Ex-high school cheerleader Belinda and Wiedin, who has moved to LA, CA at the age of 6 and studied fashion after leaving college, form the inexperience all female new wave outfits the Misfits in May, 1978 with Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey, Elissa Bello (later replaced by Gina Schock) and Margo Olaverra (in 1980 replaced by Kathy Valentine).

In 1979 they change the group name to the GO-GOs, having learned its tradegigging earnestly around the LA punk club scene.

In may 1980, having performed in the UK for the time earlier inthe year opening for Stiff Records-signed act Madness, the GO-GOs' single, the new wave/pop blend We Got The Beat, is released as a one-off single by Stiff in the UK. During subsequent US dates Kathy Valentine replaced Margo Olaverra after she falls ill. She took a 4 day crash course.

In Mar 1981, the Go-Go's debut album "Beauty And The Beat" was released. It was No. 1 for 6 weeks in the Billboard Chart, the first for an all-woman band. It sells more than 2 million units and spinning off singles "Our Lips Are Sealed" and "We Got The Beat". In UK, the above singles plus " Automatic" was release as the 3rd single.

In Aug, their sophomore effort 2nd Vacation album was released, releasing singles "Vacation" and "Get Up And Go". "This Old Feeling" was release as the 3rd single in US. "Girls Of 100 Lists" was released as the 3rd single in UK. In Dec 1982, the group is named the Top Artist in Billboard's Year EndIn Music statistical round-up. The Go-Go's was nominated for a Grammy in the category "Best New Artist" in 1982.

They tour a lot for this year, from US, UK, Japan to Australia, playing to sell out concerts.

In May 1984, Talk Show, their 3rd album is release, releasing singles"Head Over Heels", "Turn To You" and "Yes Or No" in US. Only "Head Over Heels" is release in UK. Wiedlin quits the band unhappy with Belinda and Valentine's ongoing drug problems. A replacement guitarist, Paula Jean Brown briefly joins the group.

In May 1985, The Go-Go's was disbanded due to internal conflicts andpersonal problems of the band members. It was announce ata press conference. Belinda will remain signed to I.R.S as a soloist, set to embark on her debut album with help from Caffey.

Belinda Carlisle releases her solo debut album "Belinda" in 1986 which spawned the No. 3 US chart hit song "Mad About You" and"I Feel the Magic" and "Band of Gold". There is even a promo 7" for "Since You've Gone". In Mar, 1986, she tours the US as the support act to Robert Palmer, followed by a 3 month club tour of her own.

In Dec 1987, "Heaven On Earth" was released and it's first single "Heaven Is A Place On Earth" went to No. 1 across the globe. Belinda embarked on a tour "Belinda Live" to Europe and USA. 4 singles in US and 6 singles in UK. They are "I Get Weak" , "CircleIn The Sand", "I Feel Free", "World Without You", "Love Never Dies...". Her debut US release "Mad About You" is re-issued by I.R.S in the UK "Heaven On Earth" was a huge success around the world thus Belinda was nominated for a Grammy in the category "Best Female Pop Vocalist".

In May 1988, Belinda sets out on her first major solo headlining tour, starting in the US and Canada. She makes a promotional visits to Japan. She undertakes her first UK tour, including three sold-out dates at London's Hammersmith Odeon.

In 1989, Belinda 3rd solo album "Runaway Horses" was released. 6 singles in UK and 4 singles in USA were released from the album, including "Leave A Light On", "Summer Rain", "Vision Of You", "La Luna", "Runaway Horses" and "We Want The Same Thing". Greenpeace-fundraising Rainbow Warrors, Earthrise: The Rainforest albums release, featuring a contribution from Belinda. It is called "Spirit of the Fore".

Belinda went on to tour Asia, Europe and USA on her "Runaway Live" tour 1990. The tour was a success, selling out Wembly Arena in the UK. The Go-Go's reunited in Mar, 1990 to launch a reunion tour in support of The Environmental Protection Initiative cause atthe Universal Amphitheatre, Universal City, CA and shoot a benefitposter for PETA: "We rather go naked than wear fur". On July 23, 1990 Belinda annouces she is pulling out of a US $35,000 appearance at the Frontier Days Rodeo in Cheyenne, WY, citing maltreatment of livestock at such events as a reason in Nov 1990, they went for a 20 days tour and I.R.S release aGreatest Hits album, containing the remake of "Cool Jerk".

Continued on Part 2 and Part 3.