HEAVEN on Earth
Belinda Carlisle’s career spans more than four decades. JAMES RAMPTON caught up with her to talk about anniversary boxed sets and her upcoming tour
You are celebrating the 30th anniversary of Runaway Horses with the release of the super deluxe boxed set. Do you look back fondly on the album?
Absolutely. Out of all my solo albums, it’s my favourite. The material is so good. Some of the songs have a real melancholy about them, which I’ve always liked. There was a lot of pressure to follow up Heaven Is A Place On Earth. A lot of overthinking and secondguessing went into the making of it, but it is still an amazing album. It has some of my favourite songs. No matter how many times I have the privilege of singing Summer Rain, I just love it. Of all the songs from my career, that is the one I most enjoy singing.
George Harrison played on the track, Leave A Light On. How did that come about?
It was just a matter of asking him. He was a fan of the girl group genre and liked my voice because it had that particular sound. I said to him, “Do whatever you want,” and of course his contribution came back perfect. He hadn’t worked with many people outside The Beatles, so it was a real honour to have him involved on the album.
Tell us about the other new recordings you have made for this edition.
I’ve done a version of Elton John’s I Need You To Turn To. I love that song. I always thought the chord structures were reminiscent of Runaway Horses. So, it fits very well with that. It doesn’t hold a candle to Elton John’s version, but I think people will like it. I’ve also done a version of Joni Mitchell’s Both Sides Now. I grew up loving that song.
You seem to have a great relationship with your British fans, is that correct?
Yes. I feel a great connection with them. In the UK, it’s different from in the US. When British fans discover you at the beginning, they’re there for the long haul. American fans are fickle. I see fans here that I’ve been seeing for 30 years. I can name five of them off the top of my head. I love the enthusiasm of British audiences. They’re not quiet or subdued.
What do you think makes you so popular?
I’ve been around since the late 1970s. I came from the punk scene in Hollywood and people love how I started and where I came from. I came from the garage scene in Hollywood, and people adore that. People respond to that authenticity.
Why do you think Heaven Is A Place On Earth has become such an iconic track?
It’s one of those songs that has become something else. It took on a life of its own. That song was so big and in some parts of the world it took over the radio. It still means a lot to a lot of people.
Do you ever get bored of singing it?
No. For a start, we play different arrangements of it. But it doesn’t matter that it’s repetitive. I don’t know how many times I’ve sung it but whenever I see how much people love it, I can’t help but love it, too.
Do you like the UK?
Yes, I love it. We lived in Hampstead for two or three years. I love being able to walk everywhere in London. The architecture is amazing. I’m not crazy about the weather, but when it’s sunny, there are very few cities more beautiful than London. The English countryside is wonderful, too.
You live in Thailand now. Why did you move there?
I really like the people, and we live in Bangkok, my favourite city in the world. It’s a crazy, perfect mixture of the first and third worlds. Bangkok might not be aesthetically pleasing, but the energy is amazing. It’s chaos, but also, it’s very chilled-out.
Tell us about your son
He makes me very proud. He’s been a big activist for the LGBTQ+ community since he was 14. He ran for office in West Hollywood recently. He didn’t win, but he’s great.
Looking back, what are you most proud of in your career?
I’m very proud of Wilder Shores, my album of chanting. I chant every day. It’s part of my practice. It has completely changed my life. It’s not airy-fairy. It’s very scientific. No one had put chanting into a pop format before, so I thought, “Why not?”
The Go-Go’s musical, Head Over Heels, had a Broadway run. What’s happening to it now?
There is a growing interest in it in schools all over the US. It has a great message. It’s about acceptance and love – universal themes. It’s really clever. I could see it coming over here. It has a message that needs to be heard, and music is a great communicator.
Are there any other ongoing projects with The Go-Go’s?
Yes, there is a documentary about The Go-Go’s which is coming out at the Sundance Festival. It’s directed by Alison Ellwood, who made that great documentary about The Eagles. She interviewed everyone from the early punk scene. It will help people understand that The Go-Go’s didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Simon Cowell didn’t put us together. We came out of the punk scene. We didn’t know what we were doing, but within three years we became the biggest band in America.
Are you still in touch with the other Go-Go’s?
Yes, we still talk. A year and a half ago, we did some shows at the Hollywood Bowl. We’re family, but we’re five complicated people and the dynamics are very complicated, as they would be with any group after 40 years.
You turned 60 last year. How do you feel about the ageing process?
What can I do about it – except do it gracefully? All I can hope for is another 60 years of good health. I appreciate every day and now realise how precious life is – which I didn’t before.
What are your plans for the future?
I’ve had a pretty busy year. I did a big tour of Australia and South East Asia. I always say yes to things that are fun. I always do work I love that allows me to be in places I love. There might be a few Go-Go’s things popping up next year. I also love spending the summer months doing festivals.
What do you hope audiences will take away from your shows in the UK this autumn?
Most people forget how great my catalogue is. My wish is simple: that they have a great time and love the songs as much as I do.
■ ■ Belinda Carlisle plays Nottingham Royal Concert Hall on Wednesday, September 25. £25-£55 (plus fees), trch.co.uk, 0115 989 5555.