Belinda Carlisle

Belinda Carlisle: biography

Belinda Carlisle is an American singer, musician, and author. Carlisle gained fame as the lead vocalist of the all-female rock band The Go-Go's.

Childhood and youth

Belinda Carlisle, born on August 17, 1958, in Hollywood, California, had an interesting childhood and youth that eventually led her to a successful music career. Growing up in a creative environment, Carlisle developed a passion for music from an early age.

As a child, she was influenced by the vibrant music scene in Los Angeles, which exposed her to various genres and artists. She took piano lessons and performed in school plays, nurturing her artistic talents. During her teenage years, Carlisle became involved in the punk rock scene and was inspired by bands like The Germs and The Sex Pistols.

Throughout her youth, Carlisle faced personal challenges, including struggles with drug addiction. However, she eventually sought help and embarked on a journey of sobriety, which greatly influenced her life and music.

Belinda Carlisle's childhood and youth were marked by her musical exploration, exposure to the diverse music scene of Los Angeles, and her eventual rise to fame as the lead singer of The Go-Go's. Her experiences, both positive and challenging, contributed to shaping her as an artist and influenced the themes and emotions present in her music.

Music career

Belinda Carlisle's music career spans several decades, starting with her breakthrough as the lead vocalist of the all-female rock band The Go-Go's and later continuing as a successful solo artist.

In the late 1970s, Carlisle co-founded The Go-Go's, a band that quickly gained attention for their lively pop-rock sound and infectious energy. The group's debut album, "Beauty and the Beat" (1981), became a massive success, reaching the top of the charts and featuring hit singles like "We Got the Beat" and "Our Lips Are Sealed." The Go-Go's' music captured the spirit of the time and paved the way for other female-fronted bands. They were pioneers as the first all-female band to write their own songs and play their own instruments, challenging stereotypes in the music industry.

After The Go-Go's disbanded in 1985, Carlisle embarked on a solo career. Her debut solo album, "Belinda" (1986), showcased a more polished and melodic pop sound. The album's lead single, "Mad About You," became a major hit and established her as a solo artist. Carlisle's subsequent albums, including "Heaven on Earth" (1987) and "Runaway Horses" (1989), achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success. The single "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" from "Heaven on Earth" reached the number one spot on the charts and became Carlisle's signature song. Other popular singles from her solo career include "Circle in the Sand," "I Get Weak," and "Leave a Light On."

In 2001, the Go-Go's reunited and released the album "God Bless the Go-Go's." The album received mixed reviews but charted on the US Billboard 200 at number 57. Around the same time, Belinda Carlisle posed nude for Playboy magazine. In 2007, Carlisle released her solo album "Voila," featuring French pop tunes and chanson standards. She participated in the eighth season of Dancing with the Stars in 2009 but was the first star to be eliminated. Later that year, Carlisle joined the West End production of Hairspray in the role of Velma Von Tussle until early 2010.

Between 2011 and 2012, Belinda Carlisle toured the United States with the Go-Go's, performing at notable venues like the Greek Theatre and the Hollywood Bowl. In 2013, she released the single "Sun" after a 17-year gap, which received positive reviews. Remastered versions of her albums, including "Heaven on Earth" and "Runaway Horses," were released in 2013, featuring bonus content and music videos. In 2014, Carlisle released the compilation albums "The Collection" and "Anthology," which included hits and previously unreleased tracks. She confirmed the completion of a new studio album in 2015, inspired by Kundalini yoga. In 2016, the Go-Go's embarked on what was stated to be their final tour. In 2017, Carlisle released the album "Wilder Shores," featuring Gurmukhi chants. The Go-Go's announced a reunion tour in 2020, but it was later postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May 2021, the Go-Go's were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and performed at the induction ceremony. Plans for a 2022 UK tour with Billy Idol were later canceled. The band postponed a West Coast tour in January 2022 due to a COVID-19 case. However, in 2023, Belinda Carlisle announced that the Go-Go's had disbanded.

On March 16, 2023, Carlisle released "Big Big Love," the first single from her EP titled "Kismet." The EP, featuring English language pop music, was released on May 17, 2023, and marked her return to the charts. Carlisle also revealed her intention to release a new English language pop music studio album produced by Gabe Lopez.

Belinda Carlisle's music seamlessly blends elements of pop, rock, and new wave, showcasing her strong and melodic vocals. Her songs often explore themes of love, desire, and self-discovery, resonating with audiences worldwide. Carlisle's music has been recognized with awards and nominations, and her contributions to the pop music landscape have solidified her status as an influential figure in the industry.

Throughout her career, Carlisle has continued to release albums and tour, delighting fans with her captivating performances. She has also reunited with The Go-Go's for special events, reminding audiences of their enduring legacy. Belinda Carlisle's music career exemplifies her versatility as an artist and her ability to captivate listeners with her unique sound and powerful voice.

Personal life

Belinda Carlisle's personal life has been as eventful as her music career. She has been open about her struggles and triumphs, and her personal experiences have shaped her as an individual and artist.

In the early 1980s, Belinda Carlisle had a two-year relationship with Bill Bateman, the drummer for the Blasters. However, her cocaine use had a negative influence on these relationships, and she abruptly ended her relationship with Bateman when she became involved with Mike Marshall, a player for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In 1986, Carlisle married Morgan Mason, a political operative and film producer who is the son of actors James Mason and Pamela Mason. Mason appeared in Carlisle's music videos for "Mad About You" and "Heaven Is a Place on Earth." The couple has a son named James Duke Mason, born in 1992.

Following the 1994 Northridge earthquake, Carlisle and her family relocated to Fréjus, a town in southeastern France, splitting their time between there and the United States. They later moved to Bangkok, Thailand, in 2017, and they currently reside in Mexico City.

Belinda Carlisle battled severe drug addiction, including cocaine and alcohol, for around 30 years during her time with the Go-Go's. She also struggled with an eating disorder, fueled in part by media pressure. In 2005, after a three-day cocaine binge, she had a transformative moment where she saw her lifeless self in a vision, prompting her to seek sobriety. Since then, Carlisle has been sober and has embraced Nichiren Buddhism, crediting it with helping her maintain her sobriety.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Carlisle is a devoted animal rights activist. She is a vegetarian and an advocate for animal welfare, actively supporting organizations that promote compassion towards animals.

Discography

• Belinda (1986)
• Heaven on Earth (1987)
• Runaway Horses (1989)
• Live Your Life Be Free (1991)
• Real (1993)
• A Woman & a Man (1996)
• Voila (2007)
• Wilder Shores (2017)

Accomplishments and achievements

• Belinda Carlisle played a pivotal role as the lead vocalist of The Go-Go's, the first all-female band to write their own songs and play their own instruments to top the Billboard charts.
• The Go-Go's debut album, "Beauty and the Beat," reached number one on the charts and became a multi-platinum success.
• Carlisle's solo career garnered significant success with hit singles such as "Mad About You," "Heaven Is a Place on Earth," "Circle in the Sand," and "I Get Weak."
• Her solo album "Heaven on Earth" achieved platinum status and solidified her position as a successful solo artist.
• Carlisle's songs have topped charts worldwide and earned her several prestigious awards, including Grammy nominations and American Music Awards.
• She has released a number of well-received albums throughout her career, showcasing her musical versatility and enduring popularity.
• Carlisle's memoir, "Lips Unsealed," offers a candid and inspiring account of her personal journey, including her struggles with addiction and subsequent recovery.
• Belinda Carlisle continues to tour and perform, captivating audiences with her energetic stage presence and iconic hits.
• She is known for her unique vocal style, which has influenced and inspired countless artists in the pop and rock genres.