The B-52's

My wife and I have seen the B-52s more than 40 times and the show in Chattanooga was as good as any show we’ve ever seen. They played all of the hits, fan favorites and a couple of deep cuts that had an enthusiastic crowd rocking, dancing and singing along. from start to finish. So glad we got to see them one more and had so much fun with that tacky little dance band from Athens, GA.

Well I don't know about the Venetian show.. but Oct 25, 1980 at the Masonic Temple theatre, downtown Detroit, they absolutely rocked the place! We stood on our main floor seats the entire time dancing, at the end of the night I looked back and 90% of the seats were broken, it was a riot

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! One of the most fun concerts I have ever been to. The Venetian theater was well laid out, great acoustics and comfortable seating. The only downfall was the fact that the restrooms are in the basement. Lots of steps and the option of only one little elevator. Drinks were $20 each in the event area but only a few feet into the casino, the food court sold them for less than half the price. Well worth a few extra steps! Rock on Rock Lobsters!

The B-52s: 1/10/23 “New Wave was on the concert agenda for my first show of the year and there couldn’t have been a more fitting time (other than in their hey-day) for my first time seeing the B-52s LIVE. The Athens GA band formed in 1976 with 20 million albums sold were playing their final date of what was billed as their ‘Farewell Tour’ in Athens. Needless to say the show was a sell-out in minutes. I took what I could get over the telephone on the presale as the website to the 2,098 seat Classic Center crashed —4th row from the top in the balcony. The Classic Center BTW is the same venue where the band recorded their 2011 Live Album ‘With The Wild Crowd’. The band still features Fred Schneider (71), Kate Pierson (74), Cindy Wilson (65) and also Keith Strickland (who appeared briefly on stage) from its inception. There was a perceptible sense of anticipation in the air as the show originally scheduled for November 15, 2022 (postponed due to ‘illness’) was about to get under way. At 9:18 the lights went down to a video on the big screen, an interview with a rock lobster ‘This Is The World’s Greatest Party Band’. The lobster assured us that it was okay to let our freak flags fly tonight! The show kicked off with a backdrop of the eponymous yellow album with the band taking the stage. An hour and a half / 16 song set commenced with 1980 single ‘Private Idaho’. Kate adorned a bright red beehive with needles with a multi-colored sequin top and peace sign earrings, while Cindy was arrayed in somewhat more conservative but equally impressive loungewear. Fred positioned himself center stage between the two ladies dressed in a sequin shirt, jacket and sneakers. The group backed by a four piece band (guitar, bass, drums and keys) drew material from all of their seven studio albums spanning 28 years. Breaking a bit from the standard set coming off the heels of three shows in three nights at the Fabulous Fox in Atlanta they rolled from song to song with little being said. During ‘Give Me Back My Man’ Fred played the glockenspiel. After ‘Channel Z’ Kate stated that the song was ‘topical’ to which Fred questioned ‘Topless?’, ‘You can go topless if you want’ Kate quick witting replied back. Next was ‘Deadbeat Club’ a song written about their early days in Athens when they would go to ‘Allen’s for a twenty-five cent beer and the jukebox playing real loud “96 Tears”’. With Fred departing the stage for a bit it was the first and only song that the crowd sat. Moving through the singles ‘Roam and ‘Good Stuff’ Kate and Cindy showed out the true beauty of their harmonies. The regular set ended with cowbell kicking off the all familiar #1 ‘Love Shack’ with folks encouraged to get up and get down, down, down. The band retook the stage for a three song encore, ‘Planet Claire’, ‘Pump’ and the beloved crowd favorite ‘Rock Lobster’ ending with the lobster joining them on stage to a shower of confetti. During the final bow a caption on the big screen read ‘TO ALL OUR DEAR FANS: WE LOVE YOU! THANK YOU FOR 45 YEARS OF LOVE AND SUPPORT.’ Love Tractor considered the founders of Athens rock ’n roll were an unannounced opener performing with a 12 song / 45 minute set. Their multi-faceted alternative rock sounds which include new wave, jangle pop, post punk, and art-rock proved the perfect band to set the tone of pace for the historic event. The band sounding like a strange mixture of The Ventures and U2 ended with a rousing rendition of Marvin Gaye’s ‘Got To Give It Up’ and Bill Berry who for a time was their drummer before joining R.E.M. came on stage playing guitar during ‘Neon Lights’. In addition there was also a pre-show set by the Mash-Up Messiah DJ Cummerbund who showed his expertise with mash ups such as Earth, Wind and Fire’s ‘September’ with Ozzy’s ‘Crazy Train’ and Michael Jackson’s ‘Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough’ with The Bangles ‘Walk Like An Egyptian’. People watching was a highlight for me with the media present and the town in a frenzy after the Dawgs big win. I stood in the upper concourse of the lobby viewing Boomers and GenXers in sequin jackets of all colors of the rainbow, beehives in all colors of the rainbow, and all sort of patterned lounge ware. The show itself was a labor of love to the community with 100% of the proceeds of the show going to local charities, a fine ticket investment to music and philanthropy. There was also a ticketed after show party in which folk with bankrolls slightly larger than mine were invited to attend. From humble Athens beginnings, Fred working a local newspaper and Cindy worked at a luncheonette counter to a 46 year career, Athens couldn’t be more proud of her native children. Will the band hit the road again? Pierson recently called this her ‘Cher-well’ tour, so never say never! Fred making his final exit left it with, ‘See you in Vegas’. Review and photo by DAve (Concert #734)

The B-52’s put on a good show as usual. However, they played for 1 hour and 15 minutes to an almost a old out arena of 15,000. Not really what I expect from a “Farewell Tour”. Also the sound volume was so high at times that it was drowning out the tones of the music and vocals. The opening band (KC & The Sunshine Band) had no problems with their sound. Hope that this is not the last time I see them live.

I have been a huge fan of the B52s for decades, and I was excited for the opportunity to see them at the Venetian. The band did not disappoint! They sang many of their most iconic songs and put on a wonderful show. Even their opening act (DJ Cummerbund) was awesome! I am sad the group is retiring from tour, but forever grateful for their talent and influence in my life. Thank you, B52s for being a seminal part of my teenage years and for throwing us the best farewell tour ever!

Overall, solid show. KC and the Sunshine Band were energetic and fun! 15 band members! B52s set was more mixed. Some great moments but some lulls too. Cindy's voice seemed to lag as the set progressed. Videos during B52s set were only average. I recommend the concert but the age was showing...

Great concert! The warmed up the audience with an A/V montage of a DJ set, followed by KC and the Sunshine Band. But the main event was amazing! The band was tight and the vocals were perfect. The presentation was studio quality and they engendered high energy from the sold out crowd. Lots of dancing at the seats and a threee song encore, ending with Rock Lobster. Perfect!

The B-52s were amazing! It was one of the strongest vocal performances in years. I truly enjoyed Cindy’s interaction with the other members and audience in a way I don’t believe I’ve ever seen. She looked like she was having so much fun! Fred is always a hoot! And Kate, well what can you say? Her high notes I’m sure could shatter glass! She nails those notes every time! Lol I do hope this is not the last time I’ll see them live. I know it’s a farewell tour (hopefully a ‘til I see you again), but I hope it’s not a goodbye! Their music has truly brought me and so many so much joy! It has allowed us to let go a little of daily life stresses! Perhaps they have a secret album at least on the way! Dance mixes with a few new tracks would be cool! If they’re truly retiring, I need more parting gifts! Lol

This was my first time at the Chicago Theatre and it was a beautiful venue with friendly, helpful staff! I've seen The B-52s several times, and the last time was over twenty years ago. What a pleasure to find out that they're still The World's Greatest Party Band and still make me shake it till the butter melts!

I missed KC and the Sunshine Band due to lateness on my part. They are my favorite disco band ever. The adventure of finding this place was a job and the rain didn't help either. The B52's were excellent. I met them from the Mesopotamia tour and they signed my albums. Great people to party with. They gave me backstage after party tickets back then. They take care of their fans and it showed in this show too. The sound was good enough to make this tour a live album and they should. It was an older and well behaved crowd. The B52's sounded better than the albums because they added new blended lead intros to most of their songs. The B52's were light years ahead of their time. R.E.M. is the only band that could touch their sound. Regardless of the culture, I will never deny being a die hard B52's fan from their start to finish and beyond the universe. They dared to be different and put it on vinyl. The B52's was a band I called my own. After a 30 year lay off, I picked this one to end my concert going career with a bang. The B52's/K.C. and the Sunshine Band was a gig worth the wait. My Favorite B52's Song "Party Gone Out of Bounds (the Remix)".

It was a FANTASTIC Show. It was great to see them again & to sing, dance & enjoy my favorite songs 🎵 ❤️ No complaints here. The B-52'S 🎶 🎶 killed it in my opinion. Two thumbs 👍 way up 👍 🎊 I had a ROCKING GOOD TIME ✌🏻

B52s singers perfect pitch in their 70s--no backup singers! How cool is that? A child sat behind me, so I danced in my seat not to block the view. I also dragged my husband to the show, and he thoroughly enjoyed the digital presence and attention to the 2s details; he was not so happy to go, but became an avid fan. Meanwhile, the lovely child in the seat behind me indicated I should dance when we all could not see, and I did! Then, the balcony section I was associated with made connections from our happy dancing.

What an amazing experience! The joy and the love that are the B-52s for more than 40 years resonated in this crescendo, this final chapter about a little ol' band made-up of friends from Athens, GA. Thanks for the great show and the wonderful memories!

It was magical!!! Do you know who gave the B52s their start? The Urban Verbs—-my favourite 80s neglected band. Do you know who inspired recluse John Lennon to record again? B52s. Nothing matches sharing a moment in time with yer favourite artist live. Go see them while you can!!!

After seeing two great bands in the same night, Berlin and OMD, the B52s were a little disappointing. They could've played more songs that people knew. They added some of the song from albums that weren't hits instead of sticking to the best songs from their popular albums.

That was the farewell tour from this Legendary band and they offered us a mix of their best hits. The concert was excellent but we could hear that the b_52 had not their full voice. Sometime, they sang hoarse, it was due to their old age and it seems the time to leave the musical industry....

Great show! Was impressed that they mostly all still have vocal talent. My husband and I had a great time. Brought back great memories of our younger days and ran into old friends at the concert so bonus points for that! Our seats were in the lower level row DD. Still pretty good view & close to the bar for drinks. Second concert at this venue and it was a better experience this time around.

Excellent. Kate and Cindy still have the pipes. Fred has to let the cell phone rage go however. Just announce at the beginning to put the phones away and play on. He kept getting angry at anyone taking a pic or short vid.

Saw the B's in 1978 in NYC, a couple times more through 1980, and then not again until last night at Hard Rock Live Orlando. Happy to report they're still one of the best dance bands around even after all the years & some member changes; the core of Kate, Cindy, & Fred remains intact. The only negative of the night was Hard Rock's security shutting down any attempt to photo/video any of the event. Oh well, dance time!