How has the 12 Steps Programme helped you?
In many ways. The Steps for me are a bridge to normal living. Also, the
most important Step in my programme is having a conscious contact
with God, whatever God is. I do that every day through my meditation
and yoga practice. It’s a lifetime commitment, one day at a time.
Do you have any regrets?
My regrets are very, very personal, but I'm very glad I went through
addiction because it made me what I am today. I wouldn't wish addiction
on others, but I like to think I'm a wiser and a better person now.
Tell us about your son.
He makes me very proud. He's been a big activist for the LGBTQ+
community since he was 14. He ran for office in West Hollywood
recently. He didn't win, but he's great. He's a lot smarter than me.
Looking back, what are you most proud of in your career?
I’m very proud of Wilder Shores, my album of chanting. I chant every
day. It's part of my practice. It has completely changed my life. It's not
airy-fairy. It's very scientific. No one had put chanting into a pop format
before, so I thought, "Why not?" It actually worked and did very well in
the World Music charts. I'm very happy I did it. It was very unusual, but
really fun.
Are you also pleased with your album of French songs?
Absolutely. I lived in France for 24 years and always felt I had a bit of
the chanteuse in me! I became a big fan of French artists. There is a
great music scene there. I'd listen to French pop radio and think, "That's
something I'd like to do." My French was good. I'd just gotten sober, so
my French album was like a gift for me. I think it's a great album. It was a
lot of hard work, but I'm very proud of it. It's my second favourite album
after Runaway Horses.
The Go-Go's musical, Head Over Heels, had a Broadway run.
What's happening to it now?
There is a growing interest in it in schools all over the US. It has a great
message. It's about acceptance and love - universal themes. It's really
clever. I could see it coming over here. It has a message that needs to be
heard, and music is a great communicator.
Are there any other ongoing projects with The Go-Go's?
Yes, there is a documentary about The Go-Go's which is coming out at
the Sundance Festival. It's directed by Alison Ellwood, who made that
great documentary about The Eagles. She interviewed everyone from
the early punk scene. The documentary should be amazing. It will help
people understand that The Go-Go's didn't just appear out of nowhere.
Simon Cowell didn't put us together. We came out of the punk scene. We
didn't know what we were doing, but within three years we became the
biggest band in America.
Are you still in touch with the other Go-Go's?
Yes, we still talk. A year and a half ago, we did some shows at the
Hollywood Bowl. We're family, but we're five complicated people and
the dynamics are very complicated, as they would be with any group
after 40 years. That's only to be expected.
You turned 60 last year. How do you feel about the ageing process?
What can I do about it - except do it gracefully? All I can hope for is
another 60 years of good health. I appreciate every day and now realise
how precious life is - which I didn't before.
What are your plans for the future?
I've had a pretty busy year. I did a big tour of Australia and South East
Asia. I always say yes to things that are fun. I always do work I love that
allows me to be in places I love. There might be a few Go-Go's things
popping up next year. I also love spending the summer months doing
festivals.
What do you hope audiences will take away from your shows in the
UK this autumn?
Most people forget how great my catalogue is. My wish is simple: that
they have a great time and love the songs as much as I do.
Finally, how's your charity, The Animal People Alliance, going?
We are doing very well. We have treated over 5000 dogs since 2014 while
creating employment for vulnerable people, disabled people, people
who are at risk of falling below the poverty line and who have a love of
animals. If you have a profile, I think you have a responsibility to use it
somehow to make the world a better place for someone.
Tickets are now on sale for the Belinda Carlisle ‘Runaway
Horses 30th Anniversary’ UK Tour.
She is performing at William Aston Hall, Wrexham
on Sunday 29th September 2019!
To buy tickets visit call the Box Office on 0844 249 1000
or visit https://www.vmstickets.co.uk/
wirrallife.com 31