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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, December 26, 2008

The Bangles still going strong after 2 decades

By Lacy Matsumoto
Special to The Advertiser

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Bangles — from left, Debbi Peterson, Susanna Hoffs and Vicki Peterson — ring in the new year at the Hilton.

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THE BANGLES

With opening act A Touch of Gold

9:30 p.m. Wednesday (The Bangles take the stage at about 10:45 p.m.); doors open at 9 p.m.

Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom

$90-$200

550-8457, www.honoluluboxoffice.com

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Their days of big hair might be over, but the shows must go on.

The iconic 1980s female pop band The Bangles has been on comeback tours in Australia and North America — and now right here in Honolulu on New Year's Eve.

After almost two decades of making music — hits such as "Manic Monday" and "Walk Like An Egyptian" are considered '80s classics — the band has been through breakups and make-ups, but continues to hold a strong fan base. Ask fans about The Bangles, and expect to be answered with the appropriate arm movements that were featured in the popular music video for "Walk Like An Egyptian."

Lead singer Susanna Hoffs chatted with us from her home in Los Angeles about what she's been up to in her music career and personal life (she's married to a doctor and has two kids).

Q. Everyone knows Susanna Hoffs as the heartthrob lead singer of The Bangles. Do you still get adolescent fans who confess their love for you?

A. A lot of the kids who were young Bangles fans are grown up, and we do get those comments. You never tire of hearing that, but it does date us. I am turning 50 next month, and it all goes by so fast.

Q. You received a bachelor's degree in arts from the University of California-Berkeley. Have you remained interested in art since the start of your music career?

A. I'm always involved in the arts, whether it's music or visual arts. I started in music and dance, and have always moved around in that way. My parents were both painters, so I grew up with a lot of support from them in the arts. I was really lucky that my parents supported my interests.

Q. Now that you're a mother, how do you balance your family life with your musical career?

A. Well, my average day starts off trying to wake up as early as possible. I get the kids ready and off to school, then I take my daily walk for at least an hour. I use the walk to zone out and listen to music. Then I get going to the studio. I try to stay in the studio until it's time to pick up the kids, or when it's time to make dinner.

Q. What have you been working on in the studio?

A. I've been working with an artist named Matthew Sweet (also a power-pop artist). We produced an album called "Under the Covers Vol. 1." I really enjoy working with Matthew; it's been a great experience.

Q. Will The Bangles be in the studio any time soon?

A. Actually, we just got back from an amazing tour of Australia, and we sat down to do some writing and begin the work. We should be getting back into the studio together by February or March to work on our next album. It's really exciting.

Q. Do you have any plans while you're here in Hawai'i for your New Year's Eve performance?

A. Well, I'll be there with my family. We're going to go to the beach, of course. I really love Hawai'i, and am so excited to be coming back. I can't think of a more beautiful place. I really think it's magical there.