The B-52's - 52 Girls - 11/7/1980 - Capitol Theatre (Official)

The B-52's - 52 Girls
Recorded Live: 11/7/1980 - Capitol Theatre - Passaic, NJ
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Personnel:
Fred Schneider - vocals, keyboards, glockenspiel, various toys
Cindy Wilson - vocals, percussion
Ricky Wilson - guitar
Kate Pierson - vocals, keyboards, bass
Keith Strickland - drums
Summary:
This is a terrific document of the group shortly after the 2nd album release. They play the 2nd album in it's entirety as well as most of the first album. It's b&w, but well lit, good audio and every second of it is here. The original lineup (they look so young!) bursting with creativity on their first tour as headliners.

[@iLoveTheBomb]

Drummer deserves a beer after this one

[@wahivalleys3011]

Up there with Tommy Ramone! Wahi' Valleys

[@normanlongthorp8763]

and to think he became their lead guitarist after Ricky died

[@78deathface]

One of the greatest bands who ever walked this earth.

[@graculuslurcher380]

I totally agree, I'm into early rock/ punk / new wave, hate pop and grunge( generally), but I remember when the b52s appeared, it was like a kick in the nads, superb band, stuff love shack pop shite, I like they're early stuff, totally mesmerising. Exellent bass lines with slack strings, loverly

[@greghawkman]

This could be one of their best songs....I saw this live at Pine Knob they were fantastic.

[@bobsmith3217]

@@graculuslurcher380 It was great how the pop potential of New Wave peaked in 79 and 80, before the transition to the big dance beat that dominated 80s pop.

[@sdgakatbk]

@@greghawkman Imo, there are about 10 songs of theirs I consider best songs of theirs but yes, this is song excellent.

[@greghawkman]

@@sdgakatbk When you look back at electronic music from the 1950s right on up to 2020 - we saw technology, talented people and America emerge to produce some wonderful and entertaining artists.

[@iankozelsky]

it seems that no one realizes how awesome the 52's are harmony, surf rock, silly lyrics, great dancing... that is perfect!

[@101Volts]

Kind of sad they lost their original sound so early. They had it in the first 2 albums but as soon as they got famous they were told "Move to New York, nobody could work in Athens" so they did and both Keith and either Fred or Cindy have since said "That was terrible advice." Why? Their whole sound was BASED in Athens! As soon as they left, there came Mesopotamia (which wasn't half bad) and Whammy (which, let's face it, isn't the original sound at all though it has elements.) Bouncing Off The Satellites is OK but the original sound is nearly completely dead at that point; Ricky was dying of AIDS while he was recording it. Ricky was integral to the band's original sound, he and Keith played music for years before the formation of The B-52s. You know what else? Ricky may have not died in 1985 if they hadn't moved to New York. I somehow feel as though he didn't catch AIDS until 1979-1980 or 1981.

[@majortom2688]

Awesome yes. 2019

[@slagit]

They are very awesome especially LIVE!!!

[@stukalovalexander7368]

I heard this song for the first time today in the tom york mix. I noticed her magic right away. How surprised I was to find out how old this group is! sounds very cool and .. so fucking special

[@dijons]

Ricky Wilson is one of the most underrated guitar players

[@sdgakatbk]

I think he's very underrated and added a lot to their sound. Actually the whole band is just excellent.

[@nivardocordova]

#RickyWilson es uno de los máximos demiurgos del rock and roll. Todos ellos.

[@MoultrieGeek]

@Gus Polinski Great comparison! They both loved unique tunings and both were hugely influential.

[@oceanblue3050]

Obviously you do not play guitar, Ricky Wilson is underrated for a reason.....he was below average.

[@rdzed3505]

@@oceanblue3050 you're out of your fucking mind, bro.

[@fizgig6467]

I just saw this and realized - I was AT that show. Holy hell. This is my all time favorite B-52s song and they kicked ASS on it here!

[@Artaud1957]

It's my favorite too. I saw them back in 79-80 in Cleveland, Ohio. One of the best concerts I have ever seen. [see my other post :-)]

[@thom5517]

GREAT guitar

[@bariumenema6865]

HUGE BALLS to play stuff like that at that time! Outstanding.

[@lindaeasley5606]

Definitely. One must realize what the music scene was like in 1980 Billboard hot 100 : All Out of Love by Air Supply Still by Commodores We Don't Talk by Cliff Richard. It's no wonder they had a difficult time getting any traction at least in the US even though Rock Lobster was a cult hit

[@JoeBrown-bt4qg]

Well, you did have the punk rock scene already going for about 5 years, plus you had bands like Joy Division, Human League, the Smiths, the Go Go's, etc

[@KyOte13]

God bless Ricky Wilson, a guitar God among mere mortals... that kind of genius is so rare, especially these days

[@seanoconnor2531]

i like the way Kate Pierson asks for the monitor to be turned up- a side glance, look to the ceiling....she does it three times before 1:14

[@Kelly14UK]

I thought it was a Chocolate Rain thing.

[@Artaud1957]

I didn't realize that's what she was doing. I thought it was just a cool stage move.

[@kozmikoblivion]

...and her mic was turned up instead🤪

[@terrysommers7239]

i was wondering about those up glances!! I thought it was some kind of performance idiocyncracy

[@bradquery779]

ricky wilson .... absolutely brilliant.....

[@dianakariajeleyva3073]

Love them for over 40 years now 58 Still listen to their music. Saw them in concert late 80’s Love them…….

[@thomasobrien1213]

65. Still rocking the 52's. LOVE THEM.

[@Stretchycat36]

Pure. Fucking. Class!!

[@felgerfuffel]

The drumming is outstanding here...

[@DerEchteBold]

Really?! I'd say it's somewhat amateurish but I don't even mean that in a negative way. I really like it, it's just not anywhere near a high technical standard.

[@NBM3]

"Not up too technical standard " ... BUT HE'S KILLIN' IT !!! MAKIN THAT B52 FLY !!!

[@lennypatierno]

@@DerEchteBold It is what Punk was was all about, after bands like Rush and Yes and Genesis, rock became elitist and impossible to play for the beginner or even average musician, rock n roll lost its spirit and Punk/New Wave rekindled it. You can hear the passion, the energy and that is what makes it outstanding.

[@DerEchteBold]

@@lennypatierno Well, I can understand when people say this has a Punk influence but to me, as a Punk/Metal/Hardcore guy from the 80s/90s, they always were a Pop band ; ) Anyways, that's not what someone usually means when they're calling a performance on some instrument outstanding, but yeah, I can accept the explanation. Btw, I like highly technical as well as down-to-earth raw playing, do you know Amyl and the Sniffers, for many people they rekindled the spirit of Punk just recently.

[@lennypatierno]

@@DerEchteBold I am talking the pre-MTV days, 79--80 when this video was made. They were not hardcore punk, they were new wave which did have its roots in punk in that it was simple drums, guitar, bass, and an amp, and originality and not a lot of production. What I consider pop from that era was ABBA, or the Bee Gees. But after MTV launched they certainly turned into pop as they gained popularity. I want to the University of Ga during that time, it was magic, and if you go there today, the kids fill the dance floor when they put on the 52s, I am seeing them Friday night and I'll be there for their last show in Athens next week.....I will check out Amyl and the Sniffers for sure.

[@gail8077]

i was at this show

[@Artaud1957]

I saw them here in Cleveland, Ohio, in...1979? 1980? They were the headline act at some venue on the west side. I was struck by how polished and confident they were. And just the nicest people you could ever want to meet. After the concert they talked with everybody who wanted to talk. There were only about 25 people there. I remember some pushy woman from something called Bikini Girl magazine trying to monopolize their time. I've always thought "52 Girls" was their best song. The version on the single. And of course these raw, fast, pristine live versions from 1978-80. Just perfect! And I love the black & white. Makes it look somehow more....historic. What a wonderful group.

[@Artaud1957]

This video still gives me chills.

[@ivant.w.9152]

Punk as hell.

[@randysantana9174]

Cindy and Kate's harmonies are perfect!

[@jorgegaliotti4474]

I loved Cindy

[@wolfdss]

Just saw them last night, possibly the last show and at 76 they hit all the notes and sounded great!

[@norcellep]

I love the way Cindy dances and their voices together!

[@johnunderwood3132]

So friggin good. It’s got to be my fav band ever!! Just found my albums. Been playing them like crazy. My 23 yr old daughter and my 19 yr old son love it as well . Thank goodness

[@kevinlong5392]

Yeah, The B-52's are badass👍

[@tayloebatts9661]

2:05 "Ohhhh, Kate! Kate and Cindy!", you guys rock! Lol.

[@foppishdilletaunt9911]

Kate & Cindy’s voices are 2 of the most sublime in all of recorded history. This song gives me shivers every time I hear it.

[@BLACKMAGICROLLERCOASTER]

Whole nother level. So good.

[@thenavajoknow]

One of the monuments of the post-punk era. And so much more. A unique band.

[@nik62es]

love the speed of this version

[@samuridjs8683]

God I still blast thing song in my car every other day never ever gets old

[@keithmcmecking729]

Its about time someone clever cud do a great remaster of this concert

[@safpsy]

I saw them live and everybody was dancing from the first to the last song. I love this song, it is so intense.

[@marioml]

I wish I had been born 20 years earlier just to have the chance to see this kind of performance live. Love this band, great music.

[@hemil]

Lucky to hear this song for sooooo many years!

[@stingraytor]

The best rock song ever written hands down.

[@a.printup8811]

I saw them in 82 to a not even half full theater in Utica. 3rd row kicked ass!

[@Chazticus09]

Was there in front row....amazing show..I thought there were more people, or maybe it just seemed that way....Whammy Tour...got to meet and get autographs outside on Genesee St.

[@Odd_Combo]

This is some of my favorite guitar playing ever!!!

[@MrRecordman]

I was at this show ❤️💯🧨

[@janarnaud8058]

Now this black and white film seems a document from the future

[@pink_potato11]

I wish I could have been older by 10 years so I could have seen all the shows in Passsic at the Capitol Theatre. It shut down when I was only 14. Just heard so many great stories about that venue and I live within 3 miles.

[@eddiemurphy6178]

Atmosphere. Sing it Kate. Sing it Cindy. We love you.

[@majortom2688]

This is Rock... thx Cindy and Kate

[@radoslawrokita6022]

real pure Punk Rock with a great level of concert performance and vocals that pure harmony

[@Pettaklumpen]

You obviously have no idea what punk rock is do you?

[@sleipnirvalhalla9322]

+ Peter Lanner Uhmm ... you don't

[@dalakerdaniel9240]

I agree mate ☠️💣☠️

[@Pozer714]

Ricky jams and bleeds good in the back ground...Love u guys!

[@gerald4133]

I miss them in their prime no one could hold a candle 🔥 to them.xoxo

[@ericmixon5998]

ahead of your time and timeless... fucking love you. thank you

[@musiknutz]

Yes yes I can still name em (all) today!!!

[@stephencrome8253]

I always had the hots for Cindy but watching this I realize how gorgeous Kate was too.

[@kylabotting]

Damn, what an epic concert this must have been,i just wish i had been there...oh well, thanks to the net i am enjoying it now. ;)

[@edwardmurdoch5070]

I saw them in The Woodlands, Texas. Impossible to stop dancing during the entire concert. And the singers never stop moving either, they are three energizing bunnies. So much fun! They are touring right now. Don't miss them if they go near your home!

[@coastallad1010]

joydivisiongirl Lucky enough to be there in Sydney and yes it was awesome!

[@damiencasey8428]

joydivisiongirl it was fabulous

[@101Volts]

@Edward Murdoch "They are three energizing bunnies." OK, thanks for the amusing description.

[@majortom2688]

I understand why joydivisiongirl loves it. Ian curtis would have loved it too if he had lived long enough

[@gerald4133]

Drums and guitar start then the girls kick in vocals. Great music. Way ahead of their time. So glad they videod it.🎸 b52s ROCK

[@Tylox1]

The coolest moment in history

[@milliesboy666]

After that, it's all downhill

[@georgelochinski8144]

You guys forever!!

[@Kodachrome]

Love how forward the drums are in this mix

[@EllieMacVenue23]

Wow! Thanks! I was there! It was awesome! B-52

[@gailr2656]

Was this NJ?

[@johnhanigosky4085]

My all-time favorite song

[@camronbay1]

Very talented musicians all of them the guitar is what does it unique.

[@darrylwiggins1156]

They really had it and made it look so easy.what a great band.

[@rbabich]

So awesome!

[@jonellestani9766]

I saw them on that tour in Sydney!!! Outstanding 🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@brunofayet5896]

Magnifique merci

[@aladdinsane.]

Always loved this song and the B52's! And Kate Pierson ...OH Yeah!...Always had a hot thing for Her and Her voice!

[@marcusakers7245]

So awesome

[@bradjustbrad]

Was lucky enough to see them in the 80's and the 10's (or aughts - not sure). Lived up to all expectations both times!

[@mrjolieguy8673]

There just something about them that’s so captivating. Even in these old school videos There just dope aF 👌🏼👍👍👍👏🏼😉✌🏼thanks for sharing this

[@dingoed1]

Oh god one of the best songs ever 😍

[@tsttstst]

Pure gold

[@thundershirt1]

Most very highly favorite B52 song. Kicks so much ass, so sweetly.

[@JoeFerber]

EXCELLENT!!!

[@HorroRviXenKate]

Just bought ,Time Capsule (Songs for a Future Generation): The Greatest Hits CD ....love this band ,they are just so FRIKKIN UNIQUE in EVERY WAY =)

[@BabbaZee1111]

the absolute coolest thing in 20 galaxies

[@mozdickson]

Wellington NZ winter of 1980 --- yes!

[@EntertainMe463]

Thank you for posting, this is so awesome!!!! I grew up a few towns from there, this was my fave song before Private Idaho came out and this was right when I started going to clubs. Great great band!

[@peterderidder9922]

one week ago a had my hands on a yellow album from them in a vinyl record shop, didnt know this song but it is great ! ! A verry hard underrestimated band in the 80ties. In the 80ties the competition was verry big. There was new wave, disco was still alive and there where verry big starrs like michael jackson, madonna and manny manny more. But the B'52 where sommething special a genre appart like roxy music , and adam ant. I still love the B'52 unthill today and forever !!!

[@guancofathereternal760]

I fing love this band!! One of the most original most uniquely talented groups in the world...😘✌❤💯

[@davessmith4393]

Couldn't handle this band back in the days Thought they were just so f#ckin weird but lovem today

[@lovewalruss]

This is great thanks.

[@paulencinias4808]

beautiful

[@Dan-vt3nk]

Awesome!

[@tallermi17]

gracias KZbin!!! 💟

[@claudioalejandromoure1213]

lo mejor de los 80'' lindos recuerdos

[@JosephDungee]

FREAKIN' Rockin!!

[@MichaelAvila-hl8hm]

Drummer is a shredder

[@mplsmark222]

Keith Strickland. He became the band’s guitarist after Ricky Wilson died. This is such a talented group, so original. That is a rare thing in recorded music.

[@cigarm2707]

True Greatness !

[@paulsnyder744]

Great harmony

[@101Volts]

Ricky's Guitar: 1971 - 1974 Mosrite V I (1970s version of the Ventures model, without a Ventures name.) Kate's guitar: Epiphone ET-290 (1970s version of a Crestwood.) What's with KZbin sometimes giving me three spaces in between lines here when I hit return only twice? (once to go past the initial line, twice to put a space in between paragraphs.) And it didn't do it this time, ha ha.

[@sharrow2]

walk dont run

[@EvanMcNeeley]

...wow... great

[@guillermoortega4119]

AWESOME

[@afeitealperro6079]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@AndreCSReis]

From the time music was great!

[@reneangulotrujillo1]

Infinite rock!

[@pedroantonioramirezdiaz9703]

actually this is the band that introduce me to rock at the age of 10, after i listened rock lobster my interest for music became personal, at that age and time you used to listened whatever your folks played. Anyway the pioneers of punk rock but not just that, they had such a extraordinary blend of voices and musicians that´s made their sound unique and age free, they´were visonaris... now it's hard to find, there's no more bands like this. By the way the groupie on the audience is Barbra Streisand.

[@i.p.knightly149]

Why is it there are super-high quality recordings of concerts going back to the 60s and all the classic B-52s stuff was recorded with a size 9 shoe?

[@peterremke]

The 60s used expensive film. This gig would have never been filmed if there wasn’t cheap video technology around then. No one would have forked out that money on the B52 regardless how awesome we find them.

[@olispagna5170]

SANDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY SANDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY 🇨🇵💖🇨🇭

[@wildh0rse1]

I can name, name, name them today...

[@MobiusBandwidth]

never knew Kate played guitar or Fred played keys! @_@ I feel daft.

[@coastallad1010]

MobiusBandwidth Back then Kate usually played bass on synth. All were very talented multi instrument musicians.

[@MobiusBandwidth]

Steve Lynch that I knew! and very well too.

[@coastallad1010]

👍

[@mveam62]

WERE???? LOL DUDE!

[@markmarkofkane8167]

Wild!!

[@TrueCourse]

1:45 Never realized Barbra Streisand was a B-52s fan back then. 😆

[@majortom2688]

I think they have as much fun as the audience

[@housydoing]

so gd rad

[@gustavobro2484]

Ricky❤️. 52girls by 2 hot girls!!😘😘

[@terrysommers7239]

im pretty sure that's barbara streisand in the crowd at the 1:51 mark

[@rrrring5686]

what tempo the drums

[@DriverDHC6]

lots of people try assighn their style to a genre but really they were own thing.

[@Kelly14UK]

Strickland's drums