The B-52's formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976, mixing new wave, surf rock, and dance-pop into the ultimate campy party sound — Fred Schneider's sprechgesang against the harmonies of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson. Start with the 1979 debut for Rock Lobster, or Cosmic Thing (1989) for Love Shack and Roam. Dig into The B-52's vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The B-52's formed in Athens, Georgia in 1976. The founding lineup was Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson, and Keith Strickland. The band's name references a slang term for the bouffant hairstyle worn by the female members. Guitarist Ricky Wilson died of AIDS-related illness in 1985; Strickland moved from drums to guitar, and the band continued. The B-52's helped put the Athens music scene on the map alongside acts like R.E.M.
The B-52's blend new wave, post-punk, surf rock, and dance-pop into a distinctive, campy party sound. Their music features call-and-response vocals between Schneider's sprechgesang and the harmonies of Pierson and Wilson, angular guitar, and retro-futuristic themes. The band is widely cited as one of the defining new wave acts and a touchstone for kitsch-forward pop.
The 1979 debut has been reissued and remastered multiple times, and the band's Warner Bros. catalog appears in various pressings and anniversary editions. Original pressings of the debut and Cosmic Thing-era releases are common collector targets.
Listeners new to The B-52's often start with the self-titled debut (1979) for Rock Lobster or Cosmic Thing (1989) for the hits. For related listening, see and.
