Past members. The B-52s (styled as The B-52’s prior to 2008) are an American new wave band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1976. The original line-up consisted of Fred Schneider (vocals), Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboards), Cindy Wilson (vocals, percussion), Ricky Wilson (guitar), and Keith Strickland (drums, guitar, keyboards).
What kind of music did the B52s listen to?
Making music that was full of quirks but also sounded friendly and fun to dance to, the B-52s filtered surf music, ’60s pop, vintage soul, and low-budget sci-fi soundtracks through a pop culture kaleidoscope, with vocals laid over the top that suggested someone had been listening to a lot of Yoko Ono and Yma Sumac records.
What happened to Cindy Wilson from the B-52s?
The B-52s advanced their reputation as the greatest party band on the planet to a whole new generation of music fans. They played to sold-out audience worldwide on a tour that would last more than 18 months, including an Earth Day gig before nearly 750,000 people in New York City’s Central Park. Soon after, Cindy Wilson amicably departed.
Are the B-52s the world’s greatest party band?
It is well known that the B-52s are The World’s Greatest Party Band. And nearly forty years and over twenty million albums into their career, there can be no doubt as to why they remain one of rock music’s most beloved and enduring bands.
What was the B-52’s first hit song?
Their first single, “Rock Lobster”, recorded for DB Records in 1978, was an underground success, selling over 2,000 copies in total, that led to the B-52’s performing at CBGB and Max’s Kansas City in New York City.
When did the B-52s perform on SNL?
On January 26, 1980, The B-52’s performed on Saturday Night Live; they also performed at the Heatwave festival (which was promoted as the “New Wave Woodstock”) in Toronto, Canada in August 1980, and appeared in the Paul Simon film One Trick Pony.
What awards did the B-52’s win in 1990?
The group had a hugely successful world tour to support the record, and appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone in March 1990. In 1990, the B-52’s were nominated for four MTV Video Music Awards including Video of the Year. They won two awards, Best Group Video and Best Art Direction.
