THE VIBE: BELINDA CARLISLE, 1981

PHOTO STEVE RAPPORT

I remember being a teenager and watching the VH1 Behind the Music about the Go-Go’s. I was only fifteen, so my eyes about popped out of my head when it described Belinda snorting coke, hanging out naked on the tour bus, and going through fan boys like tissues in the band’s early-80s heyday.

Now that’s a rock star, I thought admiringly.

But even cooler than Belinda’s thin-line-between-rock-star-and-addict antics was the tossed-off vibe she always gave off when performing. And by tossed-off, I mean: a little ragged around the edges. Sweat beading up on her brow and bare arms. A look that was equal parts fatigue and ennui. Plus, some Jack Daniels. And at least one joint.

It seemed clear — and also, very cool — that Belinda just did not give a fuck.

Belinda was definitely punk, for a Valley girl. But Belinda also equally owned being a Valley girl. Like, WHAT? How can you be both?

Belinda was both. AND a super musician and performer. Like WHAAAAAAT.

Belinda gets my vote for THE VIBE tonight because she’s just so fucking cool. She got sober about 20 years ago, and it makes me cry to watch her interviews where she talks about it. She wishes she got sober before that. Join the club, sister!

I feel like Belinda and I would vibe really hard.

Belinda, are you out there, somewhere in the Universe? Give me a shout.