After two decades of marriage, music icons Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill are finally creating music together, a milestone that has added a new dimension to their already strong relationship. The pair, who were married in 2001, have spent much of their lives touring with their respective bands: Peterson as a founding member of The Bangles and Cowsill with The Cowsills and The Beach Boys.
"We've both been professionals, always on the road. We walk around the house like gunslingers, ready to go, but we never talk about it," shared Cowsill, 68, with PEOPLE. "Our life is very domestic - laundry, cooking, gardening, and building things in my workshop."
This "weird" dynamic changed two years ago when the couple decided to collaborate musically for the first time. They are currently working on their debut album, described as a "love letter" to Cowsill's two late brothers, which is expected to be released next year.
"We had to change the way we interact. We're both very controlling," admitted Peterson, 66, with a playful jab from Cowsill, "No, I'm the right one, you're the wrong one!"
The transition into working together proved to be a learning curve, particularly for Cowsill, who was accustomed to having full creative control. "I wanted a lot of input," he explained. "Vicki has been in bands her whole life, so she understands collaboration, but it's different when it's your life partner."
Despite the adjustments, the couple has found a new level of joy in their music-making, even playing intimate gigs in Brooklyn, New York, where they currently reside. "We talk to everyone, sign autographs, count our pennies, and have a blast," chuckled Cowsill, referring to their tour as "The S---s and Giggles Tour," a fitting description for their "retirement package" venture.
"We're just starting," added Peterson, highlighting the constant evolution of their artistic journey. "Even after forty years, you're still learning. Every day we feel like we're new to this."
Their recent performance at the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is a testament to their enduring spirit and their willingness to embrace new experiences. The couple stumbled upon the venue during a walk in Stony Brook, and their genuine enthusiasm led to a warm reception from the board member, Barry Fisch.
Despite spending a significant portion of their marriage apart, Peterson and Cowsill attribute their happy union to one crucial element: friendship. "We've been in New York for two years, living in a small one-room flat, and we get along fabulously," shared Cowsill. "You have to have a base, a shared sense of humour. Being able to laugh together is the best thing."
Peterson agreed, adding "Respect is also crucial."
Looking back on their life together, Cowsill and Peterson are thankful for their enduring passion for music and their ability to perform at a high level. "We're fortunate, we still have our voices. Sometimes, singers lose their range, and you think, 'They used to be great.' But I think we're still in the 'we can still sing' club," said Cowsill. "We're surrounded by loving friends and family, and I believe good things prevail. They shine brighter than the darkness."
Peterson added, "We actually have a song called 'Find the Good' from one of our other bands, The Action Skulls. I love the theory of that, the spirit of it. There's a lot of darkness out there, but there's a lot of beauty too. Look for the beauty."
"The world is a balancing act," concluded Cowsill. "What do you want to balance it with?"
