Drummer reacts to "Rock Lobster" by The B-52s

[@genegarrett3372]

When Lennon first heard the b52's he turned to Yoko and said, "Look they're singing like you."

[@Asymmatrix]

They've said as much.

[@twowirenuts7221]

He was a BIG fan of the band. They were want he dreamed him and Yoko could be

[@twowirenuts7221]

The difference was Yoko sounded like fingers on a chalkboard and C&K sounded like angels

[@diamonddavefuller6136]

Funny 😂but sorta true

[@troubleondemand7703]

Iirc, it actually gave him some inspiration to start recording again as well.

[@Tarkus7]

The B-52's will get you up dancing even if you don't dance.

[@jhamptonjr]

Facts!

[@jmpmusva]

Once you see them in private Idaho, all the musician's rolls will make sense. Those two girls are a unique blend of campy choices.

[@SPAMDAGGER22]

1978. Grade 8 dance. Got the D.J. to play this. When the down, down part came on my friends and I hit the gym floor doing the worm. The second time down, down came up again the whole class hit the floor worming. When the song ended everyone cheered and applauded. It was so much fun. The teachers even had smiles.

[@RandoReport]

Private Idaho and Song for a Future Generation, both worth a listen.

[@jeffmartin1026]

They didn't push us into the 80s, they shoved us! I saw them several times and always THE best dance concerts ever. Your kids will love this song.

[@alldayadventures5418]

B-52's are AWESOME, very inventive and NOT AFRAID of CRAZY THOUGHTS....! Lots, and lots of great tunes. LOVE SHACK, Planet Clair, Dance this Mess Around, and as always... the really DEEP CUTS that did not get radio time are the best ones..!

[@TheHogsEarReport]

The B52s first album is one of the greatest rock albums of all time, there was nothing like it. Top 200 for sure. Planet Claire is my favorite B52s song.

[@mickell241]

kate pierson, also sang "candy" with iggy pop and sang "Shiny happy people with R E M. such an awesome voice she has

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@mickell241 he hasn’t done the stooges yet

[@mickell241]

@@Hartlor_Tayley when iggy did candy he was no longer with the stooges. candy is from 1990

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@mickell241 oh yeah. I meant for Lee to have context on Iggy coming from the stooges in the sixties

[@mickell241]

@@Hartlor_Tayley ok got ya. lee should check the stooges out for sure

[@Bocca-1]

haven't heard candy for ages thanks for reminding me

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

This band was FUN. This song takes me back to the New Jersey shore. Cindy Wilson is my favorite female rock and roll singer. “Give me back my man” is Cindy’s song and it’s also a beach song. Thanks for this Lee. 🦞

[@rghilino6734]

I was just down the Jersey Shore yesterday. I can never stay away. The music scene was so much fun.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@rghilino6734 it really was crazy for a while, like a wall of rock and roll up and down the coast.

[@rghilino6734]

It was. I was from Perth Amboy so we regularly hit the clubs from Sayreville to Asbury Park. ​@@Hartlor_Tayley

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@rghilino6734 I lived in Asbury park and worked in Perth Amboy for a while. Well you know that whole circuit, it went all the way down Past Atlantic City.

[@rghilino6734]

​@@Hartlor_Tayleyoh yeah. Covered the shore. Good memories.

[@johnharkness7114]

A lot of reactors just can't get this. Glad to see you got into the groove. Just imagine being at a party when this first come on and you're dancing off your brain on whatever you just imbibed or otherwise engorged

[@RayEvans-j1q]

As the seventies were coming to an end, Disco was coming to an end and the fun sounds of new wave were making the scene! It was real hip, man!

[@heartoftherose]

Planet Claire....

[@lathedauphinot6820]

We were kids when The B-52’s were the featured band on Saturday Night Live, and we didn’t know until the end of this song whether it was a skit or a real band. The first half of the song we were laughing, until Ricky Wilson got really going. He was too good to be a cast member making a joke. I’ll never forget it.

[@AlexanderXenophon]

Thank you. Really. Thank you.

[@L33Reacts]

Your welcome. Really brother. Your welcome 🙏

[@hongfang2348]

John Lennon, perhaps jokingly, said The B-52s copied Yoko's sound. Years later, Yoko actually performed with The B-52s.

[@anthonymunn8633]

I still remember turning on SNL the night the B-52s first played.Blew my 13 year old mind,and had to find everything they did!RIP to original guitarist Ricky Wilson.

[@EverythingEcstatic]

Yes! My little gay brain opened all the way up!

[@mickell241]

next up,,,,, love shack 💘and roam🌍🌎🌏 great b 52 's songs

[@mickell241]

@@Shabenn yes, they did, i agree

[@Shabenn]

@@mickell241 Sorry about that. I meant to reply to the comment about what Lennon said to Yoko. I'm not sure how that happened. You must have thought I was nuts!

[@mickell241]

@@Shabenn yeah , you are nuts!! just joking. your fine, no problem.

[@Shabenn]

@@mickell241 Ya got me pegged! But you still won't catch me in a video!

[@mickell241]

@@Shabenn i bet you're in the psycho killer video with the talking heads, i will catch you!!!

[@MikeOstrowski-iq8wf]

Please do a live version of this song, visual is part of the act ! ❤️ B-52’s are just a New Wave fun band ! Lyrics are not serious but they had a big cult following from most colleges during this time ❤🎉😂

[@erickent3557]

Retro '60s garage rock keys and surf guitar, plus mutant aliens from Mars crashing a Frankie Avalon beach party movie.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

It was absolutely a staple for several years at parties of all sorts.

[@dunringill1747]

B-52's are incredibly fun, campy, silly, creative, and talented. They were great live. Very entertaining and lots to explore. Ricky Wilson dropped his D & G strings so he could switch off between his "2 lead strings" and his "2 rhythm strings" -- Very talented guitar work.

[@chickmcgee1000]

This is one of the funnest albums you’ll ever hear.

[@Jude_196]

I SO LOVE that you APPRECIATE this music WITHOUT judging it. THIS was SUCH A FUN BANGER!!! I remember "melting" on the dance floor at several parties, listening to this song, and doing "The Bacon" on the floor (you'd lie flat and just bubble around like bacon in a frying pan).....IT WAS SO MUCH FUN to JUMP AROUND: SO FREEING!!! Just FUN to MOVE however you wanted to!! LOVE THE B52s!!! You might check out Planet Claire or Private Idaho!! ALL SO GOOD!!! THANKS, LEE, for THIS ONE!!!

[@blanewilliams5960]

I am so glad you got it and appreciated what it is, L33. The B-52's were different and a lot of fun, I suggest you listen to more including "52 Girls" and "Planet Claire" from this album. Thank You!

[@hoppers13]

Shee-it. I’ve been catching up backwards. After the heaviness of The Long And Winding Road comments this just made me laugh out loud and - as the track always does - dance around the room until my headphones came off. Thanks for the groovy feelings, Lee.

[@TeresaMosby-sm4js]

I was a cocktail waitress at a disco on the south side of Chicago in the late 70s, and this was the only non disco tune they would play, and everyone loved it and danced! This was right before the disco sucks movement took disco down!

[@hebneh]

As others have commented, when this song was played where people could dance, a whole lot of people immediately would do so, and we all gradually sank down to the floor when Fred commanded "Down, down!"

[@mikewoodrow5878]

Congrats on 30K Lee! I was a rocker - when this came came out a friend played me this album, Lene Lovich and Ian Dury and the Blockheads. Blew my mind.

[@L33Reacts]

Hey thanks man I appreciate that. I’ve been grinding hard on this channel for the last year. I’m glad it’s finally paying off a little lol this is definitely a rocker! Been stuck in my head all day.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

The B-52's are a hoot! "There goes a narwhal." lol You should also do "Love Shack."

[@Pajko-g2y]

“I was at a dance club one night in Bermuda. Upstairs, they were playing disco, and downstairs I suddenly heard 'Rock Lobster' by the B-52's for the first time,” Lennon told Rolling Stone in 1980. “It sounds just like Yoko's music, so I said to meself, 'It's time to get out the old ax and wake the wife up! ' ”

[@polittek]

Thanks for posting this.

[@JoTracy]

Love them! Roam, Summer Of Love, Dirty Back Road, Mesopotamia, Give Me Back My Man, Private Idaho, Dance This Mess Around, Planet Claire...sooo many great tracks

[@skasteve6528]

Fantastic pick. One of my favourites. When Ricky Wilson (guitar and co-writer of this song with Fred Schneider) passed, Keith Strickland (drums) taught himself how to play Ricky's guitar style so that the band could complete an album. He's the permanent guitarist with the band with either Zack Alford or Sterling Campbell handling drums.

[@HT-io1eg]

A very hot summer day, house party, sat on the roof at the back of the student house. This album, on repeat, all afternoon. Some memories never leave you 😊

[@dreyescope6926]

Cindy and Kate's totally unique vocal phrasing and harmonies don't get nearly enough props.

[@delorenzini69]

the greatest song to dance!!!!! This join was on it's own league!!!

[@TheOriginalFILIBUSTA]

Dude. You got it. Just like I did at 9 years old, when it came out. You had the right face.

[@dipsydoodle7988]

The B-52s are the greatest party band that has ever existed. This is quite the rabbit hole. I recommend anything since you immediately "get" their genius. Lots of folks don't, or it has to grow on some people, but if you get it immediately, you're gonna have a blast on this journey. I have to recommend them live because hearing this band is only one small aspect of the picture. You need the visuals to go along. I recommend Big Bird live from Germany. 1983 I think.

[@mattreynolds612]

B-52s. 🍓 Strange Jujoo but good jujoo. 👍🎶🎶🎵🎶🔥💯✌️🇺🇸🇵🇸

[@brettbigham8420]

John Lennon said the B-52s were his favorite live band. I concur. Saw them in 82 before Rickie passed. Then a few more times over the years. My favorite live band as well.

[@jamessomers8808]

I absolutely love the B-52’s. It’s a little different. I’m curious to see your reaction. The first guitar rhythm that I ever learned was the song Planet Claire. It’s got that Spy Hunter guitar rhythm. Kind of like James Bond or even set the controls for the heart of the sun.❤ this song is a banger and I remember it most from when I first got sober when I was 16 and we used to go to dances and this song was always on the menu.❤ I hope you’re doing the original version which is longer than the radio version. But that’s fine too.❤

[@RonaldBeffert]

THEY WERE SUCH A UNIQUE BAND AND A LOT OF FUN. I WAS FORTUNATE TO SEE THEM PERFORM. THE CONCERT AS HELD AT THE PHILADELPHIA ZOO AND THEIR OPENING ACT WERE THE RAMONES. ONE OF THE BEST CONCERTS I EVER ATTENDED. VERY INVENTIVE.

[@realbser1956]

Fun tune Angela. Nice request. Thanks Lee

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Absolutely love the hi-hat and cymbal work on this one, and I love that snare sound and like you say they are so damn tight. And it doesn't hurt at all that they've got two women who could really freaking sing, and they could dance their asses off while doing it at live shows. Definitely a hint of punk here and there for sure.

[@GunsmithSid]

Still have my 45 with Private Idaho on the B-side from 1979. Rock Lobster was a little too adventurous to get play on ‘pop’ stations or get picked up for sporting events, but it was a crossover of sorts and was widely popular. Good fun stuff!

[@jossoaktree]

Love this band . Saw them twice. They ARE the party when they turn up 🎉🎉. Cheers !

[@jellyrollnorton]

I forgot how awesome the full version is. Huge dance-floor hit. Great for parties.

[@dawnschneider187]

They brought punk rock to mainstream perfectly! Love the B52s, so fun. That is Kate Pearson. Awesome reaction Lee.

[@edgarcia4794]

Side note. The last B-52 bomber that left March Air Force Base in Riverside Ca. Was called The Rock Lobster.

[@tomedmonson501]

Thanks, Lee, that one was great. After you’ve heard some more of their songs, definitely check out their official live video for Rock Lobster from the late 70s early 80s. It’s shot at a small club, and you can feel the high energy and maximum fun.

[@acb9231]

A huge fan of 50s/60s/70s rock-n-roll my whole life. Then this came out in 78, been hooked ever since. What a fun timeless classic! ✌️

[@bobschenkel7921]

In the late 70's and early 80's these guys were EVERYWHERE. You couldn't walk down a dorm hallway, or a street in a college town and not hear their music coming from somewhere. "Private Idaho", "Planet Clare" and "Love Shack", also "Roam". All big hits. They are from Athens, Georgia, along with R.E.M., and the University of Georgia.

[@sjfvet519us]

Sadly, Ricky passed away in October, 1985 (aged 32) of AIDS complications. Keith, who didn't like drumming, took over guitar.

[@gavinmallett9331]

Saw these guys play a great gig at Camden Roundhouse in 2009/10. They were still as sharp & on point as when they recorded this. Certainly a break from the usual listening, good one Lee B)

[@TheodoreWeiser]

I used to frequent this under-age dance club when this song came out. Since I was under age myself, this was not weird. When the DJ would queue up this one, everyone would hit the dance floor. Everyone would join in and shout "Rock Lobster!!" at the appropriate point. Good stuff.

[@lizbrown6943]

At high school dances 1982, the DJ would play this as last song, at integrated Black school. We would do dance 'white folks', aka The Carlton from Fresh Prince. Fun song😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@travislwoodward7780]

Great review! It's nice to see someone new to the B-52's who gets it. Please check out more, such as Give Me Back My, My Own Private Idaho, Queen of Las Vegas, Roam.

[@pommie5093]

Love B-52s-gotta check out Planet Claire-my favorite of their tunes.

[@markrowett8168]

They are just a fun and talented band. You can't be sad listening to them.

[@fredkrissman6527]

PlanetClaire is one of many other great B-52s' tunes, Lee!

[@alphasixty1316]

That blue Mosrite Venture grabs me every time.

[@alrivers2297]

Lennon loved this song, as do I. Check out Private Idaho

[@michaelbriefs9764]

Dude!! That song is so much fun! I will never forget when I first heard them back in 1978. I was at a House party (when rich parents had gone on vacation without the kids and our friend had all of us over) and they put on the first B-52s album and we just fell out! It was so much fun and I instantly loved it -- even though I was a huge Rush fan/Prog Rock fan at this point. This is before I joined my High School band, and we all listened to the new Punk and New Wave stuff because we were getting out set list together. Note, we also played classic Rock, like The Who, Rush, Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Beatles, but we brought in The Jam, The Ramones, Marshall Crenshaw, and The Knack. Yes, the B-52s were a "Retro" band, bringing back sounds and styles from the 1950s and 60s, in Surf Rock and Oldies stuff! Great right?

[@hollyhoman1625]

I first heard them back in 1980 and was so blown away. They were so unlike anything that was getting played on radio then. They didn't get mainstream play. You had to listen to them on college radio. Ricky sadly passed away in 1985. Kate has appeared as a vocalist on REM songs (Shiny Happy People) and Iggy Pop (Candy). I've never had the opportunity to see them live, but I've bene a fan for more than 4 decades. Check out more of their songs.

[@Leightym]

This whole album. Every. Single. Track!!

[@mucksmith3569]

In HS it was fresh and we never heard anything like it before and we loved it.

[@brianvernon249]

Everybody had matching towels. Now go watch Family Guy and their two spoofs of this song.

[@angelagraves865]

Hey!! 😃Good-O, thanks! 🤘🏽

[@Hare_deLune]

'Dirty Back Road' was my introduction to the B52's. Great song.

[@brettv5967]

One of the great bands from Athens, Georgia. They really paved the way.

[@brettv5967]

Also, do yourself a favor and check out the documentary film “Athens, GA Inside Out”. All about the early to mid-80’s music scene in Athens. Great stuff.

[@angelagraves865]

Every school dance I went to starting in about the 7th grade. 😆🤘🏽

[@antrimlariot2386]

This is a important song from a very significant album. It changed a lot of people in '79. It brought John Lennon out of retirement. It changed a lot of my friend's lives, including me. The whole album is genius.

[@VintageWanderer]

There is a great video of them playing this at a club or be and it’s awesome! We danced to this a lot in college!

[@AP-gb3eh]

Lots of laughter and fun dancing to this in wild outfits 😂 eventually they overplayed this but visiting it now - yes it was that good

[@Maralyssa]

I've seen them live twice, once in the 80s and then like 2014 or something and both times they were great! Everyone danced the entire concerts! So fun!!! You should listen to Planet Claire

[@roncarnes5724]

People either love or REALLY hate this song. There's no in-between. (I ❤ it!)

[@Kevvinm]

Now play it for your kids , and jump around with them, they’ll love it! I’d recommend Planet Claire next!

[@Coquinagirl]

She does the rock lobster voice under water! 😀lol I’ve only heard of the B-52’s and I know Love Shack. This was so cute. One part sounds like Yoko Ono! dolphin or whale? 😀 Someone commented that you should play it for your girls and jump around with them. They might like it! So fun. Thank you, Angela and Lee! Great flash request!

[@gbsailing9436]

"Planet Claire"!!!

[@javavoicecafe6968]

Gotta' do Love Shack now. 💃🎶☺️

[@jimwilcox2964]

And spot the RuPaul debut

[@alejandrobojorquez6181]

THE BLACKBYRDS - " Spaced Out " Electro/Funk/Jazz with Insane KEYBOARDS & Jammin' Bass + Drums so GROOVY PSYCHEDELIC and Super AWSOME just like Rock Lobster 🎹 70's Radio Hits 📻

[@corawheeler9355]

A fun song for fun occasions ... liked it

[@Scottfur]

Loved it!😁

[@Eugene-u8f]

It crossed all boundaries Kids from 5 to 50, no one sat. and everybody went down down done.

[@mightyV444]

Lee, Kate plays keyboards and also bass synth on most of the band's early stuff 😀 And Ricky Wilson was known for experimenting with many alternate tunings; He had a Grunge guitar sound already over a decade before there actually _was_ Grunge! 😄 Sadly, he passed away in the mid 80's, and Keith Strickland then moved from the drums to the guitar.

[@chardywork]

Great reaction. Man, early B-52-s are such fun.

[@ColeenU]

What a great song. I purchased, the single cassette an wore it out. My cassette player ate it.

[@Coquinagirl]

Rock lobster!😀🎶

[@LSMSusan]

I was playing this exact track earlier today, great choice. Fabulous

[@j.kevvideoproductions.6463]

They were so fun. Listened to them a lot in my 3rd year in College in Boulder (fine art school) They were huge, along with "The Damned", Elvis Costello, The Specials & R.E.M. and others... I saw them live at Red Rocks in '83 or '84 I think, & their sound quality was horrible. About a year later I saw the Talking Heads at Red Rocks and they were incredible. Great sound, much longer show, many more musicians and much more professional. I still love the '52's though. I would recommend listening to songs from their second album "Dirty Back roads" is killer... Great vocals. Kate added a lot to this band with her vocals and keyboard playing... She's great on the R.E.M. songs as well.

[@burmajones803]

That debut album is chock full o' great songs. Dance This Mess Around is a good one to hear, but other than Downtown (a cover song) you can't go wrong.

[@julieb.5860]

the ultimate party band for their time.

[@michaelgray4964]

That first B-52s album was a helluva shock. Great fun party band. They came out of Athens, Georgia just a bit before R.E.M. did.

[@danielconley7042]

❤B52s

[@burmajones803]

An all time top 10 great rock and roll song, and imo the best party song ever.

[@denniszimmerman1279]

They grew out of college town, Athens, GA alongside R.E.M. I recommend Channel Z, Planet Claire and Deadbeat Club. You'll see R.E.M. in the Deadbeat Club video. I love their rhythms. Great stuff.

[@grichard1585]

Yes, they were art students when they were in college. Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, were involved in the art community at the University of Georgia

[@Shabenn]

Nobody ever seems to catch the here comes a bikini whale line. It's one of the funniest in the whole song. Keep going with them, there's a lot to unpack. Good one here.

[@robertpearson8798]

I got it from the first time I heard it, loved it.

[@Shabenn]

@robertpearson8798 Yeah, really I probably should have said nobody mentions it. And with the social climate these days, you can't be that funny anymore. Honestly, I've been kind of shocked the reactions haven't been menaced.

[@robertpearson8798]

@@Shabenn I’m old so I can get away with more.

[@devonvergiels5185]

While not in my usual lineup of bands, (Jethro Tull, Yes, ELP etc) these guys are just fun.

[@realdocloco]

Saw them live in 1980, opening for Talking Heads. Amazing show !

[@chardywork]

You lucky duck! Sounds epic

[@rabbitfishtv]

One of the biggest regrets of my life is not going up to Mosport in Barrie Ontario to the Heatwave that had the B-52s, Pretenders, Talking Heads, Elvis Costello and more. Must have been 1980 or thereabouts, but I was still a little too shy and isolated at 17 to go to an event like that.

[@realdocloco]

@@chardywork it was! And it was TH with Adrian Belew!

[@JB-Deadskins]

Great Athens, GA band

[@kavimontanaro7976]

You're not a moron - they were deliberately playing with a lot of style ideas from the 50s. A lot of new wave was kind of a satirical 50s/Americana revival, at least in America (the guys in Europe were more influenced by Kraftwerk). This whole record is great, I'd check it all out. Next record, Wild Planet, also great. When Ricky died, tragically young, the drummer started playing guitar because it was really hard to replace him. I saw them live once, pure fun, absolutely entertaining. 'Give Me Back My Man' was such a surprise, one of the best live pop performances I've ever seen.

[@jonathanmurphy3141]

I saw the B-52's perform this on SNL, when I was about 10. My older brother would wake me to watch SNL with him, while our parents slept - we learned much cultural humor, and a lot of music from watching the original cast of SNL. I don't like like to eat Lobster, despite living in Main for a few months - other seafood, no problem, quality. Yet, if I had to do Karaoke, I could do some vocals for "Rock Lobster".