New Wave Icons Were SHOCKED When IMPROV Jam Session Became 80s Biggest Party Hit | Professor Of Rock

After starting the 80s off with a bang these historic pioneers of New Wave had been through the ringer entering the final year of the decade. The B52s were looking at slumping sales and the tragic loss of their guitarist Ricky Wilson in 1985 Kate Peirson, Cindy Wilson, Fred Schneider and co had been in decline for years. They wrote their biggest hit ever, Love Shack! They would set mainstream radio on fire with one of the most UNLIKELY party hits ever and after 13 years as a band with not one top 40 hit, they had two top 3 hits back to back…Love Shack contained the most mispronounced phrase of the decade. Up Next Cindy Wilson sets the record straight on some long held urban legends behind the one of 1989’s biggest hits and says there’s no way it should’ve been a hit. It’s a celebration of the late 80s classic Cosmic Thing.
Feel great, do good! Explore BUBS Naturals Collagen Protein, MCT Oil Powder, and other other products designed to help you live a fuller life, and always giving 10% of profit to charity.
Click on this link to get BUBS Naturals: www.bubsnaturals.com
At checkout, enter the promo code PROFESSOR to receive a 20% discount off your order.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out my Hand Picked Selection Below
Professor's Store
- The 80s Collection amzn.to/3mAekOq
- 100 Best Selling Albums amzn.to/3h3qZX9
- Ultimate History of 80s Teen Movie amzn.to/3ifjdKQ
- 80s to 90s VHS Video Cover Art amzn.to/2QXzmIX
- Totally Awesome 80s A Lexicon amzn.to/3h4ilrk
- Best In Ear Headphones (I Use These Every Day) amzn.to/2ZcTlIl
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Producer:
Brandon Fugal
Honorary Producers
John Curry, Elizabeth Purvis, Charley Anne, Susan Goudreau, Nick Alexander, Mister Wombat, Mark Glabinski, Brian, Patricia Pierce, Gerald Rubeck
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check Out The Professor of Rock Merch Store - bit.ly/Professo...
Access To Backstage Content
Become a Patron - bit.ly/Professo...
Help out the Channel by purchasing your albums through our links! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support.
Click here for Premium Content: bit.ly/SignUpF...
bit.ly/Faceboo...
bit.ly/Instagr...
#1980s #rock #vinylstory
Hey Music Junkies, Professor of Rock Always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the Greatest songs of all time. If as an adult you found out that you’ve been singing the wrong lyrics to a hit song for decades you’ll dig this channel. Actually today’s song fits into that category. make sure to subscribe below and check the box to get the best of the 60s 70s 80s and 90s also Vistit us on Patreon for weekly suprises and insider info.
It’s time for another edition of our series Revelations where artists and band give us the inside details of their best songs and albums.. Details you won’t find anywhere else. We go deep to get you the straight facts and hordes of useless information. Today’s song has a phrase that is one of the most misheard, wrongly sung lyrics of the entire decade. It was also as one of the most unlikely hits ever.. this according to one of the principal members from a band who had been releasing music for 13 years without one top 40 hit.
The B52s burst on to the scene in the late 70s to much fanfare for their thrift shop aesthetic, a melting pot of kitsch and camp from the 50s and 60s, a completely fresh approach to pop and rock that fired up the outcasts and misfits. The band scorched the mainstream with songs like My Own Private Idaho, Rock Lobster, and Dance This Mess around.
With interplay between quirky lead singer Fred Schneider, the perfectly strange and hypnotic vocals of Cindy Wilson and Kate Peirson and unusual guitar tunings of Ricky Wilson: this created a trademark sound that many copied but none could ever equal. As the B52s made their way through the blockbuster 80s, they had a few singles enter the Hot 100 but they never completely crossed over .
in 1985 the band performed in brazil at Rock in Rio, it was their biggest crowd ever and they felt the momentum beginning to build but they struggled to write new material/ The band members were all very close . They all lived together in a house and that closeness seemed to work against them. They began to write separately. Around this time guitarist Ricky Wilson had been suffering from AIDS, none of the other band members were aware of his diagnosis except for drummer Keith Strickland as he didn’t want anyone to worry about him, especially not his sister Cindy.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the greatest party song of the rock era?

[@conrad4667]

You answered your own question. Love Shack - The B52’s

[@shanestewart4814]

Celebration by Kool and the Gang without a doubt.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

I think I would have to go with Burnin Down the House

[@killrmillr]

Thin Lizzy - The Boys Are Back In Town

[@stephenbrown4211]

Real Gone Kid - Deacon Blue. Memories of parties in Corfu Time of My Life - Toploader Come On Eileen - Dexys We’re Having A Party - Southside Johnny Non rock: Shout - The Isley Brothers (remember the dying fly) Oops Upside Your Head - Gap Band. In the UK you would see dance floors filled with people doing the “rowboat” Skinhead Moonstomp - Symarip or The Specials Quarter to Three - Gary US Bonds

[@ArtemousJimmy]

as a 59 year old man, I have to say that the B52's music has never became stale. I've been listening to them since the early eighties. I remember being introduced to them while station at Ft. Hood in 1983, and then raising my daughters years later and filling their ears with the fun of this group. My daughters and I still enjoy hearing those songs together. Thank you, B52's.

[@crashtestdummy7223]

And they still tour! Take your daughter to a concert while you still can. I saw them before Covid and they still gave us a great show.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They always kill my bad moods with their songs. I thank my mom for introducing me to Cosmic Thing and the B-52s!

[@ArtemousJimmy]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Same! They should convert the B-52's music to elevator music. Just a thought. :)

[@crashtestdummy7223]

@Sub if you are against antifa and BLM can’t we just have a nice place to enjoy music without someone ruining it with politics thst we see literally everywhere else?

[@LazyIRanch]

My brother heard this song before I did, he immediately called me to tell me about this new song that talks about my car. He told me I'd know it when I heard it: I got me a car, it's as big as a whale And we're headin' on down to the love shack I got me a Chrysler, it seats about twenty So hurry up and bring your jukebox money In the 80s, I drove a giant 1965 Chrysler, powder-blue, with seat covers I made from white fur with black spots. No AC, so I wore 1960 psychedelic silk scarves over my dyed red hair, and wore vintage cats eye sunglasses and hot pink lipstick. I loved that car, and I loved the 80s! My 1st husband made me sell that car because it got too much attention. 😭

[@bluraynation5188]

The B-52s were one of the first unapologetically weird and wacky bands that I can remember digging because they always sounded like they were having fun and being their truest selves

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Totally agree.

[@economicsiseverywhere1901]

You are right on the money BlueRayNation - every one of their concerts was a party!

[@TPerez-tq7dm]

I saw them in concert 2 weeks ago and I danced the entire time. It was soooooo, sooooo good and so much fun! Their songs and lyrics are so fun and whacky, they don't get old. And Kate still has pipes, she amazes me.

[@GromMolotok]

Can we take just a moment to appreciate how brilliant the name "Bouncing off the Satellites" is for a compilation of solo numbers?

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Shows how unique and distinctive they were. Love them.

[@danielm5535]

Love the B-52s. Had a boyfriend who was obsessed with them- he spent several summers in the 2000’s going to every show he could- green hair, sequin jacket… they would point to him at every show they saw him at! 😅 After one show, he pulled me up toward the stage and they gave us their Song Lists for that evening. 🥰

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

He had such eclectic taste!

[@vanhopecomedy]

I just saw them in Vegas and a gentleman with large green hair was there. That didnt happen to be him was it?

[@danielm5535]

@@vanhopecomedy Unfortunately, despite the breakup being on good terms, we haven’t been in touch in years, so I can’t say.

[@Lam_3-22-23]

First song I heard by the 52's was Planet Claire and I was hooked. It was so unique and creative. Still my favorite.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song!

[@alondathomas293]

I grew up hearing the B-52's from Rock Lobster on up, so I've always liked them since then. Loved the hell out of some Love Shack, as well as Cosmic Thing as a whole, too. I'd like to recommend their 1986 album Bouncing Off The Satellites, which was really a fun record to listen to, and only disappeared because like the Professor of Rock said, they barely promoted it. It's fun and offbeat as hell, with insane, weird-ass psychedelic dance songs on it. "Summer of Love" was the only song they released off of it during summer, and I was surprised that it wasn't a major hit.

[@Irys1997]

Planet Claire is criminally underrated. I also really love "Give Me Back My Man" for the harmonies but "Planet Claire" is for me more than any other song the thesis statement for the B-52s. I confess I even ran a D&D campaign on Planet Claire. The world had pink air, all the trees were red, no one ever died, and no one but the player characters had a head

[@Lam_3-22-23]

@@Irys1997 I liked that "she drove a Plymouth Satellite". That's what I owned at the time.

[@lamper2]

My dead friend TOM had a band called DRAMA. They always opened with that song. A few of the 6 people they would draw would walk out because they never heard new wave, let alone that song! Now they probably love the song. Bastards!

[@sichinook3793]

Love that record. Roam is one of my all time favourites. B52s are just beautiful. Such a great band.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’re the best.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Can't imagine the 80's without the B52's and "Love Shack ", or "Roam" takes me back every time I hear either one! Great interview with Cindy! Thanks for keeping the music alive Professor!

[@georgewilson2865]

I had such a crush on Cindy when I was a teen. At 50 I still do. Her energy is amazing. Rock lobster will always be my favorite.

[@MarkLipka]

*Their first two albums are AMAZING!*

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I agree!

[@freethebirds3578]

I love the B52s' harmonies. Roam is just wonderful, and Love Shack is a party all by itself.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Both songs are some of my favorites of all time!

[@driver4011]

roam is a great song. saw the B - 52s in '89. very good live band/ show.

[@VauxhallViva1975]

Roam is my favourite song from the B-52s

[@WalterPidgeonsForge]

I had a HUGE CRUSH on Kate Pierson .. her voice just gave me a head rush every time I heard her.. the strength , tone and power

[@thekcsugethe_kc_suge7930]

I love the B-52’s! I think the female singers Kate Pierson & Cindy Wilson are up there with the greatest female vocalists of all time. Their range is crazy!

[@pdmullgirl]

I absolutely LOVE the song “love shack”. And I agree. No matter what mood you’re in, after you listen to that song, you feel better. A true gem. The B52’s are fantastic! ❤️💜💚

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I was feeling yucky the past few days. One B52s song, and I instantly became excited.

[@jamesyoung1547]

The last time I saw a good friend of mine we sang Love Shack together for karaoke. Every time I hear it I smile and think of her very fondly. Sadly she had some personal issues that she could not overcome. Every time I hear this song I can see her smiling as she sings the song. Candice I wish we had been able to sing this a couple more times together because it was a lot of fun and you are really missed by a lot of people.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Wow, may Candice rest in peace.

[@bartolomeothesatyr]

The B52s never fail to put a smile on my face. "Cosmic Thing" remains one of my favorite albums of all time.

[@hbofbyu1]

The radio station in my area was doing a format change and they played "Love Shack" on a loop for 3 days straight - I think it was the fall of 1989. Of course I couldn't change the station so I got 10 years worth of Love Shack in one weekend.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. It's a bit overplayed.

[@RBS_]

....and that's all ANYONE would need!! ....ha-HAAA!! ...I woulda tossed me Radio, kicky 'lil tune, but it needs to be put on Ice, for a bit.....

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

😆

[@coinraker6497]

Of course you couldn't change the station? Of course I "would have" changed the station. 🤣

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

B52s were one of those “weird” groups I loved during the ‘80s. I was just tired of the old stuff, and wanted something fresh! I got the album with Rock Lobster! Also Devo’s 1st album! I never became a big fan of either, but really enjoyed the singing! Loved the Love Shack, and I did love the “jam song “ feel!!!

[@jennymunday7913]

One of my very favorite B52s moments of my life is my daughter rushing out of her room to play me a really hilarious song from an old band I probably hadn't heard of. It was Rock Lobster! Apparently, it had a little revival a few years ago and it was the first time she remembered hearing it. Also I love singing TINNNNNN ROOOOOOOOF! Rusted!

[@PatrickAyotte]

Every time Love Shack comes on the radio the volume goes up. Love that song

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

My musical preference goes to more serious work, but I do the same if I hear this come on! Always puts me in a good mood!! “Guilty pleasure”? I’m to old too feel guilty about such a harmless thing! No guilt here!

[@xterraric2003]

Rock Lobster ..... it is fun knowing they lived just north of us in Charlottesville. I never got to see them play but always enjoy listening. I love non top 40 music.

[@slimedog]

Very underrated band- one of the best New Wave bands of all time. I had a lot of fun in the early nineties singing Fred's part of this song in a cover band.

[@willmoore8708]

I lost count, how many times I've seen them live. Every bone & muscle in my body ached from dancing my ass off. Great Times!!!

[@chris55529]

Hey P of R -- I just wanted to thank you for your channel. There have been times when I took it for granted, but I've realized that no one else is doing what you do. Your channel is very unique, and you should be praised for this. In the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that at first, I just watched your videos out of curiosity. And I was not disappointed. But the thing that really made me a fan of your work, was the fact that you acknowledged one of the most underrated bands ever. I refer, of course, to Boston. My memory's not too great these days, but I think you had at least two videos about them, possibly three. And those videos were GREAT. And because of that, and your integrity in general, you've got another permanent fan.

[@NoCoverCharge]

I’m from Athens Ga …ilivedit

[@trevorsmith2006]

It's impossible to see Cindy Wilson and think you're having a bad day. She just makes you smile.

[@marymcq2]

I LOVE the B52s!! My favorite song is "Dance This Mess Around" but I love all of their songs. I saw them in concert in the early 90s and I did not sit down the ENTIRE time they were onstage and was dancing the whole time. Their music is so infectious and energetic! And I knew from the beginning she was singing "Tin roof...rusted!" :)

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My favorite song is Roam. I did not hear “Henry” at all either. I heard tin roof!

[@Dev...]

Do the Aqua Velva! 🎶🎸🙃

[@demonsaint1296]

I had the tape of Cosmic Thing with me for Desert Storm. Put a smile on my face during that depressing time. Best part is I still have a listen now and then and it doesn’t take me back to that bad time. They still put a big smile on my face. Thank you for Follow Your Bliss.

[@shanestewart4814]

The first time I heard Private Idaho was about 1996 when I heard it being played on the weekly 80’s music show “Backtrax USA with Kid Kelly” when they used to play lots more lost forgotten songs. Some of which never made it to the top 40. I liked Private Idaho the first time I heard it and has been a top favorite B-52’s song. Love Shack and Roam are a close second and third.

[@bicyclist2]

I always loved the B52's and the song Love Shack. Great content as usual. Thanks.

[@babygerald4645]

My favorite B-52s song is 'Give Me Back My Man'. The Party Out of Bounds album is still in regular rotation for me, as much as Cosmic Thing. Like many of the artists featured on this channel, my B-52s collection always seems to grow after a POR video about them.

[@beeragainsthumanity1420]

Love that song. Its my favorite too.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Ooh, I love that song as well!

[@kmccabe1962]

What a wonderful song.

[@flavellinator]

Instant electric wave through the body every time I hear it!

[@RC32Smiths01]

Quite a classic no doubt. 80s were such a great decade for dance and grooving music. B52s have so many great hits, and I have them stuck in my head haha.

[@ProfessorofRock]

They get stuck in your head for sure. Thanks RC32!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@ProfessorofRock My pleasure to tune in!

[@coinraker6497]

RC32 talking about the B52s. 😄

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They’re one of my favorite bands!

[@karaokekraziness3891]

I love this song and had the wonderful opportunity to sing it with 3 women in Karaoke one time. I can impersonate Fred really well and everyone loved it. There's no doubt that this is the ultimate party song that everyone knows and has fun with. I always thought it was cool when groups could create something that could cross genres and still make you want to dance. Songs like this are timeless and rare.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Fred always tickles me dead with his HILARIOUS voice.

[@MRForever-ub5pw]

Love Shack and Roam are two (great) songs that are usually talked about from that album, but for my money I will take Bushfire. That song rocks. Another great interview.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such awesome stuff.

[@MyName-pl7zn]

The ultimate party songs band! They always feel like a 60s beach party movie that I feel that Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello should be there. Love Stack Baby! Great interview with Cindy Wilson, she is always a fun interview. Did you talk about Roam too, that's a great song too

[@ProfessorofRock]

Good comp!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

And Kate and Cindy’s beehives definitely remind me of the 60s. Roam is actually my favorite song by them.

[@garystrahan4601]

Here's the link for the Professor's interview with Cindy about Roam. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5nPc6eBf52Boa8

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@garystrahan4601 thanks I must have missed it or forgot I saw it

[@MyName-pl7zn]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 the 60s styles were the coolest

[@duanehealing5965]

At the time Love Shack got played soooo heavily that I quickly tired of it, but it’s fun to hear it again now and get some of the story behind it. Thanks Prof!

[@bolshoi1959]

Saw them live in Sydney c1979. They were absolutely amazing. Cindy jumping around non-stop, Ricky barely moved. Just rang that guitar. Then saw them in Glasgow c1994 when Julee Cruise was replacing Cindy. Their first album is still one of my all time favourites, 44 years later. Fave song is Planet Claire. There are so many funky and amazing versions of that song on YT and YT music x

[@danmaja6275]

Topaz is my favourite song off of Cosmic thing, but their first album is so amazing. I am a life long fan and play their music often. "Give me back my man" a favourite as well.

[@goblinqueen4991]

This song is such a mood lifter, makes a dreary day better instantly.

[@catherine6653]

I ❤ this song! I made it my high school graduation anthem in 1989. I am so glad I went to their Farewell concert in August. I am going to B52 in December. I am going to play their music 🎶. TIN ROOF, RUSTED! My favorite album is Wild Planet. Private Idaho and Quiche Lorraine. Sweet, Sweet, Sweet, DOGGIE! 🐩

[@ProfessorofRock]

YES! Very cool. Wish I could've seen them on this last go 'round!

[@mournblade1066]

I love how Fred sounds so genuinely tormented on "Quiche Lorraine."

[@catherine6653]

@@ProfessorofRock They are still touring. It's not to late. Playing in Las Vegas, Georgia, and Florida in the winter months.

[@catherine6653]

@@mournblade1066 😁❤

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

My parents and aunts remember this song really well from college and working in the office. Wild Planet is one of my favorites by them. You just cannot resist Private Idaho!

[@TheLowJacq]

Private Idaho was my introduction, I was in my teens and it was the 80's . I fell instantly in love.

[@coinraker6497]

Rock Lobster, here. 🖐

[@ockase2]

When this came out I was a wanna be metal head. I refused to let myself like the B-52s , thinking they weren't nearly cool enough. Man, how wrong I was. It would have been great to be able to enjoy them then as much as I do now. Such an incredible song and album ! Thank you for helping me pick tunes for my playlist today

[@mystictoad727]

Me too! Have real appreciation for those bands now.

[@cjb2749]

Your interviews are sooooo much better when they're done like this.

[@danielroberto2209]

I love this song! The producer helped them structure it into a proper song after he heard the session as it was a song without a chorus! So many cool things in this song - the party chatter in the background is pure genius - originally a concept in "Party Out Of Bounds". Fun to hear what they are saying too. Fun fact - the session was cut short when the power went out! They came back and recorded the second half and that is how the idea for the strip down bass jam came to be. It happened right there and you can hear the abrupt cut if you listen close enough. A truly great song!

[@kmccabe1962]

Party out of Bounds, WLIR, great times.

[@juliao1255]

Such a fun song, and such fun memories to go with it-- singing and shouting along on the dance floor! (My kids wouldn't recognize me from then -- lol.) Thanks for doing this one, too.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

You cannot NOT move when Love Shack is playing!

[@chrisgeo1642]

Her vocals on “dance this mess around” are just insane, it was the first song I had ever heard from them. When the song started playing I wasn’t really paying attention I just figured it was going to be kind of retro pop which wasn’t my thing but then she starts wailing and I literally stopped in mid conversation and asked who is this band. Then of course Kate brought her own vocal styling to her parts and I was a fan from that point forward. They created a whole genre. I think probably the most underrated band ever to get AirPlay. I have been criticized for saying this but if you listen to the jam section of rock lobster and then listen to some on stage jams from ZZ Top it’s sound to me like dusty was a Kate Pearson fan. Just a final thing, thank you for bringing these videos it brings back a lot of memories.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

They were such trailblazers. Nobody had ever heard music like that before, I’m sure.

[@pendrew]

My favorite song. Although they have so many classics.

[@jasonbailey9139]

Cosmic Thing was the second concert I ever went to. It was hard to really judge how good they were because my buddy and I were trying to staunch our nose bleeds we were so far away from the stage in that arena. It was still fun. Their opening act was a band I'd never heard of and didn't think much of at the time, but later came to really enjoy--Toad the Wet Sprocket.

[@deanrobert9953]

Wonderful episode. Been a fan of the B-52s ever since that first album found its way into our home. The bright yellow cover with those cartoon like characters on the front... was an invite into another world. Top song by the 52s? I was mesmerized by Planet Claire as a kid, loved Roam when it hit the radio but something about the jangly guitars, grit and urgency of 52 Girls still commands my attention.

[@danyoder7276]

I remember hearing "Rock Lobster" when I was about 13 yrs. old and I thought it was weird but cool! Years later my friend built a small cabin in the woods where we would party. Soon after and always it would be the "Love Shack"

[@johnglielmi6428]

I remember back in 1978, the year I graduated high school, I heard the B-52's for the very first time singing "ROCK LOBSTER" on the radio. Love Shack came a decade later in 1989. My favorite B-52's song is ROAM. love the melody and the vocal harmonizations of the song.

[@saveversus]

It's really cool how many times someone is surprised at the research you do.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha. Thanks.

[@saveversus]

@@ProfessorofRock You are a fan's fan. 😀 Thanks for the work you do.

[@davidhinkson8856]

Love Shack - a proper song that inspires you to get up and dance, and they always looked like they were enjoying themselves in their performances. Liked them from "Give me back my man" in the early 1980s.

[@genuineapbt6690]

In 2004 when my children were 6, 8 & 10 we took them to see the B52’s. That developed a love for music from this era. Followed up with concerts like Flock of Seagulls, The Fixx, and some tribute bands like Dead Man’s Part (Oingo Boingo Tribute Band) and more. Today they amaze most people with their love and knowledge of great music and bands. Glad we did that.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Cosmic Thing is a great album. Deadbeat Club is my absolute favourite by the B52s. I used to play it repeatedly in the summer of 1990 when it received heavy rotation play on a local commercial radio station in Preston, UK. It almost became like a signature tune for that hot summer. The video is excellent too and Fred's spoken parts are great. 'Get a job. What for?' Indeed, they had the right idea!!

[@RBS_]

....LOVE LOVE LOVE "Deadbeat Club"... the harmornes, THAT VIDEO....pa-POW! ....I still have the cassette single, played it to DEATH....

[@DC8091]

Agreed! Dead Beat Club is their best!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@RBS_ It's a superb song and the video is very stylish.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Love Deadbeat Club. Such fun listening to Cosmic Thing!

[@williamkittler]

Growing up in So Cal and listening to KROQ, The B52’s were a staple of my musical palate. It was really great seeing the band break through to the main stream. My personal favorite B52 song is Legal Tender

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Love Legal Tender. Taught me an important lesson about money!

[@ijwtbotdad]

Awesome party song! As a drummer and recording engineer, Love Shack has one of the best snare drum sounds ever recorded in my opinion. I'd love to know the details on how that was achieved.

[@JamesJones-zt2yx]

The B-52's are great. Their unique style mixing vocal harmonies and Sprechstimme is unmistakeable. I'll never forget "Planet Claire"... "Some say she's from Mars/Or one of those seven stars that shine after three-thirty in the morning/WELL, SHE ISN'T!" Weird Al captured their style perfectly in "Mr. Popeil".

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Such a great lyric.

[@Clasteau]

Late '89, Freshman year of college. Those guys on third floor were some of the best, and that song was all over everything we were doing, from homework to playing spades, blocking a guy in his room with all the lounge furniture, or the whole dorm ending up in an impromptu marshmallow war. Great memories.

[@baron_von_brunk]

Despite my musical preferences mainly consisting of metal and hard rock, I actually have a soft spot for the entire album of Cosmic Thing since it reminds me of my youth. I was in kindergarten when this came out, and my mother would always play it in the car back then. My personal favorites were always "Roam" and "Topaz".

[@ProfessorofRock]

Very cool. Great memories. Love it when music does that!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I remember my mom playing me Cosmic Thing on my way to kindergarten class.

[@928CS]

Saw the B-52's last weekend 4/13/2024 at the Venetian in Las Vegas... UNBELIEVABLE! Kate & Cindy are 75 years old and we all thought they sounded better now than when they were kids on the albums, and Fred killed it too - the show was fantastic! The whole place roared after each song. My only critique of the night was that I WISHED they had performed my personal favorite, Channel Z. Just go and see them live, you won't regret it and will always cherish the experience.

[@1953Stephan]

My Daughter had a chance to see them live in Montreal at the Montreal Jazz Festival, she loved them. Songs Like Rock Lobster, Love Shack etc., The B 52s also were the vocal group in the Movie the Flintstones with John Goodman, and Rick Moranis, they were Known as (a take-off on their Name) the B.C.52s!! LOL I still Love this Band Thanks for the interview

[@b.f.demolaye1987]

In Canada they were Superstars. Rock Lobster hit#1 in Canada in 1978 just as I was was entering high school - perfect.

[@johnpsmith19]

They are one of my favorites to listen to when driving long distances. So fun. Thanks for the road trip down memory lane.

[@pdamonc123]

I will say I'm incredibly excited to work their farewell shows next weekend. 3 nights of incredibly talented music.

[@doittoit00]

@ Paul Cohen My wife and I are headed to ATL next weekend with another couple for the Saturday night show - they are one of my wife’s favorites bands, and it should be fun to see them off.

[@danobirch]

Just caught these cats a couple of weekends ago at the Venetian Theater in Las Vegas. What a great show. So glad we got to see them live for what may be their final tour.

[@ianmitchell4745]

I used to be a member of the B52's fan club. I always thought Dirty Back Road was under rated. What impressed me was how goofy they were, but as you listened more closely you would realize, wait a minute, these people are rocking HARD!

[@stanphillips7277]

Love Shack is so much fun, and the collaboration with R.E.M. on Stand ! Both were staples of the late 80s early 90s. A 50s themed McDonald's played a version that had me thinking it was a _cover_ until noon 😂 Some Elvis _EsQue version that sounded like it preceded The b52s but, as it turns out.. nope. She never stops smiling and it carries over into the music. One of those bands that take their _music_ seriously but, not themselves right? Van Halen was the same way. Good episode! I love the interviews and The Professor comes prepared right? Does his homework!✌️❤️🎸🎶🙏

[@billyshears6622]

Roam is my favorite. Such a positive vibe.

[@begowie]

I especially love Devil In My Car, Legal Tender, and Wig. Even after all these years, I remember feeling shocked and delighted by hearing these songs and the subsequent realization that others out there shared my offbeat sense of humor. Their songs are timeless.I love them, still.

[@christopherayers4416]

Thanks for this episode, it was great to see Cindy!

[@Whisper_292]

Happy, happy song, and it contributed to a happy time in my life.

[@maxaroni15]

As much as I love "Love Shack", "Roam" is my favorite song on that album. My favorite single I ever bought was "Roam" with the almost as good "Bushfire" on the B-side.

[@TheRoadDawg]

Another Athens, Georgia mega-group. They were so unique. I knew of them before they had their huge hits, and was so happy they made it big. Quiche Lorraine…

[@luciencloutier3035]

I am THE biggest B-52s fan so thank you so much for this one! Loveshack is a great song, however, many other songs of theirs are even better (Rock Lobster, Private Idaho, etc.)

[@luciencloutier3035]

@@ocularpatdown Those are great. Agreed. I would add Whammy Kiss! on there too, just to pay homage to that album.

[@edwardjacobs4042]

I fell in love with the song the second I heard it back in 89. The music video was amazing and I watched it every time it was playing on MTV. Thanks for sharing this video and such a great interview with her.❤😂😢

[@williamshoemake9578]

Been a long time fan of B-52's. My favorite song from Cosmic Thing is Channel-Z. Never got to see them live in my younger years but finally did much later on in Gulfport/Biloxi, Mississippi . They are great performing live and really brings a whole lot of fun to the performance.

[@danielsaeger7303]

B-52's are iconic. I've been listening since the late 70's when I rode a logan earth ski, acs trucks and road rider wheels.

[@Vishiaeq]

I wore that cassette tape out I played it so much lol. Loved that album. Don't know if I can pick a favorite song from it because the whole thing was so good.

[@danmccarthy4700]

Cosmic Thing contains my all-time favorite B-52s track, "Topaz". The entire song is a Kate/Cindy harmony extravaganza and at the end, all the instruments fade out and it's just their voices layered and overlapped on top of each other. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.

[@slshusker]

We had a group from work go to the B-52s / Toad The Wet Sprocket concert. The crowd had so much fun.

[@Ireneharnack1138]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS SONG!!!

[@deadalready7467]

1st time I saw the B52’s it was at “Heatwave” concert in Toronto in 1980 (I believe). The poster described it as the Woodstock of Punk Rock. Some of the names were Nick Lowe & Dave Edmunds, Elvis Costello, Talking Heads, B52’s & the Clash. The Clash were a no show, but still an incredible show. Drove all night from Ann Arbor, MI to see it. I could tell U a lot of stories about the show but this is a long comment already. One quick one is when the THs came on the B52’s were dancing on the side of the stage. Lots & lots of Fun. Many Blessings All 🙏🇺🇸

[@curtjarrell9710]

Love this album. Love the band. My favorite song, by a hair, is Private Idaho. Roam is a close second.

[@AnimationGoneWrong]

Great to see they are still going strong! Love the B52's! Awesome interview, as always!

[@Work4Love3000]

I remember being a freshman in high school marching band. We went to march in the Disneyland Anaheim parade and then spent the night in a motel. We were watching Saturday Night Live and here come The B-52's playing "Rock Lobster." I couldn't sit still. I was like "That's the best song I've heard!" And my friends were like "You're crazy. Sit down." Anyway, when I got home I went out and bought the 45 single. Unfortunately, I only heard the song played once on the radio in my hometown. But when I got to college, it was a mainstay party hit.

[@paul8926]

The B-52’s performed at my hometown, and it was the most fun, enjoyable concert I ever went to. The highlight of their concert was when they performed “The Deadbeat Club” …it was very unexpected !

[@ProfessorofRock]

So cool. Love the Deadbeat club. My favorite song from this talented band.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I wish I went to one of their concerts.

[@alkberg2140]

I loved dancing to Rock Lobster. One of the few songs that could get me on the dance floor.

[@innolatino]

Ok, Professor, thanks for such a wonderful segment and interview. I was elated when you pointed out how incredibly gelled their voices were when doing harmonies and yet so different from each other.

[@larrybailey7669]

That was, is , and will always be the best song and video of the era! I still love it.

[@tommoran236]

The best concert I saw in person was the B52s at the Smith Center in DC. “Brought the house down” is an understatement.

[@fluidikons]

I remember when my older brother who was attending NC State at the time brought back their first 2 albums while on break. "This is EVERYWHERE down there!" he said. I've been a fan ever since. Cosmic Thing reminds me of my time in college. Roam and Deadbeat Club are still favorites and a must for any road trip. Now I do Love Shack at karaoke, both parts.

[@puertotexan]

"Roam" is my all-time favorite B-52s song. Love the tune, the harmonies, and the fact that it's a great song for altos. 😁😁

[@damonhines8187]

I saw the B-52s at Heatwave at Molson Park in 1980. My bassist and another friend, our driver were all on some beautiful crystal clear acid we bought on-site, iirc, in addition to the 40 ozers we each brought. It was a glorious summer's day filled with great new music and the B-52s were a party band for the ages. I've had a huge crush on Cindy Wilson ever since, and it was great to watch and hear her holding forth on the genesis and additional background info on this iconic classic. I may have leaned more toward 'Roam', myself, but that's a matter of personal interpretation and taste. Whatever, I'm thankful for them and for this segment, Professor. Tyvm 😊 🙏 Party on, dudes and dudettes. 🤟😘🎶🎉💃🕺🥳

[@sammisworkshops3762]

Love the B52s, Your spot on, when one of their songs comes on the radio or pops in my KZbin feed, I always get a smile! Let's all head off to the Love Shack! My top B52 song, geez do I have to pick just one?? there are sooo many!

[@jmg94j]

Saw the B52s for the first time on Saturday Night Live in 1980. Became an instant and lifelong fan.

[@gaywizard2000]

When my niece was around five I would play the B52s Greatest Hits and she picked out the line "I like chihuahuas and Chinese noodles " from Song 4a Future Generation and she would always ask (demand) in the car for the Chinese noodles song. She's almost 30 now!

[@crashtestdummy7223]

Great episode, Adam. Thanks for the good work covering a band I have loved since I was in high school in the 80’s, you did it justice.

[@georgehays4900]

Roam, and Love Shack are my favorites.

[@bryanabbott6169]

I've seen rusty tinroofs growing up (my grandparents had some of those corrugated tin roofs propped up on the wall of their larger barn, which were rusting by the time of my visits), so the '...tin roof. Rusty!' line wasn't a mystery to me when I first heard the song while watching the video on TV. 😁

[@chuckppyro3137]

I turned 21 years old In May 1989 , let me tell you ,in OCT of 89’ LOVE SHACK was a huge hit !

[@BsideArchive]

"Private Idaho" has gotta be one of my all time favorite songs, especially the guitar riff.