Formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1976, the B-52's took the pop world by storm with their quirky, humorous performance antics and campy yet catchy songs. The five-piece band — Kate Pierson (organ, vocals), Cindy Wilson (guitar, vocals), Cindy's brother Ricky Wilson (guitar), Fred Schneider (keyboards, vocals) and Keith Strickland (drums) — released their self-titled debut in 1979. The album, which included their classic dance single "Rock Lobster," was a surprise hit, especially on college campuses across the U.S.

On October 12, 1985, Ricky Wilson died of AIDS right before the release of the band's sixth album, Bouncing Off the Satellites, was released. The B-52's regrouped after taking a few years off (Keith Strickland moved to guitar) and released Cosmic Thing in 1989. With the exuberant hit single "Love Shack" forging the way, Cosmic Thing brought the band its greatest commercial success. Wilson left the band in 1990 and the remaining trio went on to release Good Stuff in '92.

VIDEO: B-52's, Funplex

Reviews

• Funplex
• Nude on the Moon: The B-52’S Anthology