- Charlotte's Syndrome
- Swing Shift
- LA Talent Pool
- KROQ
- David Bowie Tour Announced
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Charlotte Caffey was having problems playing the guitar.
There was a tingling numbness in her left hand. When she finally went to the doctor, she was diagnosed with carpel tunnel syndrome. Fluid had built up in her wrist and affected the nerves in her hand. She had no feelings in her hand and couldn't play the guitar.
At first she thought it would be a two week set back. But it lasted for months. She thought the problem came from the way she played guitar, the choked fingering style she had along with overexertion.
Charlotte says she went to four therapists and two MDs about it. They all wanted to operated. She said, No way! So they gave her cortisone shots to relieve the pain. All the while Charlotte got very depressed and lost weight. Her ailment took it's toll on the band. The band was frustrated and stressed. They feared they were losing momentum. Charlotte started to not show up for rehearsals - which caused even more resentments.
Then Charlotte read an article about how Vitamin B6 could possibly help. She believed this along with physical therapy helped her to eventually recover. She had to relearned her hand position on the guitar.
Belinda Works the Swing Shift
July 1983, Belinda Carlisle started work on a small part in an upcoming movie called Swing Shift. The filmed starred Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russel and was directed by Jonathan Demme. It was released in April 1984.
Unfortunately Belinda's part in the movie turned out to be just a just brief appearance. She played the part of a Jamboree singer. Originally Belinda was to sing a 40's style song called The Magic of You.
1982-1983 was the golden age of new wave music in Los Angeles. Some credit has to be given to the Go-Go's for helping pave the wave for the plethora of new wave bands that were now gaining national recognition.
Tip of the Hat to the Go-Go's!
The Go-Go's became successful primarily through their own effort and on their own terms. When they started out in 1979 none of the established rock clubs would book them. They constantly had to play the lowest tier clubs in the seediest parts of L.A. striving for exposure and recognition. However, along the way they established a local following of adoring fans. They brought these fans with them as they finally played more traditional rock venues, such as the Whisky and Roxy. They had a major record contract and earned national acclaim. By 1982 the Go-Go's would become headliners at the Hollywood Palladium, the Greek Theater and the Hollywood Bowl. Hats off to you.
Happy Days
Los Angeles was an gold mine of musical talent in the late 1970's. Unfortunately only a few went on to success and national acclaim. The ones that did include X, Van Halen, thePlimsouls and the Blasters. They made it because they were good exceptional. Their music still resonates today. Even though the styles of music is all over the map - ranging from blues to rockabilly to Beatleque pop-rock to metal - it will always be recognized as Los Angeles music.
Sour Grapes - there are always a few...
Some in the local punk scene accused the Go-Go's of selling out. Balderdash! Pure stuff and nonsense! The GoGo's had always strove to be successful and when it happened, they should only be applauded. Jolly good indeed!
KROQ-FM Pasadena
1981 July -The Pasadena FM radio station KROQ became the first commercial station to adopt an all new-wave format.
In 1981-83 MTV became an important promotional tool of the record industry. There were many crude promotional ads and concert clips. Remember, at this time, most people didn't have cable television. They had one of these things...
For many, MTV was a mystery channel. But if you got it, you undoubtedly got a relentless rotation of:
The Go-Go's We Got the BeatThe Go-Go's Our Lips Are SealedOlivia Newton-John Lets Get PhysicalElvis Costello Everyday I Write the BookJoan Jett I Love Rock n RollThe Cars Shake It UpThe Clash Rock the CasbahEddie Money Think I'm In LovePeter Gabrie l Shock the MonkeyPrince 1999Sparks I PredictMichael Jackson ThrillerMichael Jackson Beat ItThe Police Every Breath You TakeDavid Bowie Let's DanceEnglish Beat I ConfessBillie Joel Allen TownStevie Nicks Stand BackBillie Joel Tell Her About ItCulture Club Do You Really Want to Hurt HerZZ Top Give Me All Your Lovin'
As the medium caught on, everyone wanted their MTV. But first you had to get cable.
David Bowie Tour Announced
In August 1983 it was announced that their was going to be a David Bowie concert on September 9th at Anaheim Stadium. It would be called the Serious Moonlight Tour. Opening for Bowie were the Go-Go's and Madness!
David Bowie
1983: photo: Denis O'Regan
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2 comments:
Hey TLC. Nice blog. This is my first visit but I will try to look back at some of your previous posts. Apparently, I was quite young when you and your siblings were playing in our front yard. I am glad you included Hilda in the shot. She was undoubtedly keeping an eye on you guys and Jigger.
See you soon.
Little Ricky
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