Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill: A Tribute to Musical Legacies with “Long After the Fire”

In 2003, Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill tied the knot, and while many anticipated an album to follow given their rich musical histories, it took until April 2023 for that to materialize. Peterson, a founding member of the iconic band The Bangles, and Cowsill, a member of the classic family band The Cowsills, finally released their debut album together titled “Long After the Fire.” This album is a heartfelt tribute to Cowsill’s brothers, Bill and Barry, both influential figures in music who passed away prematurely.

“Long After the Fire” features a collection of cover songs penned by Bill and Barry Cowsill, showcasing their contributions to The Cowsills as well as their solo endeavors. The album not only reflects the couple’s musical journey but also serves as a means to keep the legacy of Cowsill’s brothers alive. Vicki and John are set to perform at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center on July 10, 2025, where they’ll share songs from this poignant album, alongside classics from The Bangles and The Cowsills.

The idea for the album lingered for years before the couple committed to it. As Vicki explains, many of these songs have been part of their lives for decades, particularly “Don’t Look Back,” which The Cowsills originally recorded in 1970. The transition from being a domestic couple to performers took time as Cowsill often toured with the Beach Boys for 23 years, making it challenging to work together until the right moment arrived. The recording experience became a blend of their personal lives and musical passions, allowing them to grow closer creatively.

Interestingly, during their relationship, the couple had shared very few live performances. Apart from participating in charity concerts for Cowsill’s brothers, they had primarily worked separately, with occasional backing vocals for other artists. Now, as they explore this new chapter, they humorously describe themselves as the “oldest baby band in the world.” This marks a fresh start for the couple, allowing them to blend their individual careers while honoring their family ties in music.

The project, originally dubbed the “Dead Brothers Project,” took shape in the historic Sun Studio, thanks to producer Paul Allen’s invitation. With the desire to reintroduce Bill and Barry’s music to a new generation, Cowsill and Peterson carefully selected six songs from each brother’s catalog. While the song selection seemed easy, it also required thoughtful deliberation to capture the essence of Barry’s and Bill’s unique musical styles. From Barry’s deeply personal ballads to Bill’s more collaborative works, Vicki and John sought to pay homage while infusing their personalities into the compositions.

As they pieced together the tracks for “Long After the Fire,” memories of Bill and Barry emerged, serving as a reminder of their impact on the couple’s lives. Vicki, having known Barry personally, reminisced about his desire for his music to be heard. This emotional connection added depth to their performances, as they set out to honor not just the songs but the spirit behind them. Each track serves as a narrative that brings the brothers’ stories and legacies back to life, rekindling memories for fans of The Cowsills and new listeners alike.

With their upcoming performance at the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, fans of both The Bangles and The Cowsills can anticipate a night filled with nostalgia, music, and heartfelt tribute. Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill are thrilled to share their joint musical journey, proof that it’s never too late to combine love, family heritage, and creativity to create something beautiful. As they chart this new path, the couple remains open to future projects and performances, eager to see where their music takes them next.

Event Details:

• When: 7:30 p.m., July 10, 2025
• Where: Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern Ave, Fullerton
• Ticket Price: $40
• Additional Information: Visit themuck.org/program/2025/07-10 for tickets and further details.

In summary, “Long After the Fire” is more than just an album; it’s a beautiful amalgamation of history, love, and tribute, and fans can expect a richly rewarding experience when Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill take the stage.