Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Belinda Carlisle began as a defining vocal and visual personality of the 1980s into the ‘90s, initially fronting the groundbreaking pop/punk group The Go-Go’s, followed by a similarly stratospheric solo career.

Although the act may no longer be together, despite continued influence on countless ladies who came after (and tons of guys too, including Green Day), it was one of the many subjects on the fearless leader’s “Decades” Tour, which stopped by a packed North Shore Center For The Performing Arts in Skokie.

The stunning hall with superb sound gave fans a chance to see the superstar up close, backed by a four-piece band, to deliver a 90-minute overview right on up to the current “Kismet” EP, Carlisle’s official return to English language pop recording after a whopping 27 years.

However, the headliner quickly erased the gap, along with her flawless 64-years, as she figuratively leaped off MTV with “(We Want) The Same Thing” into The Go-Go’s “Head Over Heels.”

The brand new “Big Big Love,” which reunites her with all-star songwriter Diane Warren, evoked shades of those days, yet was firmly planted in the now, plus the older “I Get Weak,” “Circle In The Sand” and “Leave A Light On” each came across fabulously fresh.

The mood reached sheer euphoria come “Mad About You” and continued climbing towards “Heaven Is A Place On Earth,” as Carlisle made the lyrics come to fruition while bouncing around the stage barefoot.

The encore gave the North Shore Center several more chances for a “Vacation” and eventually sent faithful home with the empowering mantra “Live Your Life Be Free,” further confirming all bets that Belinda’s still “Got The Beat.”

For additional information on Belinda Carlisle, visit Facebook.com/BelindaCarlisleOfficial.

Upcoming concert highlights at the North Shore Center For The Performing Arts include Mark Tremonti: “Sings Frank Sinatra” (Jul. 14); Big Stage Ballroom (Jul. 15); Benise: “Fiesta!” (Jul. 22); Chicago Korean Dance (Jul. 30); “The Producers” (Aug. 10); Andy Summers (Sept. 8); “I’m Not A Comedian, I’m Lenny Bruce” (Sept. 9); Skerryvore (Sept. 14); Bored Teachers (Sept. 23); Linda Eder (Sept. 29); Nino Katamadze & Insight (Oct. 1); Sergio Mendes (Oct. 6); “Animaniacs” In Concert (Oct. 7); “Oszuści – Cheaters” (Oct. 13); Leann Rimes (Oct. 20); Vitamin String Quartet (Oct. 27); A Tribute To Jewish Women (Oct. 29); Hyprov: Improv Under Hypnosis (Nov. 3); José González (Nov. 11); Atlanta Rhythm Section (Nov. 17); The State Ballet Theatre Of Ukraine: “Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs” (Nov. 18); Paul Mecurio: “Permission To Speak” (Nov. 18); Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four: “Joy To The World!” (Dec. 9) and “Shrek: The Musical” (Dec. 21). For additional details, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.

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