The Go-Gos

NEW TO SHOWTIME! It is incredible that we can continue to celebrate our love of punk rock with so many well-regarded and celebrated documentaries about various bands coming out as of late. The Go-Go’s, the newest documentary from acclaimed director Alison Ellwood, is precisely what the title promises – an intimate portrait of The Go-Go’s. Ellwood captures every moment of the band’s life, warts and all. Well-executed interviews of key people and all band members, along with excellent animation and archival research, The Go-Go’s reveals a story of talent, will, friendship, addiction, and forgiveness. The backdrop of the male-dominated music business highlights that these ladies who have stayed brash and whipsmart have always been entirely punk.

The rise, fall, and after-life portrayed in The Go-Go’s is a no-holds-bar depiction of this all-girl band. Utilizing a vast array of old photos and videos, the band’s life is captivatingly revealed. From them learning to play instruments to writing songs and releasing a top-selling number one album, it is all lovingly captured. Did I mention that they remain, to this very day, the top-selling all-female band of all time? But are still not in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame – what’s with that?

“…an intimate portrait of The Go-Go’s.”

The film is an epic story beginning with their L.A. roots playing at seedy punk rock band venues and how each band member found the band as it brought together misfit girls. The clarity of memory and the naked truth each Go-Go reveals about the group is mesmerizing. Commentary in carefully constructed to a story of struggle but not without the fun. These girls partied like rock stars but also had an incredible emotional connection with each other. Even those who were asked to leave the band, including their original manager Ginger Canzoneri, reveal fond memories, tears, as well as hilarious moments of pure fun.