The Go-Go’s have played a big role in my life.  Even though they broke up (for the first time) shortly after I entered high school, thebjjjjy reunited by the time I got to college.  Not only had I realized I was gay, but I realized that they were gay icons (well, seeing Sara Gilbert at the shows kinda solidified it).  The girls often call themselves one big dysfunctional family, and as I’ve gotten to know them, I can confirm that’s pretty accurate.  Like most families, they’ve had their ups and downs.  But what I’ve always admired is that they’ve never made a secret of the problems.  Every time they fought, we knew they’d eventually get back together.  They never called any of their shows a farewell – until now.  The “GOing, GOing, GONE” tour came six years after Belinda Carlisle first broached the idea of disbanding.  In retrospect, she may have been onto something.  The girls may sound and look better than ever, but we currently have only four-fifths of the band.  Kathy Valentine was jettisoned three years ago – the most public schism yet.  Since Kathy’s ouster, the band has continued with fabulous bassist, Abby Travis.  But for purists, it’s not exactly the same – something I’m sure Bangles devotees felt when Abby replaced Michael Steele.

So I went into the final shows with mixed emotions.  At this point, the group is a well-oiled machine, and their set included all of the hits and a few rarities (including some which were only for die-hard fans).  The tour poetically wrapped up at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles – the site of their landmark Wild at the Greek concert in 1984.  This was not a weepy, maudlin farewell, but a celebration.  The capacity crowd danced and screamed for the full 90-minute concert, and the girls seemed to be having a blast.  Still, I couldn’t help but notice that just before the final bow, Belinda Carlisle stopped for a moment, scanned the audience, and took it all in.  She was the first to quietly slip away.  After the show, the girls hosted a reception for family and friends.  While most of the band were extremely accessible (including an incandescent Carlisle), Jane Wiedlin needed some time to herself before celebrating.  It should be noted that gay luminaries Tab Hunter and Greg Louganis were there to join in the fun.

One postscript – despite the bad blood between Kathy Valentine and the group, she still responded to a post on Belinda’s Instagram account.  “Sad not to be there!  I loved my 32 years in the Go-Go’s and hope for a great reunion at the RRHOF [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame]!!  love to all the fans and my former band.”  Carlisle quickly wrote back, “And we send our love to you.”  Something to look forward to…