She ruled the charts in the ‘80s—Today, she’s winning hearts all over again

If you were grooving to the radio in the 1980s, chances are you couldn’t escape the infectious beats of The Bangles.

With hits like ‘Walk Like an Egyptian’ and ‘Manic Monday’, they were the soundtrack to many a Saturday night and school disco.

But while the world first fell in love with Susanna Hoffs as the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, today, fans are celebrating her for a whole new reason—and it’s not just her music.



Now 65, Susanna Hoffs has become something of a social media sensation, winning hearts all over again with her refreshingly honest, makeup-free videos and candid glimpses into her everyday life.

In a world obsessed with filters and perfection, Hoffs’ natural beauty and authenticity have struck a chord with fans of all ages—especially those of us who remember her from her chart-topping days.

But let’s rewind for a moment. Did you know that one of The Bangles’ most iconic songs, ‘Eternal Flame’, almost never made it to the airwaves?

Hoffs, who wrote the ballad herself, recently revealed that her bandmates initially rejected the song.


Screenshot 2025-08-20 at 15.28.59.png
Susanna Hoffs, former lead singer and guitarist of The Bangles, is now celebrated by fans for her graceful ageing and honest, makeup-free updates on social media. Image source: susannahoffsofficial / Instagram.



Imagine a world without that soaring chorus! Thankfully, persistence paid off, and ‘Eternal Flame’ not only became a global smash but also won the ASCAP Pop Award for Most Performed Song in 1990.

And here’s a cheeky bit of trivia for you: Hoffs once confessed in an interview that she recorded the vocals for ‘Eternal Flame’ in the nude!

The story goes that her producer, Davitt Sigerson, convinced her that singing in the buff would help her tap into the raw emotion of the song—apparently, Olivia Newton-John had done the same.

Fast forward to today, and Hoffs is still revisiting her greatest hits. Earlier this year, she re-recorded ‘Eternal Flame’ and performed it at a Patti Smith tribute, describing the experience as deeply emotional.



‘As I stood before the microphone, I fought back tears of gratitude—for the opportunity to sing a song I have loved and cherished my entire adult life. We’ve grown up together!’ she shared with fans.

It’s clear that ‘Eternal Flame’ holds a special place in her heart—and in the hearts of her listeners.


Source: @susannahoffsofficial / Instagram.​


Hoffs says she’s been moved by countless stories from fans who played the song at their weddings or found comfort in it during tough times. ‘I’m still that same girl with that same emotion—older, and hopefully wiser,’ she reflects.

While she occasionally graces the stage, Hoffs has found a new spotlight on social media, where her unfiltered updates and bare-faced beauty have made her a role model for aging gracefully.



In one recent video, she joked about trying to break out of her ‘uniform’ of black pants, a sweater, and a button-down shirt—proving that even rock stars struggle with wardrobe ruts!

Offstage, Hoffs has enjoyed a long and happy marriage to acclaimed director Jay Roach (of Austin Powers and Meet the Parents fame).

The couple, who wed in 1993, have two sons, Sam and Jackson, both of whom have followed their dad into the film industry. Talk about a creative family!

Hoffs’ career has been as diverse as it is impressive. Beyond her Bangles days, she’s penned songs for other artists (including Belinda Carlisle and Bette Midler), released several solo albums, and even co-wrote ‘Get the Girl’ for the Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me soundtrack.

In 2023, she added ‘novelist’ to her resume with the release of ‘This Bird Has Flown’, which The New York Times called ‘the smart, ferocious rock-chick redemption romance you didn’t know you needed.’

Despite no longer topping the charts, Hoffs continues to inspire new generations with her warmth, wit, and willingness to embrace life’s changes. Her fans—old and new—praise her for showing that beauty, talent, and authenticity never go out of style.

Read more: 81-year-old singer cancels major event, leaving fans worried over undisclosed reason

Key Takeaways

  • Susanna Hoffs, former lead singer and guitarist of The Bangles, is now celebrated by fans for her graceful ageing and honest, makeup-free updates on social media.
  • Her signature ballad, Eternal Flame, was almost never released but went on to become a worldwide hit, winning major awards and continuing to touch listeners today.
  • Hoffs’ career remains diverse, including solo albums, songwriting for other artists, and even publishing a novel in 2023 that was highly praised by The New York Times.
  • Away from music, Hoffs has been married to director Jay Roach since 1993, and their two sons, Sam and Jackson, have followed their father into the film industry.

So, members, did you have The Bangles on repeat back in the day? Have you caught Susanna Hoffs’ makeup-free videos online? Or maybe you’ve got your own ‘Eternal Flame’ story to share? We’d love to hear your memories and thoughts in the comments below!
 

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