For any musician or band, a slot at the musical guest on
Saturday Night Live is a highly coveted gig. It offers national exposure to millions, and always results in a bump in recognition and record sales. That was true when the show debuted in 1975, and remains steadfast in 2020.
But in 1983, it would be an opportunity given then snatched away from the Catholic Girls. The all-female punk/new wave/rock quartet had released their self-titled debut on major label MCA a year earlier, and single “Boys Can Cry” was gaining traction. But as singer/guitarist/songwriter Gail Petersen puts it, the “edgy” TV show simply caved in to a threat that hadn’t even been made.