Catching up with The B-52s
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- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
- Keith Strickland, Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider, along with brother and sister Ricky and Cindy Wilson, were friends in Athens, Ga. Their hobby - playing music together - exploded into a career as the band The B-52s. Since the late 1970s, the group has inspired such musicians as Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl. But the death of Ricky Wilson almost ended the band for good. Ahead of their farewell tour, the surviving members catch up with correspondent Kelefa Sanneh.
#theb52s
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It’s easy to label the B-52s as a novelty or a joke band but to me they are one of the greatest bands of the 70s
I will simply agree to disagree. .but if questions are what you seek I would suggest their record sales inner strength as a group & the impact of which is implied they have none.
They are.
They started in 1976.
Most definitely!
I love them
RIP Ricky Wilson. He was such a force at the beginning of the group’s career.
So innovated! The rifts on "Give Me Back My Man" are amazingly killer!
@@drwinstonOboogi His tuning was spectacular and truly rounded the sound out for the group.
My favorite B-52's song is "She Brakes For Rainbows". I never get tired of it.
Very underrated song!
Should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and with the Hall inducting New Wave bands in the last few years, I predict next year they will be inducted/nominated. Great band.
Let’s not go crazy.
Amen. They’re tragically overlooked.
No doubt they should be in the Rock and roll Hall of Fame I just hope the committee have the good sense to nominate and inducted👍
Yes please.
Yep 👍
My favorite B-52's song: 'Channel Z'. I don't think it's as well-known as their other songs, but its message about pollution, climate change and nuclear war is still relevant, now more than ever.
Nice self pic💓
Agree with you 100%, we have arrived to channel Z.
"Channel Z" was way ahead of its time.
ruclips.net/video/pB4G9WBYMFo/видео.html
It was the first release off Cosmic Thing, mostly on college radio and MTV and I loved it. It was the perfect open to this era/album. Followed by the track Cosmic Thing (also in Earth Girls Are Easy) another mild play. They must have thought another decent record in sales for us. No idea that Love Shack 3, Roam 4, and Dead Beat Club 5 would be huge crossover hits.
Love that song!!!
Graduated in 81. Thought they were ok then. 5 years ago their music started blowing my mind. They have tons of great great songs. Cindy Wilson’s voice 🤩
I graduated in 80. From the get go my best friend an I loved them. So many people ridiculed us for listening to them. Fast forward several months later and all of a sudden it was “cool” to listen to them. Bunch of posers.
During the down, down, down part of Rock Lobster we'd go lower and lower then lay on the floor (guess where we got that). People thought we were so weird. Nobody had heard of them.
Their harmonies blew my mind as a kid. I still love them
Legendary band. They really need a documentary
They really do
Their song "Topaz" is one of the very best harmonies ever made....and it's so little known. :(
SO TRUE! I had the opportunity to meet Keith Strickland in 1989, and he said this was his favorite track on Cosmic Thing. Nile Rodgers on guitar too !
@@sbhamilton143 How cool is that--your meeting him!! And will forever maintain that "Topaz" is one of the most melodic and beautiful songs ever made. :)
@@karenokeane6461 I agree totally. I've been a lifetime B's fan since childhood, and this song is definitely one of my favorites, and really captures what they are all about. Looking forward to seeing them live one more time in Atlanta in November (and fingers crossed that Keith surprises and plays the final 3 shows with them there!)
Agree! Topaz is one of the lesser-known tracks on Cosmic Thing, but it's absolutely magical to me and I never understood why it wasn't a hit single. I would listen to Cosmic Thing in my room while I was working on art projects, it was perfect for that.
@@drea4195 Oh My Gosh....how PERFECT!! And SO agree about the song being downright MAGICAL, :)
In 1988 I came to the USA as an exchange student and "ended up" with no one less than the family of Keith Strickland's brother. The best year ever... (oink oink Stricklands!)
Coming from tiny Switzerland I of course had no idea who the B-52s were but believe me: "I heard them songs througout the year" and my little sisters - Keith's nieces - then 5 and 8 were dancing like crazy to LOVE SHACK & Co. This group and their extravagant style of music shaped and shook my year with rhythm. 🙏❤️
That’s amazing! Keith is so sweet and so handsome too ♥️
Great story!!
Kate Pierson has never gotten the recognition and accolades that she deserves regarding her contribution to the band's music and sound. Even in this interview the narration only mentions her and Cindy contributing harmonies to Rock Lobster when it is her keyboards that drive the sound of that song and others like Private Idaho just as much as Ricky's guitar.
And at the same time she was playing keyboard melody with one hand, she was playing the bass line with the other. Watching videos of their early shows, it is unreal the full sound that came from essentially three instrumentalists.
And her range is incredible. Check out her collaboration with Yuki Isoya in the band NiNa. Happy tomorrow is one the best tracks
Kate did an amazing duet with Iggy Pop: "Candy" when she was in her 40's. Absolutely fantastic. She also sang on REM's "Happy Shiny People."
@@petergeyer7584 Richard Wright of Pink Floyd, Sun Ra, Kate Pierson got me into Farfisa keyboards.
Thanks to her & Cindy, 'Girl from Ipanema Goes to Greenland' is my fave B-52s song.
I didn’t think the kids of today would know what devastation AIDS did to the generation of the B-52’s -and mine-but then along came Covid...😩😩😩🙏
it's the responsibility of the older generation to inform them---I live in San Francisco and constantly fill them in when I run into a young person that needs to be reminded...people welcome information
Covid was more of a scam though. Thanks Dr. Fauci.
Covid doesn’t even compare to the amount of deaths worldwide of AIDS. It’s was definitely a bigger epidemic
But COVID never been ignored by the governments FOR YEARS like AIDS
I would have loved to have seen them live back in some of the smaller clubs, late 70s. What an amazing time. Great band! Love their experimental style.
It was 💞
One of my friends saw them ...with the TALKING HEADS at Stonybrook College in late 1979!
Look them up on here.. They have full shows from the 70s.. Absolutely unreal!!
The Bees brought kitschy fun to Rock and Roll with a fresh sound and attitude that was unmatched. Who else could score a hit with Quiche Lorraine (story of a dog with a strawberry blonde paw) or Rock Lobster? Fred's absurdist lyrics and "vocalizing" delivery could make anybody laugh. Cindy and Kate made incredibly unique backup harmonies (or leads) that were spine chilling at times (Both of them have wonderful voices, especially Cindy on some solo efforts). Ricky Wilson's Mosrite guitar playing was groundbreaking and very creative (unusual tuning, using less strings, etc) and totally helped drive the early B-52's psycho-surf sound. Keith did a great job transferring to guitar in Rick's absence and continuing the tradition of writing catchy and quirky music that could only come from this band. I've been a fan since 1979, when I first heard their debut album being played at a high school party. Their "thrift store retro vibe" never grows old, it just seems more fun as time passes. Thank you B-52's -- for all of the love, great songs, and fun vibes that you gave to all of your fans across these many years! Wishing you well in retirement on Planet Claire...(no ones ever died there, no one has a head....LOL).
Chills to this day.
This is a very articulate and accurate summary. Well done.
Thank you for your post! I make a RUclips internet search several times a week to listen..." B-52 songs only," and score-- many though not all of those great songs!
As an aside, Quiche Lorraine has a strawberry blonde fall...a fall is a hairpiece! The image is so funny and unforgettable! .
I believe it’s a strawberry blond fall?
First two albums are classics! Still got my vinyl!
Saw them on SNL in 1980.
When SNL was cool and the world was less evil !
@@joesimon2029 Yes, it seems like a totally different world back then. Wouldn't trade it for anything today!
I bought their debut album when it was first released in 1979 and instantly became a big B-52's fan. Their early years were some of the best music.
Being from Georgia I have a deep love and respect for this band. True originals.
Remember when the "media" would roll "the B-52's, R.E.M. ....and PYLON " as "bands from Georgia!?" LOL. Pylon must have been like "Oh man - excellent! we made it!".
Great state
Love “Rock Lobster”, so nostalgic! We used to dance to it on teen night at clubs. Packed floor!! everyone went down, down, down to the floor and jumped up, sweating 😅 to death, but boy was it so much funnnnn! Thanks for those wonderful memories B-52s, of just clean fun music dancing the night away. Memories treasured forever!!! ❤️🦞🎶
I saw the B-52's in 1983, the Original Band and they KILLED and I will Never forget it and " Rock Lobster " is one of my FAVORITE Songs EVER!!! xoxoxoxo
How could you NOT like/love them. PURE JOY!
I said it once and I'll say it again they should be the Rock and roll Hall of Fame
I first saw them when I stayed up late to watch SNL and thought, I am pretty sure I am "that kind of weird". Instant Love!
I was listening to the B52 way before Love Shake. The band was niche back in 79.
Um....Love Shack.
Yeah.. I was excited for them at that time though as it seemed to give them a shot of B12 for the B52’s
53 Miles West of Venus is the ultimate ear worm. I listen to it when I need to focus back from the craziness around me. The B-52s will always be my favorites! The sounds are as fresh today as they were in 1979.
The B-52s are a gift to planet earth from the cosmos.
The B52's are what makes life feel like a party. Love you guys and thanks for all the happy decades
Summer music.
My introduction to the B-52's was that SNL performance...I left the room within seconds till it was over. When Love Shack came out it was love a first listen. I was lucky enough to see them in person in the late 90's with The Pretenders!
Mine too, i watched them on SNL(back in 79, i think) and fell in love!
@@jessemacias2 I didn’t fall in love that night, I thought they were total freaks (I had a very narrow view of what good music was)
@@tjwash2 sad to hear that.
@@jessemacias2 I got on board eventually. I love them now.
I grew up listening to their music, my favorite was Party out of bounds, love them! 😚🎶🎵
Loved this interview! Long live the B52s! Legends. ❤️
B-52 you are my hero in new wave music bands and punk music i hope that all DJ in radio stations keep playing the b-52 for the last time before quitting the rock band
They were a fun new wave, punk band! 🕺 🎶
I was 13 when I heard the B 52's for the first time. My parent's were religious freaks so we had no TV and no music. I was at a neighbors house and Rock Lobster and Planet Clair changed my life. 😁😁😁😁
how sad.
@@TheresaPowers it was a happy memory.
So much fun!!!
The first time I heard them was on Saturday Night Live and they blew my mind! I was 16 or 17 and it changed the way I saw rock and roll and the possibilities in rock and roll. It was a life altering experience for me.
Your parent's what was religious?
As a young black man with a Spanish name listening to the B-52s in the 70s living in NY wasn't easy but I was drawn to their sound, what a more simpler time of life, rough but simple.....
So weird.
Where I'm from (Texas) lot of black people loved B-52s and new wave/ punk in general, '80s/'90s when we were growing up. Fun music, dance music 🎶
@@jeffreekoch9298 quite a different era for the b’s than the 70s wave
@@amybeth8829 oh dang ok. 😔
Great to see Keith with them. I live in Athens. Hometown heroes.
Legal Tender was the first music video I ever saw. From that moment on, they were my band. I spent the rest of my life trying to find people who knew of them (damn near impossible in elementary school), then after Love Shack made them more mainstream, I tried finding people who would go to a concert with me (as I didn't have a car & needed a ride) and never did. So thank you to the B-52s for showing me that even if you never find "your people" where you are, that "your people" are out there somewhere.
And while the band isn't in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, some of their hats (blue & yellow pastel majorette hats) were the second display I saw on my trip. I'll take that as a sign that they are one of the first bands the designers of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame wanted you to see. I hope the layout hasn't changed.
🌜”If you’re in outer space, don’t feel outta’ place! Cos’ there are thousands of others like you!…Others like you!…OTHERS LIKE YOU!!”🪐
-F. Schnieder
I've always loved the B-52s. Anyone who only knows them through the Cosmic Thing album should go listen to some of their other albums. Bouncing off the Satellites has so many great tracks, like "Summer of Love", "Ain't it a Shame" and "She Breaks for Rainbows". They're truly a unique band.
“Girl From Ipanema goes to Greenland “!
Sinead did the good cover of Shame
Cool people , kind people.
They honored my friend's mother in a concert by wishing her a happy birthday.
She had cancer. And my friend and her mother were fans, and followed the B-52's to many concerts. Even becoming friends with Kate.
Being recognized and appreciated by Kate and the band brought joy and great times to them as they dealt with the mother's worsening cancer, the intense struggles and emotions and eventual passing. The band means SO much in the life of my friend, and her mother.
They invoke joy, love, acceptance and celebration.
A memorable night. Saw the B-52s at Bucknell University, 1983(?) in a student center.
The most unique and fun band of the soundtrack of my youth. We danced and danced. Upbeat, quirky, joyful, unforgettable.
Have always been a fan! I was 18 in 82 when I first heard them. Still listen to them to this day!
Oh how I wish the kids were still so creative today. The B52's were revolutionary, no one has ever, or will ever be as cool, innovative and fun to experience. A benefit of being born in the 60's. C'mon kids, make us some good music again!!!
They were such a big part of my life that means so much to me I’m so grateful for the music
Senior ‘84, here. Have loved the B-52’s since 7th grade!! We had a Wurlitzer organ with a cassette player (cool, huh?!) I’d fast-forward to Rock Lobster & play along!! ❤️🪨🦞🎶
Deadbeat Club is a masterpiece.
Such a melancholic song ................
Awww... I loved them since the mid 1980s.
Walked in the record store and saw their first album on the new release wall and thought "I've got to hear this!" and bought it.
🎸 My favorite party band.A fan since their debut yellow album back in '79. 🔊 Class of '83! 🎹
I love The B-52's. It's too bad a correspondent who had not heard of them until "Love Shack." Some of their best material was from those first three albums -- history to Kelefa. These so-called journalists are totally unaware of things before their time.
i had the same thought.
I agree. Earlier stuff is better. Love Shack is good but they have far better.
Always happens with goofball white-bread legacy media . "Love Shack" has woven itself into a song played by wedding DJs. Would be funnier if it were "52 Girls" instead. I saw them on the Wild Planet Tour which was their "apex". The 3rd album misses the mark, for me. Just like the 3rd Devo album. At least the Ramones took until album number 5 to miss the mark. And the Talking Heads took until album 6 or 7 to loose it.
Wild planet is their best album it’s a crime this dude only brought up the hits. How can you not mention Give me Back my Man?
@@purpleraindrip1674
Wild Planet is definitely the best-
Love the B-52 s. Could not go to a house party or club without the Bees playing. The best party band ever
The B-52s as far as I'm concerned. ARE THE BOMB
I will always treasure these amazing people and the memory of Ricky. From the first album, which I bought with my allowance on a sunny autumn Saturday in Houston, TX and listened to the rest of the day, to the SNL appearance, which everyone was talking about for weeks, (Terri Garr was the host! Remember it like it was yesterday) to the later hits, incredible videos, and sheer joy of this band of genius, it has been one fantastic journey. Cosmic!
Loved them then and now! Unique and funky!
I remember dancing to their hit song "Roam" in 1990 at my senior prom.
Saw them in 1983 at University at Buffalo. They opened with Song for a Future Generation, which is still one of my favorites.
Very humble people. I loved Love Shack and Roam. Kate's voice was almost like the girl next door singing...nice.
One of my favorite Groups from the 80s. Early 90s.
One of the best quirky bands ever !!! Mesopotamia !
It's funny how early B-52s played during a moment during a somewhat rebellious time in my life, and later B-52s played during a different time but still fit with my life at the time. I always enjoyed them. I still do.
When I saw the band about 12 years ago, in 2009...I went right up front. Keith Strickland had the most, the tightest guitar licks I've ever heard. Crisp, clear. He was amazing. There is a RUclips under the song Roam...the show was in Green Bay.
BEST Band EVER! I have been fortunate enough to have seen them in concert about 10 times. Their music has always been about celebrating your wacky freak side and just having a darn good time! No band has created so much music that has brought such joy and happiness into my life. They are the world's greatest party band!!!
Soundtrack to my life. Long live the B’s!
Touching interview. B-52s have been there for many high points of my life. They've made the ups and downs of life all more worth it.
So good. I want more.
"Love Shack" and "Roam" are two of my all-time favorite songs!
Loved this interview, so great to see these 4 cool people together. I’ve been a huge fan since ‘89 when they hit with “Cosmic Thing”. I was in 8th grade, and I’ve loved this band ever since. I’ve got all their albums. 😎🎵🎶💯
I was at a party In HS and heard "Rock Lobster" Everyone got down down down then up it was great. I listen to them on spotify in My Car and Headphones when I work out. also Love Planet Claire.
B-52s, a band with distinctive unique sound.
Always loved their songs and it holds up against decades past....still fresh and innovative !
Thank You B-52s !!!
You're always a part of my musical enjoyment experience.
Love the B-52'S
Love them! Saw them when they were just starting out.
The first time I heard Rock Lobster I stopped in my tracks. THIS IS IT! *on repeat*
Can't imagine my life without the B-52s. thanks, Guys! you made such a huge difference in my life! I'll always love you all!!!!
Thank you for the wonderful music ❤
I always stopped when I would hear them and listening. One of the best off beat song Love Shack was and always had been my favorite. Thank you
Ooh wee! I am rockin out over here! ❤️ the B-52's. My Mom and I used to blast their music and sing their music LOUD! I miss my Mom...this is 4 you Mom🧡🧡
Saw them live on the cosmic thing tour. Absolutely stellar!
LOVE the B-52s!! I remember loving Rock Lobster way back in college and just loving how quirky and different it was from stuff like REO Speedwagon (who was big at the time too, but I listened to stuff more off the beaten track). Thank you, B-52s, for making the world more fun. ❤
I Love the B-52s!! My daughter absolutely Loved Love Shack and made me play it over and over, it never got old! Please take care!
All Hail B-52's 💞🏆🌟Dead beat club was sooo Fab !! 💕🌼🍃
Wonderful interview. I love the B-52's!
Cherished family members of the soul
I was very fortunate to see the B-52s back in the day and from day one I was blown away with their creative magical talent. You listen to the B-52s and you immediately want to go to your happy place where you just want to dance and let your imagination get the best of you. Unfortunately the person giving this interview was not the best choice. I felt his energy was weak and not really connected to how they affected the music scene. But it’s just great to see them all together and take a wonderful trip down memory lane.
I love the B-52s. I'm eternally grateful to these creative individuals for their body of work.
Give Me Back My Man
Walkin outta Korvettes…
Now I have to go find their appearance on Guiding Light. It was awesome.
I was wondering if anyone else remembered that! The first time I saw them, maybe 1980? Thanks for mentioning this!!!
God bless the B-52 on your new journey blessings. Love dancing to your music you guys are awesome
I was introduced to this band while in 8th grade back in 1979. Rock Lobester and Private Idaho changed my world. I was an instant fan. The look the sound I just couldn't get enough. Their sound was different even for the 80's. I am and will forever be a fan...
I’ve seen them a couple times live. Love these guys and gals.
The Love Shack is a little old place where, they can really get together, along with RuPaul (who makes a cameo in their music video).
Part of my growing up and another part fading away on finishing my journey....eesh. Fun music, fun times, no regrets!
Good blessings on your final tour
I love them
I tore my left meniscus dancing to "Love Shack" at a wedding reception.
CBS Sunday Morning does a piece on the B-52s.
Damn we're getting old
The B-52's are the embodiment of kitschy fun and were as unique as any musical act of its generation. They emerged during the twilight of disco, the birth of new wave/new romantics and the zenith of punk with a look and sound unlike anything in the known musical world and they are as delightful now as they were then. Bravo, guys! You've earned your spot in the annals of rock 'n roll. Enjoy your retirement.
Absolutely love them. Fun times.
One of the best bands ever ❤
Luv luv their songs
During the time that "Love Shack" was popular, I taught at a laboratory school attached to a university. It was a poorly kept secret that the married president of the university was having an affair with his married assistant. Every day at noon, they would make their way, separately, to an unused campus building for their daily tryst. In front of the building was a huge boulder that was decorated each year by the graduating class. One day, I walked by the boulder and noticed that it had been repainted and bore the words "Love Shack." For the next two weeks, the president would have maintenance staff paint over the slogan, only to have it reappear the next morning. Eventually, he got workers to bury the boulder. I still laugh every time I hear that song. Such a fun band.
I thought The B-52's were weird when I first heard them. Now I enjoy their music. All their songs.
I wish I could tell them personally what COSMIC THING meant to a little gay 12/13 year old me being bullied every day in school, scared for my life, never feeling like I belonged, but having an escape with that amazing album, along with the other albums which I discovered. I saw them in concert in 2018 ( a triple bill along with Boy George/Culture Club and Thompson Twins, but man I wish they had just been solo the whole show ) and it was one of the highlights of my life.
Back in my youth I had barely heard of the B-52's and a friend at work who liked lots of "different" music made me a mixed tape. It had stuff from Martha and the Muffins, Squeeze, etc . and the B-52's. Fell in love with Rock Lobster and Love Shack and have liked the group ever since. Rock on! 👍🎸😊