Kathy Valentine’s musical lineage spans multiple eras, including her early Texas roots, the formation of her punk and power-pop identity in London and Los Angeles, her defining years with The Go-Go’s, and a successful post-Go-Go’s solo career as a musician, author, and composer.
Kathy Valentine: Musical Lineage & Career Timeline
Kathy Valentine’s musical lineage spans multiple eras, including her early Texas roots, the formation of her punk and power-pop identity in London and Los Angeles, her defining years with The Go-Go’s, and a successful post-Go-Go’s solo career as a musician, author, and composer.
Austin Roots & Early Bands
Before joining The Go-Go’s, Valentine was active in the vibrant Austin rock scene.
Early bands included:
- The Violators — A raw punk group active during Austin’s early punk movement
- Other local projects that blended punk, glam, and garage rock
This era shaped her early musical identity.
London & The Textones (Late 1970s–1980)
Valentine moved to London for a period to pursue opportunities and refine her craft, eventually joining the band The Textones after relocating to Los Angeles.
The Textones:
- Power-pop/punk hybrid band
- Featured tight musicianship and melodic songwriting
- Recorded demos and performed extensively in LA clubs
- Reason to Leave/Some Other Girl (1980) Purchase on Amazon
It was during this period that she crossed paths with members of The Go-Go’s.
The Go-Go’s (1980–1985; 1990; 1994; 1999–2012; 2018–2022; 2025)
Valentine joined The Go-Go’s suddenly when bass player Margot Olavarria was out due to injury. Her quick learning, musicianship, and chemistry made her a permanent member.
Roles:
- Bass guitar
- Rhythm guitar
- Backing vocals
- Co-songwriter
Notable songwriting credits:
- “Vacation” (co-writer — one of the band’s biggest hits)
- Contributed heavily to arrangements and musical structure on key albums
She performed in every “classic” lineup era except 2012–2018.
Post-Go-Go’s Career (1990s–2020s)
After and between Go-Go’s activities, Valentine remained active with:
- The Delphines (1997) Purchase on Amazon
- The World’s Cutest Killers
- The BlueBonnets — Austin-based rock band
Boom Boom Boom Boom (2010) Purchase on Amazon
Play Loud (2014) Purchase on Amazon - Solo projects – Kathy Valentine – Light Years (2005) Purchase on Amazon
- Studio sessions
- Songwriting collaborations
She also became a respected author, publishing her memoir “All I Ever Wanted”, which received critical acclaim. Purchase on Amazon
Recent Work & Legacy (2020s)
Valentine continues to create music, perform, write, and explore film composition. Her career represents one of the most versatile and enduring legacies among female rock musicians.
Career Timeline Summary
1970s (Austin): Early bands, punk roots
Late 1970s: London period and early recordings
1980: Joins The Go-Go’s
1981–1984: Records and tours at peak Go-Go’s popularity
1985: First breakup
1990: Reunion
1994: Additional reunion
1999–2012: Touring and new releases
2012–2018: Hiatus from band
2018–2022: Final reunion tours
2020: Publishes All I Ever Wanted memoir. Purchase on Amazon
2025: Scheduled Go-Go’s reunion activity
Current Projects: The Blue Bonnets