Interview: Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Go's on Her New Covers Album, Punk Origins & Go-Go’s Rise

In this episode of LEGENDS: Podcast by All Day Vinyl, host Scott Dudelson (and special guest host, 8 year old Elsie Dudelson) welcomes the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Belinda Carlisle of The Go Go’s for a conversation about her remarkable journey through music and her brand-new covers album Once Upon a Time in California.

This project revisits the golden age of late 1960s and early 1970s singer-songwriters, with Belinda reinterpreting timeless classics that first inspired her as a young listener. She shares how California radio shaped her early love of melody, why songs like “Reflections of My Life” carry deep emotional meaning, and how the artistry of writers such as Harry Nilsson left a lasting mark on her.

Belinda also reflects on her surprising leap from those melodic pop influences into the gritty punk scene, recalling her early days with the Germs and the explosive energy that fueled the Go-Go’s. She discusses how the band’s unique blend of punk urgency and pop craftsmanship turned them into one of the defining forces of the 1980s, paving the way for a groundbreaking career that continues to inspire generations.

The conversation spans Belinda’s solo success following the Go-Go’s, the unforgettable experiences of her early live shows, and her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — a moment that celebrated her enduring influence. Belinda also offers a look at her current touring projects and gives listeners insight into her passionate animal welfare work through the Animal People Alliance, an organization dedicated to supporting street animals.

Join us for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation with one of rock and pop’s most enduring voices. If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, rate, and follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @alldayvinyl for more stories from the artists who defined music history.