanetGoGo's

Jane, Charlotte, Belinda and Margot

photo:PlanetGoGos

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