1984 the Autumn of Our Discontent

1984 Fall... from grace...

So...where's Jane?

In October 1984, Jane Wiedlin, a founding member and principal writer in the Go-Go's, quit the band. 

Go-Go's Go on Minus Writer Jane Wiedlin

article in Los Angeles Times

by Robert Hilburn

October 12, 1984

Long time music critic and friend Robert Hilburn reported the news in the Los Angeles Times in October 1984. 

Excerpt from Hilburn's article in the LA Times:

I've been doing the same job for seven years and it's time to move on, said Jane. I'm excited and scared and relieved. The great thing is we're still friends. That was important to me. 

At the time the remaining members of the GoGo's were confident about their ability to carry on. They set out to recruit a new musician. They planned to work on a new album in February.

Jane Wiedlin wanted more artistic freedom and the chance to sing her own songs. She had been limited to guitar and background vocals. Lead vocals had been handled by Belinda Carlisle. There was also limited space on albums for her songs.

Jane said she thought of leaving after the GoGo's 1982 marathon tour but didn't do so because of the many problems encountered by the group. 

With Jane leaving, the other members of the band initially expressed anger and sadness. But they believed the band would persevere. They would soon set out to find a replacement. 

A new GoGo lineup would most likely involve switching Kathy Valentine from bass to guitar. Carlisle assured fans that the new member would definitely be a girl with a fun-loving attitude.

All the while - CINEMAX was airing Go-Go's Live at the Greek (1984) concert on TV during the month of October 1984.

The Girlish GoGo's Vow to Keep Going Even Though Guitarist Jane Wiedlin Has Up and Gone

People magazine

October 29, 1984

GoGo's in People magazine

1984 photo: Neal Preston

People magazine reported to the world Jane Wiedlin's decision to leave the band.

Somehow, between Vacation and their third album Talk Show, the GoGo's bubbly world had lost its fizz. 

Charlotte - My woman's intuition tells me it's going to be a good thing for both Jane and the band.

Gina  - In private life, you pay a price for making the GoGo's the most important part of your life.

Belinda - Now people are buying our albums for the right reason; the music, not because we're some cute novelty. 

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