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Go Betty Go’s 25 years of DIY work ethic helped the group turn up for guitarist’s cancer battle

BBG News

As a die-hard music enthusiast in the heart of Los Angeles, I can attest that it’s rare for bands to last long enough to celebrate a 25th anniversary. However, for the powerhouse women in Go Betty Go, reaching this significant milestone was as exhilarating and relentless as one of their high-octane performances.

Picture a Latina spin on The Ramones, blending traces of Descendents and Blink-182. Although they haven’t achieved mainstream fame yet, their distinctive sound has cultivated a devoted fan base known as their cult followers. With renewed vigor and positivity, the band is floating on cloud nine following guitarist Betty Cisneros’ recent cancer remission, a diagnosis she received two years prior.

Initially, upon being informed that I had advanced colorectal cancer (Stage 4), I found it difficult to disclose this private matter. In fact, I didn’t immediately inform my family about it. Instead, I only shared that I was dealing with Stage 4 cancer and kept the details minimal.

Gradually, Cisneros started to reveal her personal story not just to her immediate family or bandmates, but to the global community via social media posts. “The act of opening up ignited something profound. Now, I’ve had the chance to connect with countless individuals who have contacted me, fellow cancer survivors, people experiencing similar struggles. We’ve exchanged stories. It serves as a form of therapy for everyone involved.

A week ago, Cisneros was informed by her physicians that her scans showed no signs of disease, indicating she is now in remission. “I’m incredibly grateful for this wonderful news,” Cisneros expressed, “but I still have a significant journey to complete on the road to recovery.” She continued, “Currently, I can’t feel my hands or feet.” As a result, learning to play guitar once more required her to start anew since she faced numerous difficulties with her hands and feet. Luckily, we managed to accomplish this goal.

It was discovered that Go Betty Go started composing fresh tunes in 2018. However, when COVID-19 emerged, progress naturally slowed down. Once the pandemic started subsiding, the band returned to the studio. Yet, they noticed something was amiss with Cisneros. As bassist Michelle Rangel remembered, “We sensed that Betty wasn’t well, but we kept moving forward. The music served as a lifeline for us during this difficult time.

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In a group like Go Betty Go, the music is important, but so is the spirit of sisterhood. “We view this band as a family,” Rangel explained. “Naturally, we all stood by Betty during her tough period.” “When Betty needed to step aside for health reasons, she kept the flame alight while recovering,” added vocalist Nicolette Vilar. “Yet, we knew she’d return. She never wavered in her determination.

According to Cisneros, the power of the music played an essential role in her healing process. She explained, “The music enabled me to concentrate on something other than my troubles.” She added, “If I had remained at home, dwelling on what I was experiencing, it could have led me into a difficult situation, you understand?

With a 25-year long career marked by tours alongside bands like Flogging Molly, multiple performances at Warped Tour in the early 2000s, and numerous Southern California shows and nationwide tours, it’s striking how down-to-earth these musicians remain, consistently adhering to their DIY work ethic.

We arrange our concerts and create our merchandise. Our team isn’t big at all. Nicolette takes care of the graphics, while Betty manages our tours. We’re in charge of this operation, and we wouldn’t want it any other way; we enjoy being self-sufficient.

Cisneros consented with a chuckle when questioned about her ability to manage everything. “I guess you could say I’m something of a mother figure among us,” she said. “I enjoy being in control. Although life can be unpredictable and knock the wind out of you, having a plan helps me feel steady.

Over the last 25 years, band members cherish the memories they’ve created and the music they’ve shared with their audience. They’ve even witnessed the growth of their followers alongside them. “Seeing parents with their kids at our concerts never fails to delight us,” Rangel commented. “It’s incredible to think that our music resonates across generations, influencing and inspiring people of all ages.

Cisneros reminisced about a recent performance in Las Vegas and a touching interaction with a fan. “Following the show, a fan came up to me and shared, ‘I also have an ileostomy,'” she recounted. “This moment forged an immediate connection between us, and it was heartwarming,” she added. “We conversed as if old friends; it was quite unique and memorable.

In full summertime, following Cisneros’ positive update about remission, Go Betty Go has tour plans brewing, although details are yet to be disclosed. However, starting now, they’re embarking on a week-long West Coast tour alongside their friends, the Dollyrots. This tour will include a stop at the Echo in L.A. on July 3.

Cisneros stated, ‘We continue because it’s enjoyable.’ We appreciate the interest shown. Our journey began out of enthusiasm, and it’s this same passion that fuels us today.

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2025-07-01 21:31

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