6
Being on television was not exactly what the Go-Go’s had on their minds while concentrating on the primary stages of their musical careers. Certainly not starring in a sitcom, anyway. There were so many other things to think about on a daily basis. The only time they ever thought about being on T.V. was to perform on American Bandstand or The Tonight Show or some other similar venue.
What they really wanted to hear was Ed Sullivan say, “Now, all this week, newspaper reporters and photographers from all over the country have jammed our studio, and they all agree there’s nothing like the excitement generated when these five ladies play…..”
Even though Charlotte’s father had a career in television, she could only fantasize about being on T.V. as a child and a teenager due to her abject shyness. Along with that, she would have to deal with the terror and the awkwardness of approaching the entire situation to her dad. She would have to overcome all of these obstacles before remotely considering such an endeavor. Besides, she wanted bigger things for herself. She wanted to play the guitar.
She wanted the highest rank that anyone could achieve in the category of show-business:
She wanted to be a rock star!
It wasn’t as if the girls doubted their ability to pull off such a stunt. They were performers, after all, and each one of them considered herself multi-talented at every level of entertainment. It’s not as if they never fantasized about being in a movie on the big screen.
But, this offer was a solid sucker punch— albeit in a good way.
It certainly opened up all kinds of possibilities.
“We already have a number of songwriters all lined up and ready to go,” said Philip, continuing on with his sale’s pitch. “I listened to your entire playlist, but I have to admit, I didn’t recognize too many of your songs. Were some of them original?” he asked, ignorantly.
The girls couldn’t help but think what a colossal nerd this guy was. The black glasses, the combed-over hair, the no double-chin. This guy had it all.
Jane Wiedlin, the rhythm guitarist and one of the chief songwriters in the group, seemed particularly peeved by that question. Even though the Go-Go’s did play some cover tunes, she reflexively defended the band and embellished a little bit.
“All of our songs are original,” she informed him.
“Oh, really? Wow, that’s amazing,” exclaimed Philip. “That aspect alone would really improve your chances of getting the job. It adds so much to your credibility. And the fact that you guys can play and everything. Wow.”
Philip paused for a moment. “Look, I like you girls a lot. And I like your songs, too. I thought they were really catchy. They’re the perfect style for our show. I just hope you don’t have any other offers,” he said.
The Go-Go’s were slightly taken aback by that query. They didn’t know quite how to respond to that. The reality was, they had been in some discussions with I.R.S. Records and were anticipating possibly getting signed to that label.
But, this represented a whole different opportunity for them. A television show would blast them right into major stardom. Nothing could match the kind of publicity that a prime-time T.V. show would bring. It was a tough decision to make in so many ways.
Would they be stereotyped? Would they be ridiculed? Was it the image they were looking for?
Being signed to a record label would allow them to get on with their lives of being rock stars in a more unfettered manner. In contrast, being on television in a sitcom would put them under the radar in a much more demanding way. They would be under much more scrutiny and have many more rules to follow. Would that be better in the long run? Which one would be more fun?
“Can we discuss it real quick?” asked Jane.
“Of course, go ahead. Take your time,” replied Philip.
The girls moved down several more feet on the sidewalk, away from Philip, and huddled up. The majority vote would rule.
Philip couldn’t help but feel a slight, twinge of guilt as he stood there and watched the girls all standing close with their arms around each other, impulsively discussing their future. He knew he had put a lot of pressure on them. Most of that guilt came from knowing how young and vulnerable they were. He had two daughters himself, and he certainly would not like the idea of someone doing that to them, even if it were an offer to be in show-business.
But, like any good salesman, he ultimately wanted them to say “yes” so that he could make his mission complete.
It was almost as if he were a fisherman and he couldn’t wait to get back to the studio to show his bosses what he had reeled in.