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Jane Wiedlin on Go-Go's Legacy and New Music
Jane Wiedlin reflects on The Go-Go's 40-year legacy, mental health struggles, and new album release.
In brief
Jane Wiedlin reflects on The Go-Go's 40-year legacy, mental health struggles, and new album release. Jane Wiedlin, lead singer of The Go-Go's, shares her memoir and new protest music album while reflecting on the band's history and mental health challenges. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Jane Wiedlin's songwriting legacy
Jane Wiedlin penned classic Go-Go's hits like Our Lips Are Sealed and lent her licks to '80s staples like We Go the Beat.
“We were all broke, so our equipment was terrible”
Band's internal struggles
The Go-Go's faced addiction issues and internal conflicts that led to Wiedlin leaving the band in 1985.
“We were under so much pressure, and we spent 24/7 together for years. It's no wonder it all fell apart”
Mental health journey
Wiedlin processed suicidal ideation that lasted nearly 50 years while writing her memoir TMI: Memoirs of a Go-Go.
“Discussing my lifelong mental struggles, especially the suicidal ideation that lasted for nearly 50 years, was a lot to process”
Book and album release
Wiedlin's memoir TMI: Memoirs of a Go-Go and new album I Protest! are both set for release in fall 2026.
“TMI: Memoirs of a Go-Go is out now via Da Capo”
Guitar preferences
Wiedlin uses Gibson SG guitars, which she calls the 'absolute pinnacle of perfection' for her small frame.
“For someone as small as me, the SG is the absolute pinnacle of perfection”
Band reunions
The Go-Go's reunite for one-off shows despite being scattered across the globe.
“We've also done many tours in recent years! We continue to amuse each other with our unique girl gang sense of humor”
Punk rock origins
Wiedlin met The Go-Go's bandmates at a punk club in Hollywood in 1978.
“I met Margot [Olavarria] when all the L.A. punks drove to San Francisco to see the Sex Pistols”
Band's legacy
The Go-Go's remain the first all-female band that played their own instruments and went to number one on charts.
“The Go-Go's continue to be the first and only all-female band that played their own instruments, wrote their own songs, and went to number one”
Mental health impact
Wiedlin credits music as her lifeline during teenage depression and young adulthood.
“Yes, I think music saved me, because it is truly magical”
Band's breakup
The Go-Go's disbanded in 1985 due to addiction issues and lack of maturity among members.
“We were under so much pressure, and we spent 24/7 together for years. It's no wonder it all fell apart”
Solo career
Wiedlin has released solo albums including Jane Wiedlin and Fur, with new album I Protest! featuring cover songs.
“I'm so proud of it and produced it myself”
Band's current status
The Go-Go's reunite for one-off shows and maintain strong connections despite geographical separation.
“We've also done many tours in recent years! We continue to amuse each other with our unique girl gang sense of humor”
Guitar history
Wiedlin started playing guitar at age 11 or 12 after taking folk lessons at a local park.
“I took a few weeks of folk guitar lessons at a local park one summer when I was 11 or 12”
Band's impact
The Go-Go's influenced punk rock and continue to be celebrated for their all-female lineup.
“The Go-Go's continue to be the first and only all-female band that played their own instruments, wrote their own songs, and went to number one”
Future plans
Wiedlin's memoir and new album I Protest! are both set for release in fall 2026.
“TMI: Memoirs of a Go-Go is out now via Da Capo”
The bottom line
Jane Wiedlin, lead singer of The Go-Go's, shares her memoir and new protest music album while reflecting on the band's history and mental health challenges.
