The Go-Go’s Rolling Stone Cover: A Controversial Milestone in Band History
In 1982, the Go-Go’s achieved a significant milestone when they appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. This momentous occasion followed the success of their debut album, Beauty and the Beat, which had topped the Billboard chart with hit singles like “We Got the Beat” and “Our Lips Are Sealed.” The album made history as the first number-one record by an all-female band that played their own instruments. The band's invitation to grace the cover of Rolling Stone was seen as a breakthrough, but the experience left them feeling uneasy.
The Go-Go’s had initially planned their outfits for the cover shoot, but renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz had a different vision. She requested that they change into Hanes underwear and towels for the shoot, a request that the band members reluctantly agreed to. Despite their discomfort, they went along with the photographer's direction. The resulting image, featuring the band in white underwear and cold cream, did not align with their expectations.
The band's discomfort was further compounded by the magazine's headline, "Go-Go’s Put Out," which felt like a deliberate jab at the band. Bassist Kathy Valentine later expressed her disappointment with the headline, describing it as a clear dig at the band. The juxtaposition of the photo and the headline created a conflicting narrative that did not reflect the band's image or intentions.
Despite the mixed feelings surrounding the Rolling Stone cover, fans have come to embrace it as part of the Go-Go’s legacy. Many fans on social media have praised the photo as iconic and a representation of the band's cool and rebellious image. The cover, while controversial at the time, has become a symbol of the band's impact and influence on their fans.
In conclusion, the Go-Go’s Rolling Stone cover from 1982 remains a significant moment in the band's history, showcasing their rise to fame and the challenges they faced along the way. The cover, though initially met with discomfort and criticism, has since been recognized as a part of the band's enduring legacy and the impact they had on their fans.