The Mamas & the Papas their original roles, Mackenzie Phillips taking Michelle Phillips' part and Elaine "Spanky" McFarlane of Spanky and Our Gang taking the part of Cass Elliot. Little progress was made until after Phillips had been sentenced and served his time in jail. The quartet began rehearsing in earnest and recording demos in the summer of 1981. Their first performances were in March 1982, when they were praised for their "verve and expertise", the "impressive precision" of the harmonies, and the "feeling ... of genuine celebration" on stage. The group toured the United States, including residencies in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, but
Jill Gibson they referred to Gibson as "skeletal, modish, blonde and beautiful". Another article called "New Mama is definitely Jill" was published in "Melody Maker", followed by a cover story on Gibson that was featured in "KRLA Beat" with the headline reading "Brand New Mama". The new Mama also made several television show appearances with The Mamas & The Papas to promote their latest single, "I Saw Her Again". The Mamas & the Papas hit the road with Gibson for a few concert dates beginning on July 1 in Dallas, Texas (the Dallas show was supposed to be on June 18 but