B-52's (The)
The quirky appearance, stage antics and lyrical content of the B-52's belie a formidable musical ability, as the band's rhythmically perfect pop songs show many influences, including 50s rock 'n' roll, punk and commercial dance music. However, it was the late 70s' new-wave music fans that took them to their hearts. The B-52's were formed in Athens, Georgia, USA, in 1976, and took their name from the bouffant hairstyles worn by Kate Pierson (b. 27 April 1948, Weehawken, New Jersey, USA; organ, vocals) and Cindy Wilson (b. 28 February 1957, Athens, Georgia, USA; guitar, vocals). The line-up was completed by Cindy's brother Ricky (b. 19 March 1953, Athens, Georgia, USA, d. 12 October 1985; guitar), Fred Schneider (b. 1 July 1951, Newark, Georgia, USA; keyboards, vocals) and Keith Strickland (b. 26 October 1953, Athens, Georgia, USA; drums). The lyrically bizarre but musically thunderous "Rock Lobster' was originally a private pressing of 2,000 copies and came to the notice of the perceptive Chris Blackwell, who signed them to Island Records in the UK. Their debut, B-52"s, became a strong seller and established the band as a highly regarded unit with a particularly strong following on the American campus circuit during the early 80s........
Posted on Oct 10, 2003, 3:41 AM from IP address 66.73.196.154