Iconic Group STRIVED To Be SERIOUS Artists But This #1 NOVELTY Hit FRACTURED Them!-Professor of Rock

It’s a song with a storied history and a bittersweet legacy. But you’d never know just listening to it. That’s because this is one of those happy-go-lucky pop tunes we were all singing along with back in the 80s. However, in the studio and behind the scenes… it was a different story. Walk Like An Egyptian by the Bangles. This song was actually the catalyst for this band’s breakup. It all fell apart when their producer forced each member to audition to sing on the song… their own song! With four musicians and just three verses… I’m sure you can do the math. Someone was getting the shaft. And then there was the music video, which has this iconic moment, that all of us remember. Susanna Hoffs and the iconic eye roll that made every boy a man... A moment that turned one of the singers into America’s sweetheart and left the others out in the cold. With the press and fans calling her the band’s lead singer, things got ugly fast. Stick around to find out if there is any way this divisive track could have a happy ending. The story’s coming up… NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
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Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you remember trying to make a mix tape off the radio and get frustrated when the static would interrupt a song you’ll dig this channel of deep musical nostalgia. Make sure to, subscribe below right now. I promise that you are going to love this channel. We also have a Patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.
Today we’re giving you the story of a band that we’ve yet to cover on the channel… an essential power-pop quartet that ruled the US Charts in the second half of the 80s. A band I feel is underappreciated with a sound that was very unique yet very eclectic… The band was comprised of Susanna Hoffs and Vicki Peterson on guitar, Debbi Peterson on drums, Michael Steele on bass… and everyone on vocals. It’s the Bangles and their massive 1986 hit Walk Like an Egyptian.
Much like Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, teenage sisters Vicki and Debbie Peterson didn’t pine over rock stars when they were growing up. They wanted to be rock stars. So to get things rolling, in 1976, 17-year-old Vicki put together a Southern California garage band called Heatwave. Soon after younger sister Debbie crashed the party and took her place at the drum kit. The two sisters were in their element from the get-go. Fast-forward to the dark day of December 8, 1980, and the murder of former Beatle John Lennon. It was a day that shocked the world and one that devastated the Peterson sisters who idolized the Beatles. Lennon’s death also deeply affected another future Bangle: Susanna Hoffs.
Still in mourning a month later, Susanna vowed to follow the footsteps of her fallen hero and pursue her musical dreams. So she picked up the phone and responded to an ad for a female guitarist in an all-girl band. Vicki answered on the other end, and the two strangers had a long conversation about John Lennon and The Beatles. It was an instant bond. Weeks later, the Peterson sisters met at Susanna’s house for a jam session. From there the

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is the greatest NOVELTY song of the rock era?

[@Ganja-jh6iy]

Disco Duck

[@scottgidley1356]

"I Wanna Be a Flintstone" by Screaming Blue Messiahs. I tend to lean more obscure.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

Snoopy vs. the Red Baron- Royal Guardsmen Where's the Dress- Moe Bandy/Joe Stampley Monster Mash- Bobby Pickett

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@Ganja-jh6iy Da Da Da Trio Snooker Loopy Chas and Dave Diamond Lights Glen and Chris The Chicken Song Spitting Image

[@karmab4391]

Ghostbusters for a true sense of novelty. The Boys Are Back in Town - Thin Lizzy in the sense you just can't help but singing along.

[@karmab4391]

The Bangles' version of Hazy Shade of Winter is my favorite cover.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Agreed- it is fantastic. Better than the original I think. It really adds so much to the song.

[@YouGetSoAlone]

Other than Cash doing Hurt, yes absolutely.

[@kevinmcc3147]

Mine to I like it better than the original

[@Heartwing37]

Agree! Far better than the original!

[@MisterMikeTexas]

​@@YouGetSoAloneCash's cover of "Hurt" was better than NIN's original. I think Trent Reznor agreed.

[@Barneyrubble241]

Susanna Hoffs is still stunningly beautiful. She has aged like fine wine.

[@ginov.7039]

And natural I'm sure

[@drbobsnightmare2521]

Oh yeah! like Kool aid

[@steveb7310]

Shesababe

[@davidlloren]

​@ginov.7039 if you look, it looks pretty natural. Even if she had work done, it's apparently the one doctor in L.A. no one bothers to hire because their work looks natural

[@WhitePOWERranger1]

Good Jew genes

[@lornehulett7702]

For me, it wasn't just the eye roll, but also that little half smile as she did it.

[@seanhalloran4286]

That's what did it for me, also. The half smile WITH the eye roll. I was DEAD. Still am.

[@maudefindlay3949]

​@@seanhalloran4286 maybe grow up

[@jayseaborg7661]

​@@maudefindlay3949you sound like someone still bitter thirty years later that they weren't asked to the prom.

[@lescobrandon3047]

Still makes me… well, you know. I’m 83.

[@paultreadaway102]

When she had her part the Cameras were on she was a winner.Pose and poice and her guitar fire on cylinders to end a superb song

[@homefrontforge]

Whoever edited that video and put the eye roll in deserves a medal. I'm 60 years old and still powerless to resist the shear sensuality of those two seconds.

[@motor-head]

"The decade we all wish we could go back to - desperately" Truer words brother, truer words.............

[@fidtru8615]

...and guess who was president during the eighties.....the music was great, and America was strong.....what a great time to be young

[@wylierichardson-tu6zs]

@@fidtru8615 and we also lived under a constant threat of nuclear annihilation, due to the ever-escalating arms race with Russia. The national debt was also being driven insanely high. "Greed is good?" Maybe not such, due to the stock market crash of 1987.

[@ToxicSpork]

Manic Monday definitely deserves its own video. You could probably do an entire series on great songs that Prince wrote for other artists

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Prince kept himself off the top spot with that one!

[@nosepicker88]

And you can add Manic Monday as another song that created more tension and contributed to breaking up the Bangles.

[@billkeithchannel]

I liked Manic Monday from The Bangles but I loved Maybe Monday from Til Tuesday.

[@fletchbg]

Everyday is Like Sunday Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting Friday I'm in Love Thursday's Child Wednesday Morning 3AM Ruby Tuesday

[@davidjeffers68]

Prince's version of that song is amazing.

[@geminijustgemini7784]

Susanna’s eye movement was iconic… but the guitar player and her legs after she sings her verse was just as iconic.

[@kylben]

Speaking of legs, I want the prof to cover "Addicted to love" by Robert Palmer. Like a Nagel painting come to life.

[@anurag123B]

I am a fan of Vicki and her legs 😂

[@MrSmiley1964]

Susanna was the Queen of the side eye.

[@paulcarney7495]

The power cord and the hip sway were amazing together!

[@daveb224]

I couldn't agree more.

[@chriscarlson3700]

Tom Petty asked The Bangles to sing background vocals on “Waiting For Tonight,” and Prince liked them so much he offered them “Manic Monday.” Does praise get any higher than that? The Bangles are fantastic, definitely worthy of the R&RHOF.

[@frossbog]

Meat Loaf first.

[@ronaldnelson6692]

Prince's estate released his version of Manic Monday on his Originals album. Kind of weird hearing him sing the part about kissing Valentino.

[@ziweiyuan]

I always heard he gave them the song because he was trying to sleep with Susannah Hoffs.

[@ler5299]

I just love the stuff you learn in these comments. Thanks for that

[@ronaldnelson6692]

@@ziweiyuan Prince wrote it under the Cristopher Tracy name.

[@thomrafferty9322]

Love, love, love The Bangles. Sinfully underappreciated. Susanna Hoffs is a class act in and outside of the band.

[@jenfountain9804]

My brother in law used to drive charter busses in LA - California area and he would often drive bands when they where on tour around the US. He drove the Bangles once and asked them to sign a CD case for my husband's birthday present. They were the only band he asked for an autograph (they were that special to both him and my husband). I remember how excited and happy my husband was when he opened it up. One of my favorite memories of my Brother in Law. Sadly he died of ALS in 2016. He was and still is in my heart one of the kindest people I know.

[@oopswrongplanet4964]

This is one of those songs that are an instant time machine. Takes you back to when life was not too serious, and it was okay to be silly for a while.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I know what you mean!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The perfect song to get the sillies out!

[@MrJeffcoley1]

I remember the first time I heard Walk Like An Egyptian. We were on a family car trip to San Antonio when it came on the radio. We were instantly hooked. I vividly recall the frustration when the station started fading out as we drove desperately tuning to keep it audible

[@nocakeforsusan8701]

And what better way to time travel to 1986 that in a hot tub

[@nostrilnick]

This woman is arguably even more beautiful today than in the 80s. I wasn't immune to her eye roll back then either though. And you're right, we do miss the 80's, second best decade ever.

[@rigpod4821]

No, it's the BEST. Period.

[@randymoyan7871]

You lost me at second best decade ever.

[@stephenbrown2223]

In my opinion, the genius in "Walk Like an Egyptian" is the production: the echoing "gong" sounds, the snare drum sounds, all invoke the sounds of being in a stone tomb or pyramid, the sounds echoing off the walls. So well done! Without that sound, I don't think the song would be more than a quirky B side.

[@adotintheshark4848]

I second that. None of the girls are exceptional vocalists anyway but the overall musical production is first-rate.

[@mikecrooks8085]

I am waiting for someone in cancel culture to catch up too it, they will have to dub in "walk like a hieroglyphic" unless we offend anyone.

[@clydekimsey7503]

😅​@@mikecrooks8085

[@Trevin_Taylor]

@@mikecrooks8085you’re the only triggered person here.

[@mikecrooks8085]

and now you, success!@@Trevin_Taylor

[@whiskeytango9769]

I was in my 20's in the 80's and I remember that eye-roll too. It hit me like a ton of bricks...she was [is?] stunningly beautiful and those eyes were simply mesmerizing.

[@JACathcart5181]

Susanna seems like a lovely person and is amazingly beautiful, even today. I'm very pleased to hear that the band has reconciled. I was very fond of their sound in the eighties and have fond memories of listening to their music in college.

[@catherine6653]

Remain In Light is in my collection. Walk Like an Egyptian is a good sing along. Susanna Hoffs did a free concert in downtown Seattle to promote her first solo record. It was announced on radio on the day. I changed my plans, and got on the bus. She performed 45 minutes and included Manic Monday and Walk Like an Egyptian. I am glad it was my day off and I could catch this show. I dig this song.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Catherine!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m glad you got to see her live. She is still stunning to this day.

[@catherine6653]

@marktait2371 Hi Mark. I ordered the Beatles Now and Then single on black vinyl. The record stores didn't get them all over the US. I ended up with the blue vinyl, which costs more. I won't get it until the end of the month.

[@catherine6653]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 It was a good concert. Susanna is John Taylor's neighbor.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@catherine6653 John Taylor from Duran Duran? No way!

[@DC8091]

Eternal Flame is criminally underrated & forgotten about. That song rules!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed. So goo!

[@mrbob8618]

That song was about the husband she's currently married to

[@ericfreeman5795]

I don't know if I'd call it underrated. It went #1 in 10 countries, and top 10 in 18. I do believe that the Bangles are underrated. The fact that the Go-Gos are in the R&R Hall of Fame, and no mention of the Bangles, who had more charting success than the Go-Gos, is evidence of that.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of my favorite songs of the 80s.

[@DC8091]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 hell ya!!!

[@LarwanaPaladin]

I love "Walk Like an Egyptian". I think of my grandma and walking behind her in Wal-Mart doing the "Walk Like an Egyptian" thing. Great memories that keep me smiling, even after 37 years.

[@ProfessorofRock]

So cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha!

[@kellybridwell7250]

Not to take anything away from their incredible talent but since the eyes were mentioned..have ya'll seen Susanna Hoffs lately? She's almost eligible for social security and she still looks absolutely stunning. Not "beautiful for her age" but absolutely beautiful.

[@KennedyGoodkey]

In the fall of 1986 I got cast in a local Am-Dram production of Anne of Green Gables as one of the school kids. The choreographer was only a few years older than me, but she was legitimately an adult and was trying to make her mark in the world. After the show run was over she asked myself and 2 other boys in the cast if we were interested in free dance lessons at her studio - with the stipulation that we also had to be in her competitive Troupe. The first song we learned for competition was Walk Like an Egyptian. In small town Northern Canada in the 80s, a single boy on stage was a rarity (and almost always given belittling epithets about their sexuality). But three was a revolution. The adjudicator was so delighted that not only did we win, but from that point on in the festival, the only time a number from our studio didn't win top spot (whether we boys were involved or not) was when there were two numbers from our studio in the same category. (I don't pretend that was at all fair.) The choreographer was suddenly the hottest thing in Central British Columbia. And decades later her family is practically a production empire in the region. (They made plenty of other smart choices along the way.) Two of us three boys went on as professional performers (Though neither of us dancers, I definitely have made use of the skills I learned.) And the stigma around boys in dance in that small part of the country evaporated entirely and seems to have stayed that way. Walk Like an Egyptian will always be special to all of us.

[@sarahcoleman3125]

For once, I actually have strong memories of this song. It's probably the first record my older sister got when she was, idk, 12 years old? My brother and I were still 6/7, and I remember her blasting the song trying to teach us how the dance moves went. Since she was so much older than us, we idolized her, and having her laugh and play with us was a precious memory. 💗

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

That is so adorable! Thanks.

[@leslie6938]

It wouldn’t have mattered if you were in nosebleed seats, your sister was happy to be with YOU! Thanks for sharing that sweet memory. Hearing that you and your siblings were split up tugs at my heartstrings but it sounds like y’all are close nonetheless. You’re a great big brother and I say that as the eldest of three sisters. :- )

[@leslie6938]

I just realized I was 25 in 1987 too, funny little coincidence! That was a memorable year for me as well. I bought a brand new cherry red Mustang 5.0 liter engine that year and that car got me in a lot of trouble, hahaha! Expensive lessons learned the hard way but fun anyway…!

[@freddyt55555]

Susanna Hoffs sang lead on most of their hits, so it's understandable that people thought of her as the lead singer.

[@jimwerther]

Stop. They pushed her forward because she was smoking hot.

[@lynnerose7891]

@@jimwerther If she was not also the person singing on their biggest hits, though, that doesn’t matter.

[@holonet1]

I always thought she was lead singer too! Also, she is objectively the hottest one. As for best voice, I'd have to listen to their hits again.

[@railspony]

@@jimwerther Vastly more people were listening to these songs on the radio than watching them on MTV. It was before the internet or smartphones... most people who knew every word to the song didn't know what any of them looked like! Same for most bands.

[@jtfike]

@@jimwertherthey were all smoking hot.

[@Gremlinsfan40]

My 4 favorite songs from the bangles are walk like an Egyptian, manic Monday, eternal flame and their cover of hazy shade of winter

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

All great!

[@demetriuscooksey7147]

Probably EVERYBODY'S top 4!👍

[@jeremysiron9622]

I miss songs like that

[@johndeer6543]

These 4 songs are not only my favorite Bangles songs, they are my favorite songs.

[@marianoribas3494]

Also that 4 songs were Bangles top hits: two N*1, and two N*2 on Hot 100.

[@hcanderson3787]

What you said at the end there about the 80s and wanting to return to them...that really hit home. Great episode!

[@martymccrudden6542]

For me, Susanna's "moment" in the video was when she did the overhead point from her bandmate at one side of her to the next singer on the other side. Just... Damn!

[@endcensorship874]

As an 80's kid, I graduated HS in 1985, I can confirm: hated the band, hated the song, but absolutely loved the video. Would stop what I was doing when it came on. Susanna Hoffs was/is an absolute gem.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool!

[@Del-Lebo]

Same and worked at Muscland record store from 1981 to 1987! Luckiest teen Ever! I Christown mall in phx az!

[@jacksquat4140]

I wasn't a fan of the band, the song, or the video. In fact, any time that song came on, I would turn it off. Just annoying as Hell.

[@StickySyrupEverywhere]

Yeah. Though I recognize the effort it took for any band to succeed now. I graduated in 1985. Something special was in the air on that cusp of paradigm change. We would have been DANGEROUS if we had cell phones. Old teachers recognize us. I finally got to ask a couple of them if all their classes were that way, and got a quick 'no.' Anyhow, I can confirm: Turning fifty-six happened FAST.

[@MarkNOTW]

85 here too. Totally agree

[@geoffstrickler]

“Going Down to Liverpool”, “Manic Monday”, “Walk Like an Egyptian”, “Hazy Shade of Winter”, “Eternal Flame”, “Hero Takes a Fall” are all great.

[@racketman2u]

all great, but I think my favourite is "If She Knew What She Wants", can't understand how it didn't do better with those sublime harmonies.

[@simplysteve68]

Have you ever seen the video for "Going Down to Liverpool"? Not sure why 🤷 (other than the line in the song "Hey, Leonard"), but Leonard Nimoy is in it! Lol

[@ObjectorSnark]

@@simplysteve68 leonard nimoy was a close friend to susanna's parents

[@simplysteve68]

@@ObjectorSnark cool, I truly didn't know that, the scene was they were in a car frame set, with him pretending to drive them, to wherever they wanted. 👍

[@ObjectorSnark]

@@simplysteve68 iir, she told an interviewer about making the video something like "so i just called uncle leonard..." because she knew him since she was a kid

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

Hoffs was my first crush. Well, her, Cates and LeBrock. Man, those 80s women were something else. Total babe-o-rama's.😍

[@michaeltischuk7972]

I always confuse these gals with Banamarama, but the Go Go's were my favorite!

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

@@michaeltischuk7972 Both great groups. I had a big crush on Carlisle too. Especially when she turned into a redhead.😂

[@getalifeloser-y4s]

Real baberham Lincolns

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

@@getalifeloser-y4s Sick Wayne's world reference, my dude. 😂🙌

[@RBS_]

@@TheRetroManRandySavage ....saaaaaaame here, Man, on Red Head Belinda....I remember when I saw the Video for, "Circle In The Sand".....I said, "...aw, Man...NO BIKINI!" ...ha-HAAA!!

[@tarp11z]

I couldn't take the song seriously the time, but it grew on me. It's strange how bands would hit a gift horse in the mouth back in the day. Today, any rock musician would feel like they won the lottery over a tune like this. And they probably wouldn't fight over who's the hottest.

[@tbam73]

Their breakup was a lot more complicated than who people thought was hotter. Funny is the comment perfectly describes the problem back then. They were talented musicians all around whose press focused on rumors about dating Prince, eye rolls. It was ridiculous

[@jamesevans3492]

Out Of All Of The Beauties, That Were In The Bangles, Susanna Hoffs Really Shined As The Most Beautiful Of Them . . . Wow . . . Grrrrr . . . . "-)

[@ScottMeyer-g8f]

One of the prettiest women I've ever seen.

[@davedove67]

I have to admit that Vicki shaking her fringe on the Egyptian video caught my attention.

[@jimmmount3287]

For me it was Michael. My heart still skips a beat.

[@sariahut1]

This song was everywhere when I was in 7th grade. They’d even play it in the halls of my junior high school I’ve got some great memories attached to it. The Bangles were absolutely ground breaking. I don’t remember viewing rockers as heart throbs but I do remember seeing these women as idols.

[@kevinramsey417]

The Bangles were awesome. Their cover of Hazy Shade of Winter absolutely slaps.

[@TheNecronacht]

I was in my mid 20s when the song came out. I agree, it's iconic for its time and I love it to this day. And every time I see the video, that eye roll STILL gets me... 🥰

[@rjeffday099]

In the summer of 1987, I was deployed to Cairo, Egypt for a month with the US Air Force. Before I left to go live in a tent in the Egyptian desert for a month, I made a mix tape of nothing but The Bangles 'Walk Like an Egyptian' and Steve Martin's 'King Tut' back-to-back-to-back-to-back over and over again for 90 minutes. I wore that tape out on my Panasonic boom box during the 30-day deployment. LOL

[@jstnxprsn]

Producer Pro-tip: Don't cause the band to break up. Good morning, Adam and fellow music lovers. Beyond my decades long crush on Susanna, they were a really talented band. Much better than most of the "girl bands" they've thrown at us. More on the level of a great group like Fanny.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree! Just talked about Fanny! Good memory.

[@Joreel]

You could tell they really loved what they were doing in their music as well when you saw them in concert back then. It's a shame they got an ass for a producer who tried to turn them against each other.

[@fnjesusfreak]

@@Joreel Definitely a good thing they ditched Kahne for Davitt Sigerson next album.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Every music producer could use that bit of advice.

[@Jreb1865]

Born in the 60s Raised in the 70s Partied thru the 80s What a time to be alive... I seen The Bangles in 1988, and they started their set out with "Hazy Shade of Winter". Their cover of that song live is pure fire. Another great Bangles song and probably my favorite is "In Your Room". It's a song that was destined to be turned up to the mythical 11...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Are they still touring? Because I would have loved to see a live version of Hazy Shade of Winter!

[@iansmith1965]

Yeah! Same with me!! Never saw The Bangles, but I was at Live Aid.

[@HVSJR-n5q]

Born in the 50s I was lusting by the 80s.

[@Jreb1865]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I have no idea. Kinda doubt it...

[@tomahawk5118]

Same here, born in 60’s, Raised in 70’s, blasted the 80’s. Best times ever.

[@leslie6938]

POR, you have such a gift! Your enthusiasm while taking us back in time is infectious, and I always learn something new from the facts and insights you bring to our old favorites. Your knowledge of music and even more impressive, of the artists, bands, musicians, producers, labels, and all their interconnections is truly unique and remarkable. Your prolificness (is that a word?) is stunning. What a work ethic you have! Although maybe it doesn’t seem like work to you given how much you enjoy talking about rock era music. I’ve been watching you for years and you still have the same down home, just a regular guy aura you had many years ago. I look forward to every new video. Don’t tell anyone, but videos like this one where it’s just you talking are my favorite even though I enjoy a lot of the interviews. THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge and perspectives. This video brightened a stressful day. Keep on rockin ‘!

[@donmaxwell7826]

You sir, are a true professional and a maestro. Born in 1966, I was a child of the 80’s. You did your homework. I spent my high school years in L.A. I had the privilege of going to Madam Wongs West, Gazarri’s, Trubador, Whisky and many others. Wow. What a time to be alive. I still remember there was a “street concert” from a band named “Mammoth”. What a great time to be alive and in the middle of it all. I saw all the hair bands coming up, The Crue, Van Halen, Plasmatics, Circle Jerks, and the NeRo era. Kudus to you sir. You put a lot of work into your research and revive it with humor and a fresh approach. Well done!

[@donmaxwell7826]

All the “jocks” who made fun of you as a “geek” assuredly are not having as much fun as you are with 1M+ subscribers. Cheers 🍻

[@sidsuperstar]

I was lucky to saw them live back in the 80s…..they all rocked!

[@gator7082]

Hazy Shade of Winter was peak 80's pop. One of my favorites and really showcased the band. On a side note in the mid 90's while I was in the Marine Corps we did an exercise with Egypt. Prior to the beginning we were briefed to never mention this the song Walk Like an Egyptian. No singing it, talking about it, or alluding to it in any way. That should tell you how Egypt felt about it!

[@eightiesmusic1984]

In the UK at the time no-one mentioned it as being insensitive or inappropriate that I can remember ( i am 53) but I definitely think by today's standards ( and clearly then in the eyes of Egypt) it does not sit right. I am attuned to this sort of thing anyway but with a French wife my tolerance for xenophobia and anti Europeanism is low- it is rife in Britain, ,especially post Brexit.

[@davefink2326]

@@eightiesmusic1984everything causes butthurt. We’ve grown soft.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@davefink2326 On the contrary. Many people ( clearly not all, hence the backlash from reactionaries) recognise cultural sensitivities and the need to be respectful.

[@headcleaver2003]

Being culturally respectful of easily offended people has killed comedy. It's just censorship. @@eightiesmusic1984

[@simplysteve68]

Of course it's because former Libyan leader (now deceased) Moamar Gaddaffy/Khadaffi/Quaddafi (however they spelled it! Lol) was shown in the video, moving a badly drawn over (early cgi?) animated arm, and Egypt's leader (not sure who then) was not. Lol 😆

[@Fregulus5]

I had a massive crush on the bass player, Michael Steele. Over the years though, I have come to deeply respect the musical chops of Susanna Hoffs... and the fact that she plays Rickenbackers don't hurt none, either!

[@AnneDowson-vp8lg]

How strange to have a girl called Michael . Michaela or Michelle is more usual.

[@Thessair]

Michael was always my Bangles crush as well. You have excellent taste! 👍 It's sad how far down I had to scroll down to find someone else who felt that way.

[@DianeDixey]

@@AnneDowson-vp8lg she was born "Susan". She changed it to Michael

[@jimmmount3287]

Michael was my crush too. Her intensity in that video and deep breathy voice like Scarlett Johansson. I literally never noticed Hoff's eyeroll because I was still bowled over by Michael's second verse. I think it was Michael on the sitar in "In your Room" that later cemented it though. She looked like the mystery girl at every small teen get-together that everyone wanted to know.

[@ArthurRChan]

One of my roommates in college had the Bangles' EP, and when "All Over the Place" came out, I had to have it. Still my favorite of their records, although my favorite song they did was their cover of Big Star's "September Gurls." Always enjoyed the Bangles segments on I.R.S.'s "The Cutting Edge."

[@BikesAndBanjos]

I saw the Bangles at a small club in Blacksburg Va with some friends in 1984 (I think). The song "Going Down to Liverpool" was getting a lot of airplay at the time but they were still relatively unknown. So there weren't more than 150 people there and we got a nice space standing on a railing fairly close to the stage towards the right of the band. The entire night my friends and I could swear that Susanna Hoffs kept looking at us and smiling with those big beautiful eyes. We were sure she was gonna stop by and talk to us after the show since she was looking at us so much. But when the show finished and the lights came on we didn't get to meet her. We realized we were standing in front of a big mirror and she had been checking herself out the entire time... we were just in the way. Oh well... it was still a fun show and at least just for a fleeting moment we felt like we had flirted with Susanna Hoffs.

[@Briguy1027]

Not watching their videos, but just listening to their songs, I always wanted to hear Susanna's voice. It was just that good.

[@Whisper_292]

The song is definitely an iconic track of the 80s. My friends and I loved dancing to it when we were clubbing. Thanks for covering this awesome band, Prof!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I know what you mean! Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a great feel good song!

[@mateollamo73]

All of them are so talented, so beautiful, and so under rated.....I never knew the story behind the break up. Thank you for this Adam!

[@n12gaming]

Susanna Hoffs and Jennifer Connelly in Labyrinth. Great time to be alive! I was 11 when Egyptian came out and she was beautiful. She was a defining moment in every 80's boys coming of age. Ahh the good ol days :)

[@hoosieryank6731]

Susanna Hoffs was in Labyrinth?

[@JM_daDoc]

@@hoosieryank6731 No Jennifer was, as he said..

[@Jimi-ld2vw]

That's a great remark by Vicki, speaking to how the song, for all the negative impact it had on the band, was fun to play live because of the audience's enthusiasm for it. That should be what it's all about.

[@flatplaneoregon4605]

I do believe Susannah Hoffs is the reason I've always been the most attacted to brunettes. And I was also in love with her voice. Thanks for the memories and good job

[@jimrupe9991]

Cultural fenominon indeed. I send a very warm thank you to all the members of the Bangles for making my high school years full of fun and great music. Please keep up the great work. When you come to Seattle I'm going. Oh and thank you too Adam. (Great song choice for a video).

[@ProfessorofRock]

Wonderful!

[@gamemaster7903]

I always thought these ladies were extremely underrated. I always loved their B-side songs more than their hits. Walk Like an Egyptian was ear candy, but certainly was not their best. They had so many great songs I still listen to their albums in their entirety. I can't say that for a lot of other of my favorite bands. If any of them happen to read this, I want them to know I loved and respected them all!

[@ProfessorofRock]

I feel the same!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’re all beautiful souls.

[@cindland]

The bangles are so iconic. Such talent. Many of their hits kept me sane during a crazy time in the 80s! Too bad the media and outside pressures tensions among the group.

[@414RobertoSQuiles]

Susanna Hoffs was my dream girl growing up . Still is 😎👍🏽 Who doesn’t get taken back to their youth when you hear a Bangles song like Hazy Shade of Winter , Manic Monday or Eternal Flame 🔥

[@trishcrowe5474]

Thank you for featuring The Bangles! Such a talented group of women. Their work went beyond The Bangles, too. Check out Vicky Peterson’s work with the Continental Drifters and Susanna’s cover songs with Matthew Sweet. Great stuff!

[@michaelnewell6385]

I love the bangles. Susanna Hoffs was every straight guys dream girl. Anybody that follows her can tell you even at 62 she looks phenomenal. Very talented band.

[@gregthomson7889]

Subscribed.I should have a long time ago.I never saw the Bangles but I saw over 50 bands in the 80s and met many of them.Some had already been my friends.You will never see this many types of music peak at the same time again.We were blessed to grow up in the 80s.

[@Sheldon-yc5uh]

I still have this song on 45. Every so often it gets an airing for nostalgic reasons. Great song!

[@joannfalcon6423]

Although I remember this song in context with my children, it immediately struck me as such a fun song. My kids would go around dancing like an Egyptian, and I'd join them going around the house! It's easy to follow it has a great beat and rhythm. So let's go, Walk like an Egyptian! I loved to sing and dance with my kids, and I still do with my grandchildren and friends. By the way, I love your enthusiasm. ❤ The stories are well put together. 👏 👏 👏 👏

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks so much Joann!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I did the same thing, with my mom!

[@mournblade1066]

I absolutely LOVE "Walk Like an Egyptian." It was one of the few really good songs from that year. (I think 1985 was the last really good year for pop music.)

[@ProfessorofRock]

You think? I think 1989 at least.

[@RBS_]

@@ProfessorofRock ...yep, definitely 1989; Eurythmics, Kenny Loggins, H+O, Mike McD, etc., were all stripping it back, and getting back to the MUSIC, that Year....

[@LazyIRanch]

What I will always remember about this song was that the SECOND time I heard it I was at a huge public pool on a Saturday, and it was crowded. This song played on the jukebox and we could hear people whooping and singing along, then the "Egyptian Conga Line" formed and we all walked like Egyptians around the pool having a great time. The song had only been out a few weeks but it seemed everyone at that pool knew the song and loved it! I sure did, and still do.

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

My favourite pop song of the 80s is rush hour, by jane wiedlin. I think that released around 87-88.

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

@@ProfessorofRock Never a bad year for music in the 80s. I loved them all.

[@BillGraper]

Susanna Hoffs!!! ❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

BOOM!

[@schtuke]

Cool channel man! Just found you after going down a Susanna Hoffs rabbit hole since she came across my Instagram feed. And yes, that iconic eye roll is proof that it only takes an instant to fall in love 🔥

[@kylben]

I never consciously thought of that eye roll as a thing, but as soon as you mentioned it, I knew exactly what eye roll you meant. So yeah, it stuck with me. And when you showed the clip, huge blast of nostalgia.

[@herbcraven7146]

Their version of Elvis Costello's Doll Revolution is absolutely brilliant!

[@peteanderson4395]

Much as I love the 80s albums my favourite album is Doll Revolution... shame they took so long to reunite

[@ZCarsMuppets]

Thank you so much for creating a video on the Bangles! I love them very much!

[@surf6009]

Always started to smile bigger when the Bangels came on!

[@Binkley-rj6gf]

Such a bizarre story to me because I think Debbi Peterson has the best voice of the 4. Hoffs is most distinctive - when you hear it, you know it's her - but Debbi's is more pure and melodic. Debbi's lead vocals in Going Down to Liverpool and Live make them my favorite Bangles songs.

[@jimmmount3287]

She's the one who sounds most like the Beatles.

[@Supremor-tj9dv]

You can sort of understand why Hoffa was considered the lead singer/ main focus of the group. She was the best looking, had the most commercial voice, was front and center on stage and sang most of the songs that were released as singles.

[@GMSorceressRose]

Well, it's definitely untrue that she was the "best looking." You don't understand how the media works.

[@JohnLoogleman]

​@@GMSorceressRose lol You:re the only person I've heard of who would say Suzanne wasn't the most attractive Bangle. Ask anyone...

[@ericshade9632]

Well heres the second person. i like Michael. And I inow quite a few Micki admirers plus those who prefer Vicki or Debbi.

[@DianeDixey]

@@JohnLoogleman Michael was far sexier

[@jimmmount3287]

@@JohnLoogleman Here's another. They're all gorgeous and talented but Michael makes my heart skip a beat.

[@seraphimtear7700]

The Bangles were my step mother's favorite band. She told me once that she travelled cross country to go to as many of their concerts as she could when they were at their most popular. thankfully she had enough money to afford all of that and was lucky to not run into any trouble. She said it was the most fun she ever had.

[@sunshine3914]

Those were the days. Never paid for a ticket throughout the 80s & 90s.

[@ChristChickAutistic]

Their album All Over the Place is still a total banger, all meat, no filler. Sure I like Susannah, but I liked them better when they were ALL singing. After Prince got hold of them it became the Susannah show, with The Bangles as a backup band. That's what messed them up I think, not Walk Like An Egyptian. Their cover of Hazy Shade Of Winter is better than the original, imo.

[@prader1330]

Completely agreed on their version of Hazy Shade of Winter. It's, like, not even close. And it's a very rare thing when I think of covers as superior to the original.

[@jonathannelson4324]

You’re so dead on correct! One roll of the eyes got all of us teen boys and I’m betting our dads too. That really was the moment.

[@Llyrin]

Yep! The first time I saw that close-up, I melted. 💖

[@RabidJohn]

I remember seeing the video for Going Down To Liverpool and thinking they were four bonny lasses, but Susanna Hoffs always stood out for me. I refuse to believe people only realised how gorgeous she was when she rolled her eyes in that video.

[@photohounds]

Great song, super band. Hoffs has a fine, fine voice, and has looked after herself, unlike many in the business.

[@ahmadmarei8021]

Dear Professor, love your show! I adore this song ,and it brings back warm (and hillarious) memories because when it was first released I happened to be visiting the US. I remember I went all over that trip, from the East Coast to the West Coast etc., and whenever I'd meet people and tell them I'm Egyptian they would all immediately smile and start to dance/walk (in their place)... "Like An Egyptian" (one hand extended in front of them, the other behind )....freaked me out a bit, I have to admit That nearly universal reaction (across the country) baffled the hell out of me till I heard the song on Q107 in Maryland, then it all became clear :) While we're talking, I can perhaps help answer one of your questions, although we didn't have official music charts here in the 80's , because all we had as teenagers back then were pirated cassettes of international music with dubious quality so of course there were no official charts or sales - ironically I would help bring about the very first legitimate audio casssette (of international music) to be sold in Egypt in 2001 when I helped launch Sony Music here. In case you were wondering, yes it was massive here, and yes everyone loved it :)

[@tracyhue23]

Had such a crush on Suzanna. Eternal Flame used to be one of my favorites, Hazy Shade of Winter and In Your Room are great too! My son loves this song! He thought I’d never heard it 😂

[@ProfessorofRock]

So good! Funny!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Haha, that’s cute. ☺️

[@surf6009]

Bangles made me smile then and now.

[@hoibsh21]

I"m still in love with the Bangles. THey're up there with the greatest girl groups like the Shangri-Las! That Gong sound in Egyptian is Awesome !!

[@taraschneider6115]

As a kid my aunt worked at our small town movie theater. It had a real stage in front of the screen, I think maybe, once upon a time, they used it as a stage-play performance space. Anyway, one afternoon her daughter (my cousin), my little sister, & I were running around the theater while my Aunt was getting the place set up for opening later that night. She played the radio through the theater speakers & we kids started dancing on the stage, doing the "Walk Like an Egyptian" dance. We had so much fun laughing, dancing, & singing. I was around 7 at the time & it's one of my favorite childhood memories. Iconic song that brought people together w/ a fun dance, like a simpler, funnier version of "the Twist", "Electric Slide", or "the Macarena".

[@gsmith601]

I remember the rise of the Bangles. They really seemed to bristle at any Go Go's comparisions. They would openly say they were different and would not have the infighting that led to the Go Go's breakup. Then they started fighting and broke up as well....

[@luvsla72]

Wow, thanks for this video! The Bangles became my favorite band freshman year in high school and they still are! I've seen them live at least 12x and it never gets old. I'm front and center in their Return to Bangleonia DVD filmed at the House of Blues. I will never forget that day! I cried when I met them in person when they played in San Diego after getting back together ... I'm a dork! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@johnnyappleseed5029]

Every guy may have loved Ms. Hoffs, but she was mine, all mine. In my head at least 😊

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. We were all in love!

[@RBS_]

.....No, Man, She's MINE! .....I bought ALL the Import 45's JUST to get the shots of Susannah! ....pricey, for a College Boy on a BUDGET! ...ha-HAAA!

[@Chapps1941]

No she's mine. Astrologically we're a match made in heaven

[@RBS_]

@@Chapps1941 ....well, physically, me BAT says otherwise!! " 😠"....ha-HAA!! ....jus'kiddin', Lady Susannah was a 'Lady Of The 80's', we ALL have to share....😉 ...

[@johnnyappleseed5029]

​@@RBS_ I said it first, so I've got dibs, right? Playground rules are the ultimate authority in such matters......

[@mouwerruiz2486]

appreciate your commentary, and for you allowing me to enjoy this 80s classic without guilt.

[@scottlouis]

Amazing vid! The song is a classic. I loved these ladies. Hazy Shade is still in my playlist too.

[@bishdizzle67]

I hope you can get interviews with The Bangles some day. I really love the band and their sound.

[@ferdinanbob]

I remember when they played at my High School. There was a contest where all the schools in the Atlanta metro area had to write on an index card ‘I want Z93 to bring the Bangles to North Cobb High School’. Our school actually won filling out thousands of cards and they played in our gym. Ohh the eighties were great!

[@DocP91B]

My favorite part of the Walk Like an Egyptian video is just a few seconds, but it's a shot of some people that just happens to be filmed at the hospital I was born at in NYC. I always thought that was the coolest thing, and growing up. In the 80s, no one could get away with watching this video with me in the room and not being yelled at "I WAS BORN RIGHT THERE!!?"

[@stephentresca3536]

This happens in every band. There is always the prettiest one in the band that gets all the attention. The supremes. The Doors and many others.

[@tcgjoe]

Being born in '78, this song - amongst others - was a staple of my childhood. The music video, the radio plays. It was sheer fun and amazingly catchy. I still love it today and it's something I don't have to feel guilty about sharing with my 5 yo child. There's nothing lewd about it, no hidden messages, no adult themes, just sheer fun.

[@jhandle4196]

I'm a classic rocker from the Woodstock generation, and I have the Bangles' Greatest hits CD. There version of "Hazy Shade . . ." is what won me over; the great harmony, the hard driving iconic riff, and the glint of psychedelia reminiscent of music long past, and of course Susanna's eyes, . . . and lips, . . . and . . . well, you know, . . . just Susanna. Well, and the other ladies; they can stop traffic too.

[@rickl5596]

"She had no idea the camera was zoomed in on her at the time?" I always assumed in these videos that each band member probably had their own camera and then the best 2 second moments were taken and edited into a video. Could be wrong but, seems like it would be the best way to get all the best moments. In which case, everyone would have known there was a camera on them at all times.

[@dennishaldiman6087]

Great video production - it brings back great memories of the times of great music!

[@em2128]

In you room is still my favorite song. Followed very closely by ride the ride, doll revolution, & hazy shade of winter. I love when they all sign together in harmony. Perfect! 👌🏻👌🏻

[@christophersims7060]

I saw the Bangles play at Dorney Park sometime in the late 80s Allentown Pennsylvania, they were really fun and I did not know that they were having such problems you couldn't tell from the show they put on. I did not know their history after that they just kind of disappeared and I certainly didn't know that Susanna Hoffs went off and did her own thing and I also didn't know that the group had a runaway with them with Michael. I don't even know The Runaways back then, other than Joan Jett I don't think I even heard of Lita Ford at this point yet. Yes the 80s were some place to be, it's amazing what passed by and didn't realize it was doing so. Thanks for sharing this story end all your musical history.

[@bradparker9664]

I had no idea they were such Beatle freaks. I do recall noticing in the '80 that they leaned towards Rickenbacker guitars, which was like the Beatles' main choice for John and George until late 1965/early 1966. When Paul began phasing out his trademark Hofner bass during the Revolver sessions, he went to a Rickenbacker as well. I see in the reunion dvd clip you show, someone is using a Gretch, possibly a Country Gentleman model (a Harrison favorite) while the other (Hoffs) has a black Ricky. It's funny how we gravitate towards what our favorite artists use...I bought a Strat because SRV and Clapton played. It's really cool to have their sound framed this context you've provided. And as always, great job, sir.

[@MrNeatoMiniStock13]

"Walk Like and Egyptian" is such an iconic song. I heard it when it came out and loved it. Funny thing though, even when I saw Susanna's eye roll, I didn't get the same feeling others got. I think she is a beautiful person, but I kinda liked Michael Steele on bass....mostly because I play bass and she has such a great singing voice and also very beautiful. Not taking anything away from Debbi or Vicki. I have "Walk like an Egyptian" saved on my computer and will sometimes go to KZbin and watch the video, and just listening to the song make me smile and think about the 80's.

[@Tonyfuller-q9h]

YES THE BANGLES WERE UNDERESTIMATED! ALL THE WOMEN WERE BEAUTIFUL, TALENTED, GREAT SMILES AND I KNOW THEY COULD HAVE MADE MORE GOOD MUSIC, BUT IN EVERY BAND SOMEONE JUST STANDS OUT! DOESN'T MEAN THEY ARE BETTER, AND WHETHER FROM PRESS, FANS, LOOK, ETC. THEY JUST HAVE THE "IT" FACTOR!!! SUSANNA HOFF WAS DROP DEAD GORGEOUS!!! THE BANGLES WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN & SOME OF THOSE SONGS WILL NEVER DIE!,ESPECIALLY MANIC MONDAY & WALK LIKE A EGYPTIAN!!! SOMETIMES EGOS DESTROYS A GROUP & IT ISN'T SUSANNA HOFF THAT SHE GOT MORE ATTENTION, WE KNOW LIFE ISNT ALWAYS FAIR, BUT ALL 4 OF YOU MADE A IMPACT!!! THANK YOU ALL!!! YOUR FANS WISH IT WOULD HAVE BEEN LONGER, BUT STILL BE THANKFUL FOR THE SUCCESS, SOME NEVER GET IT, NEVER HAVE ONE HIT SONG, SOME BLESSINGS ARE LONG, SOME ARE SHORT, BUT THE BANGLES WERE A BANGING, FUN TALENTED GROUP!!! GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!

[@looney2nes]

When I was in college, I wasted a lot of time in the game room, playing pool. The game room had a video juke box and the video for Walk Like an Egyptian would always play. When the part of the video where Susanna Hoffs would roll her eyes played, I would always stop what I was doing to watch. I was in love.

[@bmarks100]

The second I read the title of this episode, I knew exactly what tune you were talking about, and whose eye's you were referring to! Oh, the memories!

[@timmaertens1583]

Since I wasn’t “plugged into MTV” at the time, I never thought of this as a novelty song - it was just an incredibly catchy pop song. Great back story, Adam.