On Saturday, August 23, in Los Angeles, three members of The Go-Go’s teamed up with several notable guests for a special private backyard charity concert. This event marked the 13th annual Rock and Roll Carnival, a fundraiser supporting Musack, an organization dedicated to helping underprivileged youth through music.
The gathering showcased the significance of music as a tool for empowerment, featuring performances from The Go-Go’s and a variety of distinguished guest artists, including Jack Black, who brought energy and charisma to the stage.
Musack’s Mission to Empower Through Music
Musack’s efforts focus on providing instruments and resources to children and teens who might otherwise lack access to musical education. The charity’s website explains that Musack
“gives underprivileged kids and teens a voice through music by providing guitars, drums, and support for music teachers … wherever the need arises.”
This mission highlights the event’s purpose, reinforcing the power of music as a positive influence in young lives.
The Go-Go’s and Guests Deliver a Memorable Set
The Go-Go’s core performers for this event were guitarist Jane Wiedlin, keyboardist and guitarist Charlotte Caffey, and drummer Gina Schock, who performed under the name The Go’s. Their set included a mix of classic Go-Go’s tunes and featured several celebrity guest vocalists. Lisa Loeb, Kay Hanley from Letters to Cleo, Kathleen Hanna known from Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, comedian Margaret Cho, actor Thomas Lennon, and Jack Black all joined the ensemble. Fred Armisen, a former Saturday Night Live cast member, supported the group on bass.
Thomas Lennon opened with a lively rendition of the 1982 Go-Go’s hit “Vacation,” performing in character as Lieutenant Jim Dangle from Reno 911!. Before launching into the song, Wiedlin joked,
“A love a man in a uniform.”
—Jane Wiedlin, Guitarist
Jack Black’s highlight came with his performance of the 1981 Go-Go’s anthem “We Got the Beat.” Wearing a tie-dye T-shirt featuring a wolf, he energized the crowd with dynamic dance moves. The song then unexpectedly transitioned into a cover of Black Sabbath’s classic “Paranoid.” Toward the end of his set, Black invited several audience members to join him on stage, joined by other singers, creating an engaging and communal atmosphere.
Additional Performances and Highlights Throughout the Event
The show also featured Margaret Cho singing the Go-Go’s hit “Head Over Heels,” Kay Hanley performing her band Letters to Cleo’s “Here & Now” alongside The Go-Go’s lesser-known track “This Town,” and Lisa Loeb delivering a cover of the classic “Our Lips Are Sealed.” Kathleen Hanna contributed with two songs, including the early Go-Go’s rarity “Fun with Ropes.”
Fred Armisen performed prior to The Go’s set, offering his punk tribute song “Fist Fight!” which included backing vocals from Wiedlin, Caffey, and Schock. This song had first gained attention during a 2010 Saturday Night Live sketch featuring Dave Grohl on drums.
Other artists appearing during the event included Lynval Golding from The Specials and Robyn Hitchcock.
The festivities also incorporated a VIP Musack fundraiser the evening before, Friday, August 22, where performances were given by Ad-Rock of the Beastie Boys, Gerald Casale from Devo, and RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, highlighting the wide range of musical talent supporting the cause.
The Go-Go’s Recent and Upcoming Activities
The last time The Go-Go’s performed together with their full lineup was at the Cruel World Festival on May 17, 2025, held in Brookside Park, Pasadena, California. This charity concert marked a reunion of sorts for three of the band members.
Meanwhile, frontwoman Belinda Carlisle is currently in Europe promoting her new solo album, Once Upon a Time in California, set for release on August 29. The album features 10 cover songs that celebrate the pop music that shaped her California childhood and influenced her artistry. Carlisle will begin a brief European solo tour starting August 31 in Bochum, Germany.
Bassist Kathy Valentine lives in London and recently shared moments from a trip to Paris with her daughter, a glimpse into her life away from the band’s activities.
The Lasting Impact of the Jack Black Go-Gos Charity Concert
This collaborative event not only provided support for Musack’s goal of making musical education accessible but also celebrated the enduring power of The Go-Go’s music alongside contemporary and comedic talent. Jack Black’s dynamic contribution underscored the energy and spirit that live performances can bring to charitable causes.
With the backing of prominent musicians and entertainers, Musack’s fundraising events continue to play an essential role in nurturing the next generation of musicians, ensuring that creativity and opportunity reach those in need.
