B-52s

The B-52s formed in 1976 with Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson, Kate Pierson, Ricky Wilson and Keith Strickland.  Their first single, recorded in 1978, was"Rock Lobster", and this was well received in the US but was much more popular in the UK. 

They released their first album "B-52's" in 1979 that, in addition to "Rock Lobster" included such favorites as "Planet Claire" and "Dance This Mess Around".  The album went platinum.  In 1980, they released the "Wild Planet" album.  They went on to release  "Mesopotamia", Whammy!, and "Bouncing off the Satellites" in the period up to 1985 when Ricky Wilson died.  They did not release another album until 1989's "Cosmic Thing", which was much more mainstream than their previous records.  The singles "Love Shack" and "Roam" were both commercially successful.  This was followed in 1992 by the album "Good Stuff".  No new albums appeared until 2008, when they released "Funplex", and dropped the apostrophe in their name; B-52's became B-52s.  Unfortunately, although it charted, it was not a commercial success.  We await any further releases with interest. 

Many people believe that their name is from the Boeing B-52  Stratofortress aircraft.  In fact, the name derives from the B-52 or Beehive hairstyle which was said to resemble the nose of the B-52.  You can see Cindy and Kate both sporting versions in the videos. 

I have added two videos: Mesopotamia and Planet Claire.  Both recorded live and showing them in great form.  Enjoy. 

Music, Videos & My Studio - Videos