The Bangles, an all-female rock band, gained prominence in the 1980s with their memorable songs and impressive harmonies. Throughout the years, their dynamic performances and dedication to music have captivated numerous fans and even in 2023, ‘Eternal Flame’ remains stuck in most people’s heads like a curse. For those who appreciate this legendary group, there is always a desire to learn more about their story, including lesser-known facts. In this article, we will be getting into five intriguing facts about The Bangles that every fan should be aware of, shedding light on some of the lesser-known aspects of their journey.
The Name
The Bangles weren’t always called that. They began as The Colours, then transitioned to The Bangs, but soon realized they had to change their name again because another band was already using it. That other band offered to sell the name for $20,000, but the girls refused. After some brainstorming, they settled on ‘Bangles,’ which not only sounded similar to ‘Beatles’ but was also the title of a song by the Electric Prunes. Talk about a happy accident!
Bonding
The Bangles formed in 1981 when sisters Debbi and Vicki Peterson were searching for another member for their band while Susanna Hoffs was looking to join one. The trio bonded over their shared love for The Beatles and John Lennon, who had recently been killed. Their shared musical interests laid the foundation for a strong connection that would help define their sound.
The Prince Effect
In their early days, The Bangles caught the attention of the late, great Prince, who offered them a song he had written called ‘Manic Monday.’ This song became a huge hit for the girls, reaching number two in both the US and the UK, only kept off the top spot by Prince’s own single, ‘Kiss.’ Interestingly, The Bangles are known for writing nearly all of their own material, but their first four top 10 singles were penned by someone else.
According to 80s Kids, Vicki Peterson had addressed this, saying:
“We’ve always been writing. Yes, we accepted outside material, big deal. They were good songs, we wanted to do them. We’re not stupid, we hear a good song, we’re gonna want to do it.”
As Vicki says, the band was okay with this as they knew that their songwriting skills were great as well. The criticism did not get to them after all because they cannot refuse an opportunity they have to sing a good song just because they want their own songs to accelerate in charts.
Eternal Naked Flame
Susanna Hoffs made an interesting revelation about recording the lead vocals for ‘Eternal Flame.’ She was completely naked while singing, hoping to emulate Olivia Newton-John, who reportedly did the same to make her voice sound more ‘vulnerable.’ Although The Bangles enjoyed immense success, tensions within the group, particularly over the perception that Hoffs was the lead singer, eventually led to their split. Hoffs then pursued a solo career, but it didn’t last long.
The Reformation
After a decade of separation and Hoffs’ unsuccessful solo career, The Bangles reunited to record a song for the soundtrack of the film ‘Austin Powers: The Spy Who S****ed Me.’ They remain officially together, and while their last tour was in 2016, they recorded three new tracks for a compilation album in 2018. Debbi Peterson admits they sometimes miss the simplicity of playing in small, sweaty clubs.
The Bangles
Over the years, The Bangles have made a significant impact on the music industry, and their story is filled with insights and lesser-known details which are always interesting to fans. From the origins of their distinctive band name to their association with the legendary Prince, and even their unconventional recording techniques, The Bangles have managed to both surprise and engage their fans.
As we continue to enjoy their timeless music, it is essential to recognize the journey they have taken and the legacy they have built. Fans old and new can appreciate the various facets of their story, taking a closer look at the inner workings of this iconic all-female rock band.
