The Bangles' first album in fifteen years, Doll Revolution, will be released Stateside by Koch on September 9th, six months after the album was issued in Europe and Japan.

It might seem surprising to some that the "comeback" album from one of the Eighties biggest bands -- which scored hits with songs such as "Walk Like an Egyptian" and "Manic Monday" -- would be released overseas first, but bassist Michael Steele sees it as indicative of the American pop scene.

"You can't get played on radio anymore unless you're Eminem," she says. Instead of being bitter, though, Steele says, "We finally got an American distributor. We're happy to have the record out."

As is often the case with records that were written years ago, Steele says the band has already moved on in their minds, and even begun writing some new songs. But with the album nearing release, and the lead single, "Something That You Said," due by the end of July, Steele says the band has no problems returning to the mindset of Doll Revolution. "We're excited fans are finally getting to hear these songs," she says.

Fans will get a sneak preview of the new material during select July tour dates. And Steele says the band will launch a full-fledged tour in the fall, but she adds, "We're all mothers now, so we have to plan accordingly."

Bangles tour dates:

7/17: Costa Mesa, CA, Orange County Fair
7/18: Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay
7/19: Phoenix, Celebrity Theater
8/8: Los Angeles, House of Blues
10/15: Perris, CA, California Fair
10/16: Lancaster, CA, Performing Arts Center

STEVE BALTIN
(July 1, 2003)