In the ’80s, the Bangles were one of the most prominent American all-female pop rock groups. Formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, their blend of ’60s music in ’80s style broke big, most notably, on the music channels on the television in early days. They have presented five Top 5 hits.
Initially, the group took the name of The Supersonic Bangs. Later, they had shortened it to The Bangs. Finally, they changed their name to The Bangles.
The Bangles were initially influenced by the 60s British Invasion bands and California garage rock. However, they succeeded to create distinctive music with jangly guitars and tight vocal harmonies.
In 1982, the Bangles released their first eponymous Extended Play (EP), Bangles. Back then, the five songs of the EP were not widely available. However, the EP was released later again as part of their 2014 compilation, Ladies and Gentlemen…..The Bangles!
In 1984, the Bangles released their debut album, All Over the Place, which gained much critical acclaim. Their second album, Different Light (1986), was a huge commercial success and also gained wide popularity for the band. The album sold over 4 million copies. The album included their hit singles, Manic Monday, a song written by music legend Prince, Walk Like and Egyptian that hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and If She Knew What She Wants (1986). In 1987, the band covered Hazy Shade of Winter, originally by Simon & Garfunkel, which was included in the background score of the film Less Than Zero. Their third album, Everything (1988), included hit singles In Your Room and Eternal Flame, the single that hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1989.
Catchy melodies and the synchronization of four distinct voices are the characteristics of the Bangles songs. Their music style conceives classic pop, new wave, punk, and rockabilly. The band has collaborated with music legends such as Prince, Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner, and Paul Simon. Numerous other artists have covered their signature song, Eternal Flame. The band has also scored theme songs for movies such as Mystic Pizza (1988) and For Keeps (1988) and contributed to the soundtrack of the movie Austin Power: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
Ten best songs from the Bangles include Eternal Flame, Walk Like an Egyptian, Manic Monday, If She Knew What She Wants, Walking Down Your Street, In Your Room, Going Down to Liverpool, Sweetheart of the Sun, Following, and A Hazy Shade of Winter.
The Bangles were involved with the Paisley Underground music movement in their early years. The original band members are Susanna Hoffs on guitar and vocals, Vicki Peterson on guitar and vocals, Debbi Peterson on drums and vocals, and Annettee Zilinskas on bass.
Susanna Hoffs is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the band, also known for her contributions in songwriting. She has also released several solo albums. Lead guitarist and vocalist, Vicki Peterson, along with her sister Debbi, played a key role in the band’s jangly guitar sound. She has also played in other bands such as the Continental Drifters and the Psycho Sisters. Drummer and vocalist, Debbi Peterson provides the rhythmic backbone of the band’s sound. She, like her sister, has been involved in other musical projects, including the duo Kindred Spirit. Annettee Zilinskas was the original member of the band, who played bass and harmonica but left the band to join Blood on the Saddle as lead singer before the Bangles’ first album. She rejoined the Bangles in 2018. Bassist and vocalist Michael Steele joined the band in 1983 to replace Annette Zilinskas. He contributed significantly to the band’s sound and songwriting until their 1989 dissolution.
The Bangles broke up in 1989 and reunited in 1998. After reunion, they have released two albums, Doll Revolution (2003) and Sweetheart of the Sun (2011). Doll Revolution was the comeback album of the band that included the hit single, Something That You Said. The album Sweetheart of the Sun was returning to the roots for the band with their 1960s influences and jangly guitar work.
The Bangles have toured mostly in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. In the 1980s, they toured in support of their albums and singles such as All Over the Place (1984) and Everything (1988). After their reunion, they have toured briefly in 2000 and then continued touring and performing in the 2010s and 2020s. The band continues to perform on occasion and tours all over America and Europe. The band also performs at various festivals and events, and some of their shows have been professionally recorded for release or broadcast.
The Bangles have released five studio albums in total. Besides, they have released ten compilation albums, one extended play, twenty-five singles, and three video albums. Their compilation albums are Greatest Hits (1990), September Gurls (1995), Simply the best/ Super Hits (1998), Best of the Bangles (1999), Eternal Flame – The Best of the Bangles (2001), The Essential Bangles (2004), Glitter Years: Rarities & Gems (2005), Playlist: The Very Best of the Bangles (2008), Ladies and Gentlemen…..The Bangles! (2014), and Gold (2020). Their video albums are the Greatest Hits (1990), Doll Revolution (2003), and Return to Bangleonia (2007).
The Bangles were nominated for the Best New Artist and the Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group at the 1986 Grammy Awards. They are also seen on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The band is credited by critics for their contributions to the development of alternative rock and power pop. They transcended all the barriers to become an all-female band to excel in a genre that was often dominated by men. Nevertheless, the Bangles’ music is considered as synonymous with 80s pop culture.
The Bangles continue to be active in the music industry, touring and releasing new music, keeping their legacy alive for new generations of fans and inspiring emerging artists. Their music has become a part of the cultural fabric, inspiring countless covers, tributes, and references in popular media.