The Bangles......are inarguably one of the greatest female bands of all time. Their sunny harmonies, jangling guitars, and garage rock sensibilities earned them hit after hit, cementing their place in music history.
Founded by LA natives Susanna Hoffs (guitar/vocals), and sisters Debbi Peterson (drums/guitar/vocals), and Vicki Peterson (guitar/vocals), and bass player Annette Zilinskas, the band first hit the music radar in 1981 as 'The Bangs', holding their own in LA's "Paisley Underground" scene. Annette's departure to headline another group opened the door for former Runaway Michael Steele, who joined the Bangles just as they signed with CBS/Columbia Records to record their major label debut; 1984's ALL OVER THE PLACE, followed by 1986's multi-Platinum A DIFFERENT LIGHT, and '88's multi-Platinum EVERYTHING. Hit singles "Manic Monday", "Walking Down Your Street", "In Your Room", "Hazy Shade Of Winter", and the record-setting Number Ones "Walk Like An Egyptian" and "Eternal Flame" shot the Bangles to worldwide status as the chart topping pop-princesses of the decade. |
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The stress of the Bangles' skyrocketing fame and exhausting touring schedule resulted in a nearly 10-year hiatus, but by 1998 the Fab Fem Four were back in the studio, recording the single "Get the Girl" for the soundtrack of Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. In 2000, the Bangles began global touring, and in 2003 released their well-received fifth studio album DOLL REVOLUTION, which generated a #1 German single with "Something That You Said". In 2007 they released their live concert DVD, RETURN TO BANGLEONIA.
Although Michael Steele retired from the band in 2005, the Bangles continued to tour the world, leveraging the talents of guest bassists including original Bangs member Annette Zalinskas, and proto-Bangs "Those Girls" bassist Amanda Hills, And in 2011, Debbi, Vicki, and Susanna released the Bangles 6th studio album SWEETHEART OF THE SUN, in 2014 they brought out the 80's-era rarities compilation LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...THE BANGLES!, and in 2019, they teamed up with Paisley Underground cohorts The Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade, and The Three O'Clock to release the compilation covers album 3X4.
2020 finds the Bangles continuing their legacy of delighting and inspiring old and new generations of fans worldwide.
Although Michael Steele retired from the band in 2005, the Bangles continued to tour the world, leveraging the talents of guest bassists including original Bangs member Annette Zalinskas, and proto-Bangs "Those Girls" bassist Amanda Hills, And in 2011, Debbi, Vicki, and Susanna released the Bangles 6th studio album SWEETHEART OF THE SUN, in 2014 they brought out the 80's-era rarities compilation LADIES AND GENTLEMEN...THE BANGLES!, and in 2019, they teamed up with Paisley Underground cohorts The Dream Syndicate, Rain Parade, and The Three O'Clock to release the compilation covers album 3X4.
2020 finds the Bangles continuing their legacy of delighting and inspiring old and new generations of fans worldwide.
bandmembers emeritus
micki
Acclaimed bassist Michael "Micki" Steele already had a strong career before joining the Bangles. An original member of the Runaways (she can be heard on bass and lead vocals on their album Born to Be Bad), her resume also included Elton Duck, Slow Children, Toni and The Movers, Nadia Kapiche, and Snakefinger. In 1983, Michael replaced Annette Zilinskas as the Bangles' bassist, cementing a lineup that would give the band their biggest hits.
In addition to her incredible basslines, Michael sang lead on many Bangles tracks including their cover of 'September Gurls', as well as her self-penned songs 'Following', 'Complicated Girl', 'Something To Believe In', 'Glitter Years', 'Nickel Romeo', 'Between The Two', and 'Song for a Good Son', as well as taking lead on the second verse of the band's smash hit 'Walk Like An Egyptian'. Citing personal reasons, Michael left the spotlight of the performing life and officially departed the Bangles in 2005.
In addition to her incredible basslines, Michael sang lead on many Bangles tracks including their cover of 'September Gurls', as well as her self-penned songs 'Following', 'Complicated Girl', 'Something To Believe In', 'Glitter Years', 'Nickel Romeo', 'Between The Two', and 'Song for a Good Son', as well as taking lead on the second verse of the band's smash hit 'Walk Like An Egyptian'. Citing personal reasons, Michael left the spotlight of the performing life and officially departed the Bangles in 2005.
annette
Original Bangs/Bangles bassist Annette Zilinskas left to be the lead vocalist for Blood on the Saddle in 1983, following that as a member of Los Angeles bands Weather Bell, The Ringling Sisters, and Medicine. In 2018 Annette returned to performing with her Bangles bandmates for concert appearances..
'Big Takeover' interview with Annette HERE
'Performance Anxiety' interview with Annette HERE