The Bangles’ Susanna Hoffs Opens Up About Standing Her Ground with….read more…..
In a surprising revelation that blends music history with a behind-the-scenes look at creative collaboration, Susanna Hoffs, the guitarist and vocalist of the legendary all-female band The Bangles, has shared details about a moment she had to assert herself with none other than the late music icon Prince.
Known for his intense artistic vision and profound musical genius, Prince was also a generous collaborator who often lent his talents to emerging or rising artists he admired. One such instance was with The Bangles, when Prince gifted the band what would become one of their biggest hits: the 1986 chart-topping single “Manic Monday.”
While the song helped catapult The Bangles to mainstream success, Hoffs recently revealed that working with a superstar like Prince came with its own set of challenges. In a candid interview, she reflected on the delicate balance between gratitude and creative independence—and why she ultimately had to “put [her] foot down” when it came to her band’s identity.
“It was one of those moments where you’re just so grateful that someone of his stature believed in you,” Hoffs said. “But at the same time, I had to remember who I was, and who we were as a band.”
Prince, who was famously private and deeply protective of his music, had reportedly taken a strong interest in The Bangles after seeing them perform in Los Angeles. Under the pseudonym “Christopher,” he submitted “Manic Monday” for consideration—originally intended for his side project Apollonia 6. Prince’s version was sultrier, more synth-driven, but he felt The Bangles could give it a fresh, jangly pop sound that would suit their rising profile.
The song became an instant success, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying The Bangles’ presence in the 1980s pop-rock scene. Still, Hoffs remembers that the opportunity came with a sense of artistic pressure.
“There was this moment where Prince wanted a little more involvement in how the track came together,” she recalled. “Nothing overbearing, but enough that I felt like, okay, this is where we have to draw a line. We wanted to stay true to our voice.”
Hoffs didn’t elaborate on all the specifics of the disagreement, but she noted that Prince had opinions about the arrangement and vocal delivery. As the lead vocalist on “Manic Monday,” Hoffs felt it was important that her performance reflect her own emotional interpretation of the lyrics—not someone else’s.
“That’s when I had to respectfully stand firm,” she explained. “It was never confrontational. Prince was incredibly respectful. But I had to say, ‘Thank you, we love this song, but let us make it our own.’”
That decision turned out to be the right one. “Manic Monday” became one of the most beloved songs of the 1980s, praised for its perfect blend of melancholy and melody. And while Prince’s fingerprints are still evident on the track, it’s The Bangles’ distinctive harmonies and pop sensibility that made it a classic.
Over the years, Hoffs and Prince maintained a mutual respect. Though they didn’t collaborate again at that level, Hoffs has always spoken highly of his talent and generosity.
“I think he really believed in women and female artists,” she said. “He championed us at a time when the music industry was overwhelmingly male-dominated. He didn’t just give us a song—he gave us a platform.”
Hoffs also reflected on what that moment meant for her personally, as a young artist trying to navigate a rapidly growing career. Standing up to a legend like Prince wasn’t easy, but it helped define her sense of artistic integrity.
“You learn pretty quickly that if you don’t speak up, you risk losing your own voice,” she said. “That lesson stayed with me for the rest of my career.”
Now in her sixties, Hoffs continues to evolve creatively. She recently published her debut novel This Bird Has Flown, which is being adapted into a film at Universal. She’s also continued to write and release music, drawing from a career that has spanned decades.
Her reflections on Prince come not just as anecdotes, but as meaningful reminders of what it means to stay true to one’s vision—even when working alongside the giants of the industry.
“I’m forever grateful to Prince,” Hoffs said. “But I’m also proud of the moment I knew when to trust myself. That’s what being an artist is all about.”
