B-52s Perform Tonight at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
This month marks the anniversary of the formation of one of the quintessential pop bands, the B-52s.
The Athens, GA quintet first got together in October 1976, and before long, they were the talk of the post-punk underground. Of course, it didn’t take long for their popularity to grow with outrageously catchy tracks like “Rock Lobster,” “Private Idaho,” “Planet Claire” and “Mesopotamia.” In the mid-80s, they became a major presence on alternative radio and MTV.
Sadly, 1985 marked the tragic death of guitarist Ricky Wilson, who passed away from complications due to AIDS. After such a devastating loss, the band slowly found its footing again and continued work on what would be its most political album to date, Cosmic Thing (1989), which included hits “Love Shack” and “Roam,” and earned the band a lot of commercial success.
Throughout the years, the B-52s have consistently maintained their originality and a creative, quirky approach to their music. Vocalist Fred Schneider put it best when he explained, “We’re out there to entertain people, but it’s great to get people thinking and dancing at the same time.”
The B-52s will be in town for a show tonight at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater, 801 Red River. Doors open at 7 p.m. Following that is a great aftershow in Stubb’s indoor venue, starting at 10 p.m., with Black Crowes founding member Rich Robinson, and songwriter Dylan LeBlanc. Check it all out.
Podcast: Download (1.7MB)
