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'''The B-52's''' are a rock band from [[Athens, Georgia]], the first of many from the college town that has become one of the most important centers in [[alternative rock]]. The name comes from the bouffant wigs that are a part of the band's distinctive look, worn by singers [[Cindy Wilson]] and [[Kate Pierson]]. Along with Wilson and Pierson, [[Keith Strickland]], [[Ricky Wilson]] (who died in [[1985]]) and [[Fred Schneider]] formed the band after a drunken night at a Chinese restaurant.
Their first single, "Rock Lobster" in [[1978]] (see [[1978 in music]]), was an underground success that led to the B-52's performing at [[CBGB's]] and [[Max's Kansas City]] in [[New York City]]. Their debut, ''[[The B-52's (album)|The B-52's]]'', was a minor hit, and the follow-up, ''[[Wild Planet]]'', reached the Top 20 on the album charts. Although part of the new wave movement, their music was wierder and more experimental than most new wave, indulging in all manner of odd vocal and synth effects, creating a quirky dance sound that became very popular in the fringes of the music world.
Though recording sessions with [[David Byrne]] (of [[Talking Heads]]) failed, the recordings were released as ''[[Mesopotamia (album)|Mesopotamia]]'' in [[1982]] (see [[1982 in music]]). After ''[[Whammy!]]'' in [[1983]] (see [[1983 in music]]), a Schneider solo album and ''[[Bouncing off the Satellites]]'' ([[1986]]; see [[1986 in music]]), Ricky Wilson died of what was later revealed to be [[AIDS]]-related causes. The band spent three years recovering, and returned with ''[[Cosmic Thing]]'' in [[1989]] (see [[1989 in music]]), which launched three hits, "Roam", "Deadbeat Club" and "Love Shack", which is perhaps their most well-remembered song today.
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