The Bangles emerged in Los Angeles in 1981 as a pop rock band that gained fame through their jangly guitar sound, tight vocal harmonies and numerous MTV hits that established them as a leading all-female group of the 1980s. The band emerged in 1981 through the collaboration of Susanna Hoffs (vocals, guitar) with sisters Vicki and Debbi Peterson (guitar and drums) and Michael Steele (bass) who combined 1960s rock elements with commercial pop production.

The band achieved success through their 1986 album Different Light which produced the top-charting single "Walk Like an Egyptian" alongside "Manic Monday" and "If She Knew What She Wants." The album achieved multi-platinum status which propelled the group to worldwide fame.