The Bangles
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, Debbi Peterson, Annette Zilinskas |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
The Bangles are a Los Angeles-based American all-female pop rock ensemble that formed in 1981. They gained widespread commercial acclaim throughout the 1980s with chart-topping tracks such as the international sensation "Walk Like an Egyptian" (1986), the Prince-penned hit "Manic Monday" (1986), and their rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s "Hazy Shade of Winter" (1987), which appeared in the movie Less Than Zero. Their internationally chart-topping ballad "Eternal Flame" (1989) remains one of their most recognizable songs. Other significant singles include "In Your Room" (1988) and "If She Knew What She Wants" (1986).
The group was founded by Susanna Hoffs along with sisters Vicki Peterson and Debbi Peterson, emerging from Los Angeles' Paisley Underground movement. Their sound combined elements of 1960s rock with power-pop influences. The original members consisted of Hoffs on guitar and vocals, Vicki Peterson handling guitar and vocals, Debbi Peterson on drums and vocals, and Annette Zilinskas playing bass. After Zilinskas exited in 1983, Michael Steele, previously with the Runaways, joined as bassist and vocalist, establishing what is considered the classic lineup.
Their debut album, All Over the Place released in 1984, received critical praise and cultivated a dedicated following, setting the stage for their commercial success with the 1986 release Different Light. This album helped secure their status as one of the foremost female-led bands of the decade.
After releasing their third record, Everything in 1988, which featured the successful single "Eternal Flame," internal conflicts caused the band to disband in 1989. They later reunited in the late 1990s to produce new music and embark on tours. In 2018, original bassist Annette Zilinskas rejoined the group.
Formation and early years (1981–1983)
In December 1980, Susanna Hoffs joined forces with sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson—each previously active in separate bands—after responding to advertisements placed in The Recycler newspaper in Los Angeles. Hoffs soon connected with Annette Zilinskas, who became the bassist, completing their initial lineup. Initially performing under the name the Colours in 1981, they quickly adopted the name the Bangs. As part of Los Angeles' Paisley Underground scene, their music was heavily influenced by 1960s rock styles.
In 1981, Hoffs and the Peterson sisters independently released a single titled "Getting Out of Hand" on their own DownKiddie Records label. They subsequently signed with Faulty Products, a label established by Miles Copeland. The early formation—Hoffs (vocals/guitar), Vicki Peterson (guitar/vocals), Debbi Peterson (vocals/drums), and Zilinskas (vocals/bass)—recorded an EP in 1982 that included the single "The Real World". Their performances at Hollywood’s Lhasa Club gained attention; however, due to trademark issues, they were compelled to change their band name.
Both Hoffs and Vicki Peterson contributed to the 1984 collaborative album Rainy Day, which featured members from Rain Parade, the Dream Syndicate, and the Three O'Clock. After Faulty Products ceased operations, their EP was reissued by I.R.S. Records under the title Bangles. When Zilinskas left to focus on her band Blood on the Saddle, she was succeeded by Michael Steele, who had previously played with the Runaways among other groups.
Career zenith (1984–1989)
The Bangles' first release under Columbia Records, All Over the Place (1984), highlighted their power pop sound through singles such as "Hero Takes a Fall" and the Beatles-inspired "Going Down to Liverpool" (composed by Kimberley Rew). Their music video for "Liverpool," which included an appearance by Leonard Nimoy, enhanced their visibility through a familial connection. They further expanded their audience by serving as the opening act for Cyndi Lauper during her Fun Tour.
Their major breakthrough occurred when Prince offered them the song "Manic Monday," initially intended for Apollonia 6. The track climbed to number two on charts in the US, UK, and Germany, only surpassed by Prince's own hit "Kiss." Their sophomore album, Different Light (1986), presented a more refined production and was driven by the worldwide chart-topper "Walk Like an Egyptian" (written by Liam Sternberg), which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
Although there was early skepticism about "Walk Like an Egyptian," it successfully attracted a younger female demographic. Additional successful singles from Different Light included "Following" (reaching Ireland’s top 40), "Walking Down Your Street" (peaking at #11 on the US Hot 100), and "If She Knew What She Wants" (which reached #29 on the Hot 100 and remained in Germany’s top 20 for 13 weeks), penned by Jules Shear.
In 1987, their rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s "A Hazy Shade of Winter" appeared on the soundtrack for Less than Zero and climbed to number two in early 1988.
The 1988 release Everything, produced by Davitt Sigerson, reflected a change following dissatisfaction with their prior producer, David Kahne. This album achieved multiplatinum status and featured the top-five single "In Your Room" along with their highest-selling track, "Eternal Flame." Co-writer Billy Steinberg revealed that the title was inspired by the band’s visit to Elvis Presley’s Memphis residence, where they observed the extinguished eternal flame at Graceland.
"Eternal Flame" became their most successful global single and holds the distinction as the best-selling song by an all-female group. Lead vocalist Susanna Hoffs recorded her parts unclothed, influenced by producer Sigerson’s belief that this approach enhanced vocal delivery.
Breakup (1989)
Frictions intensified after media outlets designated Hoffs as the primary vocalist, despite lead singing responsibilities being shared and songwriting input coming from all members. Ultimately, the group dissolved in 1989.
Following the split, Hoffs embarked on a solo career; Vicki Peterson performed with the Continental Drifters and made occasional appearances with the Go-Go's; meanwhile, Michael Steele joined Crash Wisdom—a brief project whose songs were later incorporated into The Bangles' 2003 reunion album, Doll Revolution.
Re-formation (1998–present)
In 1998, The Bangles came back together to record the song "Get the Girl" for the soundtrack of Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, a reunion encouraged by director Jay Roach, who was married to Hoffs. This reunion paved the way for a 2000 tour and their subsequent induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. Between 2001 and 2002, the band worked on Doll Revolution, which was released in 2003 and featured songs such as "Stealing Rosemary" and "Something That You Said". While the album achieved notable success in Germany, it did not perform as well commercially in the UK, US, or Australia. In 2004, Paul McCartney presented them with honorary diplomas from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
Michael Steele exited the group in 2005 due to disagreements regarding touring and recording commitments; Abby Travis stepped in as her replacement for live performances until her departure in 2008. The band appeared on Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on December 31, 2005.
Work on Sweetheart of the Sun commenced in 2009, culminating in its release in September 2011. The album was supported by a U.S. tour that included opening acts Antigone Rising and A Fragile Tomorrow. In December 2013, The Bangles participated alongside reunited Paisley Underground bands in benefit concerts held at San Francisco's Fillmore and Los Angeles' Fonda Theatre, focusing on their early repertoire. They also performed at the Whisky a Go Go's 50th anniversary event in January 2014.
Annette Zilinskas, the original bassist, returned for select performances beginning in 2014 and fully rejoined the band in 2018. This marked the first time since 1983 that the original lineup performed together.
In November 2018, The Bangles contributed three new songs to 3 × 4, a collaborative album featuring Dream Syndicate, The Three O'Clock, and Rain Parade, where each band covered one another’s tracks. Yep Roc Records released this compilation widely in February 2019. All four groups performed collectively at the Grammy Museum in May 2019.
Current
- Vicki Peterson – lead guitar, lead and backing vocals, keyboards (1981–1989, 1998–present)
- Susanna Hoffs – rhythm guitar, lead and backing vocals (1981–1989, 1998–present)
- Debbi Peterson – drums, lead and backing vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion (1981–1989, 1998–present)
- Annette Zilinskas – bass guitar, occasional backing vocals, harmonica (1981–1983, 2018–present)
Former
- Michael Steele – bass guitar, backing and lead vocals, acoustic guitar (1983–1989, 1998–2005)
Touring
- Abby Travis – bass guitar (2005–2008)
- Derrick Anderson – bass guitar (2008–2016)
- Walker Igleheart – keyboards (1980s)
- Greg "Harpo" Hilfman – keyboards (1989, 1998–2011)
Discography
Studio albums
- All Over the Place (1984)
- Different Light (1986)
- Everything (1988)
- Doll Revolution (2003)
- Sweetheart of the Sun (2011)
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Brit Awards | Themselves | Best International Group | |
| Smash Hits Poll Winners Party | Most Promising New Act | |||
| American Video Awards | "Walk Like an Egyptian" | Best Group Performance | ||
| MTV Video Music Awards | Best Group Video | |||
| Best Choreography | ||||
| 1988 | "Hazy Shade of Winter" | Best Video from a Film | ||
| Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards | Themselves | Favorite Music Group | ||
| Pollstar Concert Industry Awards | Next Major Arena Headliner | |||
| 1989 | Smash Hits Poll Winners Party | Best Group | ||
| 1990 | ASCAP Pop Music Awards | "Eternal Flame" | Most Performed Song | |
| 2015 | She Rocks Awards | Themselves | Lifetime Achievement Award |
External links |
- Articles with short description
- The Bangles
- 1981 establishments in California
- American all-female bands
- American pop rock music groups
- Brit Award winners
- Columbia Records artists
- Elektra Records artists
- Epic Records artists
- Female-fronted musical groups
- I.R.S. Records artists
- Musical groups disestablished in 1989
- Musical groups established in 1981
- Musical groups from Los Angeles
- All-female pop bands
- Sibling musical groups