Photo by Anthony-Masterson
ABOUT
Pearl Gates began her career in San Francisco’s burgeoning music scene in the 1970s, dancing on stage with the Tubes in 1976 before becoming part of another local act, Leila and the Snakes. In 1978, she adopted the stage name “Pearl Harbor” and formed Pearl Harbor and the Explosions alongside two of the Snakes. They recorded a well-received, self-titled debut album for Warner Bros. Records and toured extensively. When it came time to record a second LP, the band split due to disagreements over musical direction. At the time, Pearl was dating Clash associate and sometime manager Kosmo Vinyl and the couple relocated to London. Pearl decided she wanted to go in a rockabilly direction for Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too, and Kosmo went about assembling an all-star studio band which included Paul Simonon, Topper Headon, and Mick Jones from the Clash; Wilko Johnson from Dr. Feelgood and Ian Dury & the Blockheads; Nigel Dixon from Whirlwind; Steve New from the Rich Kids; and Steve Goulding from Graham Parker & the Rumour. Produced by Blockheads keyboardist Mickey Gallagher, the LP also features contributions from pedal steel guitarist BJ Cole, keyboardist Geraint Watkins, and saxophonist Gary Barnacle. Since Pearl was now living in the UK, Warners’ London office insisted she update her name to the British spelling of “Harbour.” Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too was released in December 1980. Within the year, she was touring as a special guest with the Clash, performing Wanda Jackson’s “Fujiyama Mama” as an encore with the band. In May 1982, she married Simonon and the union lasted for seven years.
Since then, Pearl has released two more solo albums, Pearls Galore (1983) and Here Comes Trouble (1995). She currently resides in Los Angeles.
MEDIA BREAKS
THE 13TH FLOOR / New Zealand (Interview, 2024)
TINNITIST / Canada (Interview, 2024)
INSOUNDER MAGAZINE / Czech Republic (Interview, 2024)
IT’S PSYCHEDELIC BABY MAGAZINE (Interview, 2024)
SONGFACTS (Interview, 2024)
BAXIE’S MUSICAL PODCAST (Interview, 2024)
WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? PODCAST (Interview, 2024)
ALBUMS THAT SAVED US PODCAST (Interview, 2024)
ROCK & ROLL GLOBE (Interview, 2024)
TIM STEGALL’S SUBSTACK (Interview, 2024)
SPILL MAGAZINE / Canada (Interview, 2024)
PERFECT SOUND FOREVER (Interview, 2024)
PORTABLE INFINITE (Interview, 2024)
GOLDMINE MAGAZINE (Album review of Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too)
NEW NOISE MAGAZINE (Album review of Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too)
THE MIDLANDS ROCKS / UK (Album review of Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too)
SPILL MAGAZINE / Canada (Album review of Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too)
INK 19 (Album review of Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too)
VINTAGE MUSIC CLUB / France (Album review of Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too)
MI TOCADISCOS DUAL / Spain (Album review of Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too)
JONDER BLOG (Reissues announcement for Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too)
PORTABLE INFINITE (Reissue announcement for Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too)
THE PUNKSITE / UK (Reissue announcement for Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too)
MUSIC MINDED (Reissue announcement for Don’t Follow Me, I’m Lost Too)
PATTERNS AND TONES BLOG (Pearl interview - 2013)