One of the biggest fundraisers for the foundation each year is Elton John’s Academy Awards Party.  This past year, the lovely Belinda Carlisle and hubby Morgan Mason attended.  Belinda’s been spending more time in SoCal lately.  There are very few things that would make me miss The Go-Go’s return to the Sunset Strip.  But family issues kept me on the east coast while the girls revisited their roots at The Roxy.  The reason for this rare club date was a warmup for their appearance at Coachella last weekend and next month’s Cruel World festival.  From the looks of it, they’re having a great time.  Admittedly, they are only doing five shows – I think even the Eagles could get through that!  The Go-Go’s have always been enthusiastic musicians, but what surprised me most about these shows were the vocals.  With a more active performing schedule than usual, Belinda Carlisle’s voice is in great shape (adjusted keys notwithstanding).  But she’s not alone.  Jane Wiedlin, who has faced a variety of health issues, is exceptionally strong.  They were joined by Kathy Valentine and Charlotte Caffey on some glorious harmonies that one might almost call Bangle-esque (which I know Jane hates).  All the while, Gina Schock kept the beat – proving that after seven years away, she is still The Go-Go’s MVP.  These shows reminded us why the band has always soared above their contemporaries with a catalogue of hits rarely rivaled – let alone bettered.

As to the Coachella show, it was a bit more ragtag – likely due to the heat (which seemed to get to Belinda during “Our Lips Are Sealed”).  They were joined onstage by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong for “Head Over Heels”.  While it was fun seeing Belinda relegated to a backup singer on a Go-Go’s hit, it’s strange that Billie Joe didn’t join them on the previous song – “Unforgiven” – which he co-wrote and recorded with them. There are always technical issues at these large festivals – and Carlisle is never one to just take them in her stride (see her appearance at LA Pride in 2012).  The projected videos (likely produced by Dan Rucks of Dan-O-Rama) certainly added to the kitsch factor and provided a perfect setting.  You can check out clips from both shows on BillyMasters.com.