Did you know that Belinda Carlisle, the famous pop singer of the 1980s, was once part of a punk rock band? Today, we’ll tell you her story and about that special album that completely transformed her musical journey.
How Did She Discover Punk Rock?
Belinda Carlisle was born in the United States. When she was a teenager, the world of music was very different. At that time, radio stations mostly played soft rock and melodic songs, like those by The Eagles and The Doobie Brothers. But Belinda wanted something new and different.
One day, she went to a music store and saw an album that changed her life forever. That album was Iggy and the Stooges‘ Raw Power, released in 1973. Its cover was bizarre—a skinny, shirtless boy gripping a microphone tightly. Belinda thought, “What is this?”
The First Time She Heard Raw Power
Belinda found the album cover so unique that she bought it. When she listened to it, she was stunned. The music was completely different from anything she had heard before—fast, fierce, and full of energy. It included songs like Gimme Danger, Search and Destroy, and Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell.
In an interview, Belinda said, “When I first heard Raw Power, it was like a new door opening for me. It was dangerous and amazing at the same time.” Inspired by this album, she embraced punk rock and later became part of a punk band herself.
Belinda and the Punk Band Germs
Inspired by Raw Power, Belinda decided to join a punk band called Germs as a drummer. However, she didn’t stay with the band for long and eventually moved toward pop music.
In the 1980s, Belinda Carlisle established her unique identity. Hits like Heaven Is A Place On Earth made her famous worldwide.
Raw Power’s Influence on Other Artists
Belinda Carlisle wasn’t the only one whose life was changed by this album. Renowned British guitarist Johnny Marr, a member of the band The Smiths, also said that Raw Power was the greatest album he had ever heard.
He shared, “The album cover alone forced me to buy it. It was filled with rock and roll, excitement, and danger. From the first listen, it became my favorite album.”
