-How did you get interested in the band?
when I first discovered the Bangles at age 15, I had just begun playing guitar. At that stage in my life, I skewed away from the norm of Popular artists at the time i.e: Madonna, Michael Jackson etc. Having 3 older sisters total, 6-8- and 11 years my senior, I grew up hearing the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Cream etc.
That was my musical style foremost. Up to the Bangles hitting mainstream, I was a "girl" whom played like a boy, and certainly couldn't get decent credit for my budding musicianship, as "Girls" just didn't "do" what I was doing. With the exception of Chrissy Hynde, I felt like I was cut adrift with the hope of being the "Chick IN a Band" instead of having my own center.
Well the Bangles just blew the doors open for me. I immediately went out, found a cheap electric guitar, and found All Over The Place, (Walk Like an Egyptian from Different Light granted, was the first real look see I had of them, it was a tad too synthesised for my taste, but I KNEW after hearing Return Post and Angels Dont Fall in Love there had to be harder material out there) I also found their EP before Michael, and camped in a mall parking lot to buy the release as soon as it was available of Everything.
-What do you remember of the concert that night compared to seeing them on the DL tour?
It was bigger, longer, they were more experienced than two years prior, and had some freedoms, it was louder than the first, but it was four musicians this time, the first show was a Band. They seemed to (mostly) be going through the motions, and not as tight as a whole group,..though shored up as individuals, which may have caused those moments that didn't click. They were playing as individuals, I felt they had stopped "holding hands" so to speak, so the unity of Jamming and instinct felt very quelled.
In all this, Micki struck me as the band's musical anchor. Although she wasn't going through the motions, she seemed 'leashed' compared to the first gig. As for her own playing, it was effortless, classy, no over the top showy bravado. Just a great groove, she was in her element on stage, and shone as the superior musician in the band. Mick had that Monster Ampeg cab,..her sound was so sharp and flawless...I was to the right that concert, so I felt the Bass, as opposed to the first where I was on Vick's side of the stage.
Vicki was a great great actress, and Sue truly feeds off her presence. She gave a show, and seemed to feel on top of her game. When Sue wasn't in Vicki's Drag,..she played the crowd from what I saw on the telescreen, and was basking in being Favorite. But Vicki in her performance was being a showman, she was doing what a 'Rock Star' is Supposed to DO in her mindset.
It at times seemed slightly forced. She was showing her feathers, it was her band and it was NOT falling apart damnit,..so the smoke and mirrors was what we got. Good times for sure,...but even as MUCH as I was a Vickiphile, I even saw that then, that she seemed far less natural than at the first concert. She seemed tired but still gave it her all, even if some of it felt slightly embellished. Debbi was very tight, but not nearly as bubbly as in '86. (Which isn't all THAT huge a difference, because she is just an upbeat gal anyway) But in Egyptian she was about as sedate as she COULD get away with. Vick and Sue did their Bowie Guitar lick stuff,...Sue and Mick a few statuesque lean to's,..But to me it was a VERY different feel from the freshness and enthusiasm of the DL tour. The end wave was just that,..a separate waving,....and offstage,,,then encore,..and the same,..no hands held,..no hugs,...very individual,..and Vicki passed everyone final curtain and was offstage first.
Despite the tension, it was a great show. Michael and Debbi kept it all together, they have great chemistry. : Glitter Years was a BALL burner,...chills great,..Return Post was awesome, The new material (new then) was great to hear,...then the jump back to Want You, and Live, was just awesome. "
-What instruments were used?
I remember in the 1986 concert, Michael had her Blonde with Tortoise pickguard P-Bass, and then switched to her Music Man. In the second concert Michael's Blonde bass made an appearance for September Gurls, but her Black/Maple P-Bass was her standard. At the same gig, Sue went from Black Rick to White Rick to Tele and back..Vick was Carvin DC 150, to Gretsch to Les Paul, back to Gretch back to Carvin.
-How did you get backstage?
Myself and my friend James (yes James,..no joke) had driven the almost two hours to get to the concert. Our second time seeing the Gurls. My first time being at the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia 2 years prior for the Different Light tour. (a failed attempt to get backstage there also) I had brought a dozen roses for Vicki.
After the show I pestered everyone and anyone with sound or lighting or security who would listen. I cannot recall the name of the auditorium, I believe it was in the College. Finally a gentleman with a security shirt took the flowers and led me to this long hallway, off the stadium floor, and told me to wait. So I stood in the shadows, as my flowers and him walked away, with a lump in my throat not knowing what would happen next.
I waited around and it felt like eternity. The stadium was emptying and I was just about to figure no one was coming back. Just as I felt my eyes well up,..at the end of that long hall the guy came back out of the turn, and waved for me to come on, and hurry up.
Sadly ONLY me,..James had to wait. I took off at a dead run, and he told me to stand in the secondary corridor. There were a handful of other people. This corridor had an entry on either end, and the center was a decent sized room. Painted block walls,..very schoolish. So I stood against the wall with the others, and we are all looking at the oposite entry waiting.............(waiting)
This room was a neutral place it seemed. It was for that purpose only I believe and their backstage area was theirs and elsewhere. BUT it was a decent sized room, a few chairs, a table, etc. So as I am looking one direction, from where I thought was the safe END of the line, here they come from the entry RIGHT behind me, and I caught Debbi's voice immediately and whirled around to her saying, 'Whoa! Nice jacket', then Sue all smiles, then Vicki holding the flowers I brought her, then Micki with drink in hand and a fabulous grin.
-How did Micki look in person?
She was radiant, in a long long flowy skirt, and blouse, her hair a vibrant vibrant red, She had smooth pale skin, huge almond eyes, full full lips. Her eyes were vivid green, her hands were strong and large, yet nimble and very feminine. Her fingers were long and slender, shorn smooth nails, beautiful. Her frame was lithe, fluid, angular, thin, and graceful.
She was barefoot, and holding a plastic cup. Very gypsy, very cool,..NOT what she wore onstage (there she had worn a black miniskirt with a dark purple shirt), so she had changed. Actually they all had except for Sue. She smelled fantastic as well. She lit up the room in such a way, and very different then the others. Sue was very bubbly, Debbi almost boisterous, Vicki was very engaging, and talkative, and Micki just oozed cool.
-Did anything about seeing her in person surprise you?
Her height, for one. I was already certain she was tall, before meeting her I was more than certain she was taller then me, but then to see her toes peeking out from under her dress, and know I was in 3 inch boots (already being 5"7 without them), and see she was still eye to eye with me was just amazing. especially since I was 17 and all.
She was strikingly beautiful, and much to my delight, as I was a budding guitar player and rather enamoured with Vicki. I realized upon meeting her face to face, just what I had been missing in a sense, and having (previously) seen Michael as somewhat haunting, meeting her was like meeting royalty, especially looking into her eyes, I have to admit. They look through you, and you sink easy into their warmth. You could truly get lost, ...believe me. I clicked well with Vicki, Sue was cordial and Debbi very fun, but Michael seemed bigger than the room in all senses. I knew she was special.
-How were Michael and the band with the other fans?
I'd say I mostly noticed her graciousness and her desire to give everyone there some level of genuine attention. Vicki was very very appreciative of me, with the flowers etc:,..but Michael just seemed very humble, and open to connecting with people who loved her so much. In all fairness, everyone there had their own favourite Bangle, but even Sue fans warmed to her. In fact, on that night it was impossible to not warm to her, there wasn't a hand she did not shake. Her impact on the fans was evident.
-What impressions did you get of her personality from meeting her?
Just a good human being, someone thoughtful, beautiful and kind, and too much for me to grasp at my age then..yet someone I appreciate so much now. She just is so very Zen like, but you could tell she had a wickedly funny side, and a huge heart. How she carried herself, her laugh is hearty, her smile just lights up the room, her demeanor is just amazing. Just so sincere, and easy, someone I would love to talk with for hours. I also recall the cool drawl of her voice, so easy, so mellow, so evocative. No matter how I was there at that moment for Vicki, I was drawn to Michael like a shy scared magnet....that is a deep feeling for a 17 year old.
-What happened when you met the band?
Vicki approached me, and asked if I was Becky and hugged me very sincerely, thanked me for the flowers, we talked music as Sue and Michael mingled. Debbi stayed close to Vicki, and was just a nice nice woman.
I told them this was my second concert, and I gushed about the new material, that I recalled them playing Crash and Burn way back when I saw them at the Mann, for the Different Light tour. Then Michael had returned. I told Vicki and her that I had wanted to meet them so badly back then, but I was only able to lay my hand painted banner of them on the stage. She kinda smiled, and made a 'was that you?' comment (Vicki) and I turned to Michael and said, (while my entire body was trembling) "I'm sorry it was a weird picture, and I'd like to say it was intentional artsy, but I ran out of paint.' Thats when Micki said, 'I remember that banner, it was sort of odd, we had no eyes right?' Then Vicki confirmed she remembered as well.
I was on CLOUD nine, Michael patted my arm, and wandered off again, thats when I got to shake Sue's hand and say hello to her. It started to wind down, as they had to get on the road for another gig I believe Vicki had said in Boston the next night. So I frantically asked for a marker or pen, and realized I had NO paper.
I had worn to the concert this vintage Maroon colored coat with tails. It had a large white front button, and 2 large buttons on each sleeve.
I told Vicki I had no paper, but everyone could sign my Jacket, Sue signed one sleeve, Debbi the lapel, which commenced, smoothly and ended with warm smiles and handshakes from both, then one of Mickis 'OK, My Turn' moments, as her supremely talented hand wrapped around my wrist. She signed my left forearm, and drew a peacesign on the one big button, with two passes of the marker. She smiled, and told me to take care, and thanked me for coming. Rubbed my arm again, and followed Sue and Debbi. That's when Vicki spun me round, and with a "Let's get this mane outta the way" brushed my hair, (that was almost waist length) aside and signed shoulder to shoulder. I received another very warm hug, and a statement to 'Keep playing', and they were gone.
I felt like my knees would buckle as as I walked back down that grey long hall, across the empty stadium amidst the last clamorings of speakers being hauled off, and sets being torn down, I headed out into the cold air. Looking at the peace sign on my button, their songs, still humming in my head, my heart full of inspiration, and my face streaked with tears. I got in the car and sat utterly silent the almost 2 hr ride home. I couldnt listen to the radio, or my Bangles cassettes I had with me, I didn't want to lose a thing that I had heard.
-What impact did that night have, and how did Michael influence you as a musician?
I slept in that Jacket that night. I listened to my music with more intent from then on, and I began a new journey of why Michael had gotten to me so much, and how meeting Vicki was almost an end to another journey. It was a very cool closure for me. It was my time with the women who made it permissiable for me to play, and not play in the background, or think it was never going to go anywhere. They made every lick I played, and learned a truth, they made me see the musican in me beyond a chick with a guitar. I suppose Vicki started that,..and Michael made it a tangible continuance to this very second. That mastery comes in all forms. Her diversity, and her honesty of the music she plays and creates. It is the sound of someone great, with integrity, someone whom will not compromise for the almighty dollar or notoriety. I have so much respect for her.
when I first discovered the Bangles at age 15, I had just begun playing guitar. At that stage in my life, I skewed away from the norm of Popular artists at the time i.e: Madonna, Michael Jackson etc. Having 3 older sisters total, 6-8- and 11 years my senior, I grew up hearing the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Cream etc.
That was my musical style foremost. Up to the Bangles hitting mainstream, I was a "girl" whom played like a boy, and certainly couldn't get decent credit for my budding musicianship, as "Girls" just didn't "do" what I was doing. With the exception of Chrissy Hynde, I felt like I was cut adrift with the hope of being the "Chick IN a Band" instead of having my own center.
Well the Bangles just blew the doors open for me. I immediately went out, found a cheap electric guitar, and found All Over The Place, (Walk Like an Egyptian from Different Light granted, was the first real look see I had of them, it was a tad too synthesised for my taste, but I KNEW after hearing Return Post and Angels Dont Fall in Love there had to be harder material out there) I also found their EP before Michael, and camped in a mall parking lot to buy the release as soon as it was available of Everything.
-What do you remember of the concert that night compared to seeing them on the DL tour?
It was bigger, longer, they were more experienced than two years prior, and had some freedoms, it was louder than the first, but it was four musicians this time, the first show was a Band. They seemed to (mostly) be going through the motions, and not as tight as a whole group,..though shored up as individuals, which may have caused those moments that didn't click. They were playing as individuals, I felt they had stopped "holding hands" so to speak, so the unity of Jamming and instinct felt very quelled.
In all this, Micki struck me as the band's musical anchor. Although she wasn't going through the motions, she seemed 'leashed' compared to the first gig. As for her own playing, it was effortless, classy, no over the top showy bravado. Just a great groove, she was in her element on stage, and shone as the superior musician in the band. Mick had that Monster Ampeg cab,..her sound was so sharp and flawless...I was to the right that concert, so I felt the Bass, as opposed to the first where I was on Vick's side of the stage.
Vicki was a great great actress, and Sue truly feeds off her presence. She gave a show, and seemed to feel on top of her game. When Sue wasn't in Vicki's Drag,..she played the crowd from what I saw on the telescreen, and was basking in being Favorite. But Vicki in her performance was being a showman, she was doing what a 'Rock Star' is Supposed to DO in her mindset.
It at times seemed slightly forced. She was showing her feathers, it was her band and it was NOT falling apart damnit,..so the smoke and mirrors was what we got. Good times for sure,...but even as MUCH as I was a Vickiphile, I even saw that then, that she seemed far less natural than at the first concert. She seemed tired but still gave it her all, even if some of it felt slightly embellished. Debbi was very tight, but not nearly as bubbly as in '86. (Which isn't all THAT huge a difference, because she is just an upbeat gal anyway) But in Egyptian she was about as sedate as she COULD get away with. Vick and Sue did their Bowie Guitar lick stuff,...Sue and Mick a few statuesque lean to's,..But to me it was a VERY different feel from the freshness and enthusiasm of the DL tour. The end wave was just that,..a separate waving,....and offstage,,,then encore,..and the same,..no hands held,..no hugs,...very individual,..and Vicki passed everyone final curtain and was offstage first.
Despite the tension, it was a great show. Michael and Debbi kept it all together, they have great chemistry. : Glitter Years was a BALL burner,...chills great,..Return Post was awesome, The new material (new then) was great to hear,...then the jump back to Want You, and Live, was just awesome. "
-What instruments were used?
I remember in the 1986 concert, Michael had her Blonde with Tortoise pickguard P-Bass, and then switched to her Music Man. In the second concert Michael's Blonde bass made an appearance for September Gurls, but her Black/Maple P-Bass was her standard. At the same gig, Sue went from Black Rick to White Rick to Tele and back..Vick was Carvin DC 150, to Gretsch to Les Paul, back to Gretch back to Carvin.
-How did you get backstage?
Myself and my friend James (yes James,..no joke) had driven the almost two hours to get to the concert. Our second time seeing the Gurls. My first time being at the Mann Music Center in Philadelphia 2 years prior for the Different Light tour. (a failed attempt to get backstage there also) I had brought a dozen roses for Vicki.
After the show I pestered everyone and anyone with sound or lighting or security who would listen. I cannot recall the name of the auditorium, I believe it was in the College. Finally a gentleman with a security shirt took the flowers and led me to this long hallway, off the stadium floor, and told me to wait. So I stood in the shadows, as my flowers and him walked away, with a lump in my throat not knowing what would happen next.
I waited around and it felt like eternity. The stadium was emptying and I was just about to figure no one was coming back. Just as I felt my eyes well up,..at the end of that long hall the guy came back out of the turn, and waved for me to come on, and hurry up.
Sadly ONLY me,..James had to wait. I took off at a dead run, and he told me to stand in the secondary corridor. There were a handful of other people. This corridor had an entry on either end, and the center was a decent sized room. Painted block walls,..very schoolish. So I stood against the wall with the others, and we are all looking at the oposite entry waiting.............(waiting)
This room was a neutral place it seemed. It was for that purpose only I believe and their backstage area was theirs and elsewhere. BUT it was a decent sized room, a few chairs, a table, etc. So as I am looking one direction, from where I thought was the safe END of the line, here they come from the entry RIGHT behind me, and I caught Debbi's voice immediately and whirled around to her saying, 'Whoa! Nice jacket', then Sue all smiles, then Vicki holding the flowers I brought her, then Micki with drink in hand and a fabulous grin.
-How did Micki look in person?
She was radiant, in a long long flowy skirt, and blouse, her hair a vibrant vibrant red, She had smooth pale skin, huge almond eyes, full full lips. Her eyes were vivid green, her hands were strong and large, yet nimble and very feminine. Her fingers were long and slender, shorn smooth nails, beautiful. Her frame was lithe, fluid, angular, thin, and graceful.
She was barefoot, and holding a plastic cup. Very gypsy, very cool,..NOT what she wore onstage (there she had worn a black miniskirt with a dark purple shirt), so she had changed. Actually they all had except for Sue. She smelled fantastic as well. She lit up the room in such a way, and very different then the others. Sue was very bubbly, Debbi almost boisterous, Vicki was very engaging, and talkative, and Micki just oozed cool.
-Did anything about seeing her in person surprise you?
Her height, for one. I was already certain she was tall, before meeting her I was more than certain she was taller then me, but then to see her toes peeking out from under her dress, and know I was in 3 inch boots (already being 5"7 without them), and see she was still eye to eye with me was just amazing. especially since I was 17 and all.
She was strikingly beautiful, and much to my delight, as I was a budding guitar player and rather enamoured with Vicki. I realized upon meeting her face to face, just what I had been missing in a sense, and having (previously) seen Michael as somewhat haunting, meeting her was like meeting royalty, especially looking into her eyes, I have to admit. They look through you, and you sink easy into their warmth. You could truly get lost, ...believe me. I clicked well with Vicki, Sue was cordial and Debbi very fun, but Michael seemed bigger than the room in all senses. I knew she was special.
-How were Michael and the band with the other fans?
I'd say I mostly noticed her graciousness and her desire to give everyone there some level of genuine attention. Vicki was very very appreciative of me, with the flowers etc:,..but Michael just seemed very humble, and open to connecting with people who loved her so much. In all fairness, everyone there had their own favourite Bangle, but even Sue fans warmed to her. In fact, on that night it was impossible to not warm to her, there wasn't a hand she did not shake. Her impact on the fans was evident.
-What impressions did you get of her personality from meeting her?
Just a good human being, someone thoughtful, beautiful and kind, and too much for me to grasp at my age then..yet someone I appreciate so much now. She just is so very Zen like, but you could tell she had a wickedly funny side, and a huge heart. How she carried herself, her laugh is hearty, her smile just lights up the room, her demeanor is just amazing. Just so sincere, and easy, someone I would love to talk with for hours. I also recall the cool drawl of her voice, so easy, so mellow, so evocative. No matter how I was there at that moment for Vicki, I was drawn to Michael like a shy scared magnet....that is a deep feeling for a 17 year old.
-What happened when you met the band?
Vicki approached me, and asked if I was Becky and hugged me very sincerely, thanked me for the flowers, we talked music as Sue and Michael mingled. Debbi stayed close to Vicki, and was just a nice nice woman.
I told them this was my second concert, and I gushed about the new material, that I recalled them playing Crash and Burn way back when I saw them at the Mann, for the Different Light tour. Then Michael had returned. I told Vicki and her that I had wanted to meet them so badly back then, but I was only able to lay my hand painted banner of them on the stage. She kinda smiled, and made a 'was that you?' comment (Vicki) and I turned to Michael and said, (while my entire body was trembling) "I'm sorry it was a weird picture, and I'd like to say it was intentional artsy, but I ran out of paint.' Thats when Micki said, 'I remember that banner, it was sort of odd, we had no eyes right?' Then Vicki confirmed she remembered as well.
I was on CLOUD nine, Michael patted my arm, and wandered off again, thats when I got to shake Sue's hand and say hello to her. It started to wind down, as they had to get on the road for another gig I believe Vicki had said in Boston the next night. So I frantically asked for a marker or pen, and realized I had NO paper.
I had worn to the concert this vintage Maroon colored coat with tails. It had a large white front button, and 2 large buttons on each sleeve.
I told Vicki I had no paper, but everyone could sign my Jacket, Sue signed one sleeve, Debbi the lapel, which commenced, smoothly and ended with warm smiles and handshakes from both, then one of Mickis 'OK, My Turn' moments, as her supremely talented hand wrapped around my wrist. She signed my left forearm, and drew a peacesign on the one big button, with two passes of the marker. She smiled, and told me to take care, and thanked me for coming. Rubbed my arm again, and followed Sue and Debbi. That's when Vicki spun me round, and with a "Let's get this mane outta the way" brushed my hair, (that was almost waist length) aside and signed shoulder to shoulder. I received another very warm hug, and a statement to 'Keep playing', and they were gone.
I felt like my knees would buckle as as I walked back down that grey long hall, across the empty stadium amidst the last clamorings of speakers being hauled off, and sets being torn down, I headed out into the cold air. Looking at the peace sign on my button, their songs, still humming in my head, my heart full of inspiration, and my face streaked with tears. I got in the car and sat utterly silent the almost 2 hr ride home. I couldnt listen to the radio, or my Bangles cassettes I had with me, I didn't want to lose a thing that I had heard.
-What impact did that night have, and how did Michael influence you as a musician?
I slept in that Jacket that night. I listened to my music with more intent from then on, and I began a new journey of why Michael had gotten to me so much, and how meeting Vicki was almost an end to another journey. It was a very cool closure for me. It was my time with the women who made it permissiable for me to play, and not play in the background, or think it was never going to go anywhere. They made every lick I played, and learned a truth, they made me see the musican in me beyond a chick with a guitar. I suppose Vicki started that,..and Michael made it a tangible continuance to this very second. That mastery comes in all forms. Her diversity, and her honesty of the music she plays and creates. It is the sound of someone great, with integrity, someone whom will not compromise for the almighty dollar or notoriety. I have so much respect for her.
Michael Steele
Rebecca's Memories (November 4, 2010)
Mann Center for the Performing Arts
5201 Parkside Avenue, Fairmount Park Philadelphia PA, 19131
5201 Parkside Avenue, Fairmount Park Philadelphia PA, 19131
Bangles live
Bangles "Everything" Cassette
Michael Steele
