About The B-52's

Blending pop, punk, new wave, soul, surf, even sci-fi soundtracks from Fred’s collection, into their one-of-a-kind sound, The B-52’s are the world’s best party band. While Ricky said “I’ve just written the stupidest guitar line you’ve ever heard.” of his iconic riff for Rock Lobster, Keith described their musical approach as “Our feeling was if it sounds good, it is good. So we put that freedom into writing. We felt like we could do anything.” With skillful, innovative, and sometimes bizarre layering of vocals, instrumentation, and surprising sounds, it is clear that the group has fun, and so do listeners.

BAND MEMBERS

From their 1979 debut album to the most recent Funplex, and every live show in between, The B-52’s have been serving up their distinctive blend of art, absurdity, and exuberance. Although the band has taken hiatuses—for family, solo projects, and most notably to grieve Ricky’s death in 1985—Cindy, Kate, Fred, and Keith are still making music together! Over the years, a number of talented musicians have helped bring The B-52’s music alive at concerts.

Fred Schneider

Fred Schneider

Hey, I'm Fred the Cancerian from New Jersey. I like collecting records and exploring the cave of the unknown!

Kate Pierson

Kate Pierson

Hey, I'm Kate and I am a Taurus. I love tomatoes and black-capped chickadees!

Cindy Wilson

Cindy Wilson

Hello, I'm Cindy, I'm a Pisces and I like Chihuahuas and Chinese noodles!

Keith Strickland

Keith Strickland

Hey, my name is Keith and I'm a Scorpio from Athens, GA and I like to find the essence from within!

Ricky Wilson

Ricky Wilson

Hi, my name is Ricky and I'm a Pisces. I love computers and hot tamales!

Touring Band Members

Tracy Wormworth
1992–present

Sterling Campbell
1992–2000, 2007–present

Greg Suran
2013–present

Ken Maiuri
2016–present

Paul Gordon
2007–2016

Pat Irwin
1989–2007

Zack Alford
1989–1992, 2000–2007

Julee Cruise
1992–1994

Sara Lee
1989–1992

HISTORY

The B-52’s formed in October 1976 over Chinese food and fiery volcano drinks, naming themselves after the Athens, Georgia slang for big, teased bouffant hairstyle. A few months later, they played their first show, then went on the road. Their fan following spread from New York City punk clubs across the country to the pop mainstream, leading to record deals, chart-topping songs, a devoted international fanbase, and critical acclaim. LEARN MORE >>

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1979

ALBUM

The B-52's

Platinum debut with some of the band's best known songs such as Rock Lobster and Planet Claire

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1980

NEWS

Interview: The B-52’s

By James Henke for Rolling Stone

This “tacky little dance band” from Georgia has everybody moving to a brand-new beat. But what makes them tick?

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1980

ALBUM

Wild Planet

Certified gold second studio album includes concert staples such as Private Idaho

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1980

VIDEO

Give Me Back My Man

Give Me Back My mainstream video clip

Cindy takes the mic on this ballad about a woman whose lover is attacked by a shark

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1983

ALBUM

Whammy!

Six-track compilation with hits from the first two albums remixed into two long tracks

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1983

VIDEO

Song for a Future Generation

Song for a Future Generation video clip

Each member introduces themselves amidst fanciful superlatives on the third single from Whammy!

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1986

ALBUM

Bouncing off the Satellites

Ballad-driven, less upbeat fourth studio album was the last to include Ricky Wilson

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1989

ALBUM

Cosmic Thing

Comeback fifth studio platinum album includes the hits Roam and Love Shack

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1990

VIDEO

Deadbeat Club

Deadbeat Club video clip

A nostalgic tribute to hanging around in Athens, GA

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1990

NEWS

The B-52s: Mission Accomplished

By Michael Azerrad for Rolling Stone

How did the kings of kitsch survive years of indifference and the death of a band member to stage such a stunning comeback?

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1992

ALBUM

Good Stuff

Grammy-nominated sixth studio gold album includes radio hit Good Stuff

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2008

ALBUM

Funplex

Seventh, and most recent, studio album of eleven new songs alongside bonus content

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2008

VIDEO

Funplex

Funplex video clip

The B-52's bring their new sound to a CGI mall

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2018

NEWS

Love Shacks, Rock Lobsters and Nude Parties: The B-52’s in Their Own Words

By Kory Grow for Rolling Stone

The quintessential party rockers reflect on more than four decades of wild shenanigans and why their biggest hit almost didn’t happen

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2019

NEWS

Before & After 'The B-52’s'

By Christopher R Weingarten for The New York Times

An in-depth audio guide to the debut album’s nine songs, plus what came before, and what came after. It’s the sound of rock gobbling junk culture and birthing revolutions.

40 YEARS OF ROCK LOBSTER

1978

Early live performance

1979

Concert recording

1980

Official music video

2019

40th anniversary animation