I was genuinely excited to see some “Apology” lyrics in this piece. It’s been my favorite GGs song for some years now, and I literally laughed out loud when I learned it was a KV song. I mean, of course, right?
I do hope you continue to make peace with your Mom’s memory, and make friends in England. Those two things are related, eh?
And thank you so much for taking us along on the journey of your life, and for telling it so well. I hope you feel all of us rooting for you.
I literally thought that the first Bluebonnets show I went to, way back in the 90s in Santa Barbara on New Years Eve, that y'all were going to have blue bonnets on your heads. LOL. I was young and very naive at the time. So I didn't quite understand where that name came from. I really liked The Delphines as a band name and still have my Delphines CDs which to this day I totally love. I suck at creating band names though. When I was in High School and had a little fun "band" I wanted to call us "Broomhilda and the Sweepers". But my friend who was singing didn't want to be known as Broomhilda, lol. We settled on "The Perfect Image" which made me laugh because I thought we were nothing of the sort. Feel free to use those names, lol. They're real peachy keen. I really enjoyed this post and getting a peak into your world. It is a wonderful thrill for all us fans.
In the 1640s a group of women boldly petitioned Parliament about current political events, quite overstepping women's usual "sphere." A paper reporting on this derided them as "the very scum of the suburbs." Always thought "Scum of the Suburbs" would be a good band name, but may well not fit y'all.
No suggestions for a name, but a few suggestions that may help in your process to create one:
1. Avoid names that start with “the” or contain punctuation. At one point, my iTunes library had songs from Go-Go’s, Go Go’s, GoGo’s, and GoGos, with and without “the” in front of the name. The spelling depended on which label owned the masters at the time the recording became available for download or streaming, which would differ between remastered editions. IRS, A&M, Beyond Music, Universal, and so on.
If the internet existed when you signed with IRS, I’m pretty sure Miles would have pushed hard for a name change. :)
2. Consider a spelling that makes it jump off the screen. Examples: Chvrches and Alvvays (both great bands fronted by women).
3. Avoid names that are long enough to have their rightmost characters truncated, or require the user to scroll right to see the entire name. Example: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart. A bad name chosen by a great indie band.
On another note, Apology has become my favorite Go Gos song. “When I found you, I thought my life was charmed and we’d be safe from what has happened now” is a lyric that sent chills down my back the first time I heard it. As much as I like it, I wish I could stop relating to it.
Having been in a fan/celebrity relationship with you for 43 years, I am surprised that you were the pursuer and not the other way around. That goes to show you what I know about relationships! I always thought you and Clem would end up together!
I just read this on a break from practicing for my own one-woman show. Yeah… it’s terrifying being up there alone without a net, but so rewarding, too! I could also relate to that terrible VHS tape that plays over and over after one has seen their mother die. That’s the soul processing. I’m enjoying your stories!
It’s been a day. And what a joy it was to finally get some quiet time and read this post. Or are these essays? Anyway, it was lovely to put aside the flotsam and jetsam of my life, and just read, and be.
FWIW, The Bluebonnets kick ass as a band with kick ass women musicians. And I’m definitely using the upgrade advice. You’re probably getting a ton of band name suggestions, and I’m adding mine as well: St. Alban’s Girl Supergroup. Ask for them by name.
thank you - it took me a while to settle on "dispatch" although I suppose they are essays or posts as well! thank you for the name suggestion but we're good now!
Thanks for the tips about upgrades. I have not experienced the same rate of success. However, I am not as persistent as you. So, two things to do for self-improvement in this matter: 1) try the 'three times the charm' approach and 2) improve the level of accommodations (last time I stayed at a Motel 6--how can one get an upgrade there?) :-)
It may not be my place to disagree, but I thought Bluebonnets was very apropos. Your band was from Texas, Bluebonnets is the official state flower, and Texas rocks! I have not ever lived in Texas, but its boisterous history and reputation seem to make a nice fit. Obviously, I must be missing something...
Is your supergroup composed of all English/British folks? Are you all located in a particular area of Britain? Maybe you base you name on that. The Midlands All-Stars, London Rockers, etc.
I always appreciate your reminiscences of your early life and your evolving relationship with your mother. It's always difficult to ponder over such things in private or with a small circle of friends. But to do so in public takes a special kind of internal fortitude. Thanks. By the way, the greatest minds in history have thought about what happens after death. If you need a suggestion about how to approach this topic in a formal manner, just let me know.
Good luck on your upcoming tour! What a great way to explore your new country of residence. I just hope you can find the time to explore when not performing. Good luck with solos.
And, my continuing good wishes to you on discovering new friends.
No need to apologize. Life happens. I'm glad you were able to spend time with Audrey. I love spending time with my adult sons. I loved it when they were younger, as well. But the relationship is different. And I'm proud of the men they have become. 🙂
I like The Bluebonnets name. It doesn't really match the style of music but it is definitely a Texas brand. How about The Jammers? 🤷♀️
I do believe in heaven. And I think we will be able to absolutely do those things that bring us joy here on earth. In your case, that could mean playing your guitar and doing your music forever. 🎶
I like the idea of you performing your own songs. You have many excellent songs that more people need to hear. ❤️
Happy anniversary! First time I ever saw you live was October 19, 1982!! Madison Square Garden, NYC!! I was 12.
XX
Günther
ah! you just solved a mystery for me! I love naming things, too. I’ll think about some band names 🖤
we have one! to be revealed soon!
Possible band name: Soccer Mom
there is already a Soccer Mommy
Yea I know, and I love that name for a band but thought Soccer Mom or Soccer Moms sounded better
Kathy-
I was genuinely excited to see some “Apology” lyrics in this piece. It’s been my favorite GGs song for some years now, and I literally laughed out loud when I learned it was a KV song. I mean, of course, right?
I do hope you continue to make peace with your Mom’s memory, and make friends in England. Those two things are related, eh?
And thank you so much for taking us along on the journey of your life, and for telling it so well. I hope you feel all of us rooting for you.
"Go for the yikes" is my new mantra. Thank you! xo
it's healthy!
I literally thought that the first Bluebonnets show I went to, way back in the 90s in Santa Barbara on New Years Eve, that y'all were going to have blue bonnets on your heads. LOL. I was young and very naive at the time. So I didn't quite understand where that name came from. I really liked The Delphines as a band name and still have my Delphines CDs which to this day I totally love. I suck at creating band names though. When I was in High School and had a little fun "band" I wanted to call us "Broomhilda and the Sweepers". But my friend who was singing didn't want to be known as Broomhilda, lol. We settled on "The Perfect Image" which made me laugh because I thought we were nothing of the sort. Feel free to use those names, lol. They're real peachy keen. I really enjoyed this post and getting a peak into your world. It is a wonderful thrill for all us fans.
In the 1640s a group of women boldly petitioned Parliament about current political events, quite overstepping women's usual "sphere." A paper reporting on this derided them as "the very scum of the suburbs." Always thought "Scum of the Suburbs" would be a good band name, but may well not fit y'all.
thanks for reading and commenting Sharon!! xk
No suggestions for a name, but a few suggestions that may help in your process to create one:
1. Avoid names that start with “the” or contain punctuation. At one point, my iTunes library had songs from Go-Go’s, Go Go’s, GoGo’s, and GoGos, with and without “the” in front of the name. The spelling depended on which label owned the masters at the time the recording became available for download or streaming, which would differ between remastered editions. IRS, A&M, Beyond Music, Universal, and so on.
If the internet existed when you signed with IRS, I’m pretty sure Miles would have pushed hard for a name change. :)
2. Consider a spelling that makes it jump off the screen. Examples: Chvrches and Alvvays (both great bands fronted by women).
3. Avoid names that are long enough to have their rightmost characters truncated, or require the user to scroll right to see the entire name. Example: The Pains of Being Pure At Heart. A bad name chosen by a great indie band.
On another note, Apology has become my favorite Go Gos song. “When I found you, I thought my life was charmed and we’d be safe from what has happened now” is a lyric that sent chills down my back the first time I heard it. As much as I like it, I wish I could stop relating to it.
thanks Scott!!
You had a band name contender with “Ladyband Johnson.” Or maybe “Alkalize or Die!”
Ladyband Johnson is the single best name I've ever thought up!
Great read. Thanks. How about Texting Frenzy for your band name? Cheers.
ha! we've decided, to be revealed soon
I'm so glad to hear that your good memories of your Mom are returning. Also, I wish I could be in England for your shows! Maybe some day...
Having been in a fan/celebrity relationship with you for 43 years, I am surprised that you were the pursuer and not the other way around. That goes to show you what I know about relationships! I always thought you and Clem would end up together!
I just read this on a break from practicing for my own one-woman show. Yeah… it’s terrifying being up there alone without a net, but so rewarding, too! I could also relate to that terrible VHS tape that plays over and over after one has seen their mother die. That’s the soul processing. I’m enjoying your stories!
thank you Suzanne!
It’s been a day. And what a joy it was to finally get some quiet time and read this post. Or are these essays? Anyway, it was lovely to put aside the flotsam and jetsam of my life, and just read, and be.
FWIW, The Bluebonnets kick ass as a band with kick ass women musicians. And I’m definitely using the upgrade advice. You’re probably getting a ton of band name suggestions, and I’m adding mine as well: St. Alban’s Girl Supergroup. Ask for them by name.
thank you - it took me a while to settle on "dispatch" although I suppose they are essays or posts as well! thank you for the name suggestion but we're good now!
I like “dispatch” better. It’s going to kick major ass.
Thanks for the tips about upgrades. I have not experienced the same rate of success. However, I am not as persistent as you. So, two things to do for self-improvement in this matter: 1) try the 'three times the charm' approach and 2) improve the level of accommodations (last time I stayed at a Motel 6--how can one get an upgrade there?) :-)
It may not be my place to disagree, but I thought Bluebonnets was very apropos. Your band was from Texas, Bluebonnets is the official state flower, and Texas rocks! I have not ever lived in Texas, but its boisterous history and reputation seem to make a nice fit. Obviously, I must be missing something...
Is your supergroup composed of all English/British folks? Are you all located in a particular area of Britain? Maybe you base you name on that. The Midlands All-Stars, London Rockers, etc.
I always appreciate your reminiscences of your early life and your evolving relationship with your mother. It's always difficult to ponder over such things in private or with a small circle of friends. But to do so in public takes a special kind of internal fortitude. Thanks. By the way, the greatest minds in history have thought about what happens after death. If you need a suggestion about how to approach this topic in a formal manner, just let me know.
Good luck on your upcoming tour! What a great way to explore your new country of residence. I just hope you can find the time to explore when not performing. Good luck with solos.
And, my continuing good wishes to you on discovering new friends.
Hi, no, actually 3 of us are americans. thank you for reading and writing back Bradford!
No need to apologize. Life happens. I'm glad you were able to spend time with Audrey. I love spending time with my adult sons. I loved it when they were younger, as well. But the relationship is different. And I'm proud of the men they have become. 🙂
I like The Bluebonnets name. It doesn't really match the style of music but it is definitely a Texas brand. How about The Jammers? 🤷♀️
I do believe in heaven. And I think we will be able to absolutely do those things that bring us joy here on earth. In your case, that could mean playing your guitar and doing your music forever. 🎶
I like the idea of you performing your own songs. You have many excellent songs that more people need to hear. ❤️