I’m finally seeing The Go-Go’s in concert this July. It’s something of a childhood dream come true as Beauty And The Beat was the first album I owned, a dedicated fan of the band from that point forward.

I hope I’m not jinxing things, as my date with destiny was never guaranteed. On this very date 28 years ago, The Go-Go’s called it quits. Jane Wiedlin had departed the previous October, just months after the band had released its third album, Talk Show, announcing her decision after the release of third single, “Yes Or No.” Though Belinda Carlisle, Charlotte Caffey, Gina Schock, and Kathy Valentine continued on (bringing Paula Jean Brown into the band), it wasn’t for long. I was crushed.

In 1990, the classic lineup reunited for some live dates, and have since recorded new songs for two separate greatest-hits compilations, a fourth album (2001’s God Bless The Go-Go’s). They’ve continued to tour regularly as well, though just ahead of this year’s excursion the band parted ways with bassist Valentine in March, citing creative differences.

If I’m reading my tickets correctly, it looks like I scored front row seats for The Go-Go’s. Such a vantage point means the pressure’s on to appear appropriately enthusiastic during their set, but I’m sure I’ll have no problem immediately falling head over heels all over again.

This week in 1984, the first single from Talk Show was at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, one week from its #11 peak. In retrospect, The Go-Go’s probably weren’t having as much fun behind the scenes when the music video for “Head Over Heels” was filmed, but it’s still impossible to resist singing and clapping along:

Purchase The Go-Go’s – “Head Over Heels” via iTunes, Amazon MP3.