Debbi Peterson (The Bangles)

The Bangles specialized in intricate harmonies and tough, taut, tuneful guitar songs yet broke through with relatively glossy versions of “Manic Monday,” “If She Knew What She Wants” and “Walk Like an Egyptian.” Drummer/singer Debbi Peterson recounts the female foursome’s formation in L.A. with her sister, Vicki Peterson, and Susanna Hoffs, both of whom wrote, sang and played guitar. Debbi sang “Going Down to Liverpool” on the wonderful debut album, All Over the Place, but had a hard time with producer David Kahne. Label pressure increased on Different Light, with band members having to audition to sing the “Walk Like an Egyptian” verses. Why did the Bangles split after their third album and power-ballad smash “Eternal Flame”? Would they have been treated differently if they weren’t women? Is the Bangles’ tale triumphant or something more bittersweet?