Rich's House of Vinyl #2: The B-52s!

I do not remember the first time I heard The B-52s, but it must have been hearing “Rock Lobster” on the radio in late 1979 or early ’80. I intrigued enough to buy the self-titled debut album, probably just before my 15thbirthday in early June ’80. The B-52’s was a significant part of my birthday party soundtrack that year, and I was set to be a fan for the rest of my life.

I saw The B-52s twice. The first time was on November 19, 1983 at Temple University, where I was a freshman. The band was playing McGonigle Hall in support of their third-full length album, Whammy! I had been to several concerts at the point, but I was in no way jaded by seeing live music (hopefully I’m still not). I don’t remember specifics – like a setlist – from that night, but I do remember that it was enormously fun, and I did manage to take a few very grainy photos.

I saw The B52s again after the band hit it big with “Love Shack”, but I’ve always been grateful to have seen the band before guitarist Ricky Wilson’s passing.

My mystical 20-sided dice recently led me to listening to all The B-52s studio albums. Click here to see how I ranked them for PopMatters.

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