Kathy Valentine

Breaking out of Hollywood’s underground club scene in the late 1970s, The Go-Go’s became trailblazers in female rock, crafting their own music and offering a raw, punk-infused style that challenged the more polished pop of the era. They were among the first all-female bands to achieve significant mainstream success, and their influence continues to be felt today.

Bassist Kathy Valentine played a key role in the band’s success, bringing both musical proficiency and stage presence to The Go-Go’s. Prior to joining the band, Valentine honed her skills with the Austin, Texas punk outfit, The Textones, which equipped her with a strong foundation in music and performance.

In addition to her bass playing, Valentine contributed significantly to The Go-Go’s catalog, including some of their biggest hits. One of her most notable contributions is the 1982 hit “Vacation,” which quickly climbed the charts and became one of the band’s signature songs. The song was immortalized with an iconic MTV video featuring the band waterskiing, and its popularity endures in numerous placements. It was used as the theme song for *Rugrats Vacation*, the first long-form episode of Nickelodeon’s *Rugrats*, and also appeared in Michael Moore’s controversial documentary *Fahrenheit 9/11* as well as in an ongoing commercial campaign for Splish Splash water parks.

Another of Valentine’s standout contributions was the 1984 chart-topper “Head Over Heels,” which became one of The Go-Go’s most enduring hits and was featured as the main title song in the Sony comedy *13 Going On 30*. Throughout the 1980s, Valentine helped shape the band’s signature sound, contributing to beloved tracks like “Can’t Stop The World,” “We Don’t Get Along,” “I’m The Only One,” and “The Whole World Lost Its Head.” Her work with The Go-Go’s remains an integral part of the band’s legacy in rock history.

Licensing with Spirit: License Kathy’s music HERE.