From The Go-Go's to a Sober Life: Belinda Carlisle's Remarkable Journey
Belinda Carlisle's Wild Ride: From Rockstar Rebel to Sober Superstar
In a shocking turn of events, Belinda Carlisle, the 67-year-old Los Angeles native and former frontwoman of the iconic all-girl band The Go-Go's, is still breathing after decades of living life on the edge. This natural beauty's story is one for the ages - a tale of excess, addiction, and ultimately, redemption.
The '80s icon rose to fame in 1978 with her catchy, upbeat hits like "Vacation," "Our Lips Are Sealed," and "We Got The Beat." But behind the scenes, Carlisle was navigating a tumultuous love life that would make even the most seasoned drama enthusiast blush. She had a notorious romance with INXS frontman Michael Hutchence, who tragically passed away in 1997 at just 37 years old.
But Carlisle's most headline-grabbing stunt came in August 2001 when she posed nude for Hugh Hefner's Playboy magazine. The photogenic wonder proved that even in her mid-40s, she still had it - the looks, the charm, and the ability to push boundaries like few others could.
Fast forward to last week, where Carlisle made a rare appearance at Project Angel Food's 2025 Angel Awards held at Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles. The redhead rocked a sequined black dress that showcased her slender figure and high heels, leaving onlookers stunned by her youthful radiance. By her side were her film producer husband, Morgan Mason (70), whom she married in 1986, and their son, James Duke Mason (33).
But it's Carlisle's journey from rockstar rebel to sober superstar that truly is a testament to the human spirit. In an interview with Australia's New Idea magazine in 2021, she candidly spoke about her struggles with addiction, revealing that she was once hooked on alcohol and cocaine.
"I couldn't believe I'm not dead," Carlisle confessed, reflecting on her wild days as The Go-Go's frontwoman. "I knew I couldn't continue the life I was living." Her turning point came when she had a vision of herself dying from a cocaine overdose in a hotel room. It was then that she decided to get sober.
Carlisle credits attending 12-step recovery meetings as part of her treatment for helping her stay on the right path since 2005. She no longer drinks, smokes, or takes drugs - a far cry from her heyday when she'd often hide her addiction from those closest to her.
"I got sick of the secrets and lies," Carlisle revealed in an interview with Loose Women in 2017. "You have to hit some sort of rock bottom - mine was a spiritual one." She joked that, given her years of substance abuse, she should look like the Phantom of the Opera.
The most shocking revelation? Carlisle kept her addiction hidden from her husband Morgan Mason when they tied the knot in 1986. "Addiction is a disease of perception," she explained. "You don't realize it has an effect on people around you." At the time, she was on her Decades tour, which only added to the chaos.
Today, Carlisle radiates a newfound sense of peace and contentment. In an interview with New Idea, she gushed about her love for her life, saying, "I'm really happy and comfortable where I am. It's great." She attributes her sobriety to finding balance through yoga and practicing moderation in all aspects of life.
Carlisle's journey serves as a reminder that it's never too late to turn things around - no matter how dark the past may be. As she put it, "I've lost so many friends to drugs, and the fact that I'm sitting here is really pretty amazing." With her sparkling smile and infectious laugh, Carlisle is an inspiration to anyone who's ever struggled with addiction.
In a world where excess and indulgence often seem like the norm, Belinda Carlisle's story is a breath of fresh air. She's proof that it's possible to rise above even the most challenging circumstances and emerge stronger, wiser, and more radiant than ever before.
