# 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.
- Title: Jane Wiedlin on Go-Go's Legacy and New Music · Guitar World
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: jane wiedlin, the go-gos, tmi memoirs of a go-go, i protest album, guitar, mental health, punk rock, lgbtq, rock and roll hall of fame, solo career, Jane, Wiedlin
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/artists/guitarists/the-go-gos-jane-wiedlin
- Published: 2026-10-13T13:41:14+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: jane wiedlin, the go-gos, tmi memoirs of a go-go, i protest album, guitar, mental health, punk rock, lgbtq, rock and roll hall of fame, solo career
## 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
## Key takeaway

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.