On February 14 (Valentine’s Day) 1977 five aspiring musicians from Athens, Georgia played their very first gig at a friend’s house.
B-52s
Naming themselves after Southern slang for exaggerated ‘bouffant” hairdos, the newly-christened B-52s (Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, Cindy Wilson and Ricky Wilson) soon began weekend road trips to New York City for gigs at CBGB’s. Their first single, the garage rock party classic “Rock Lobster,” received instant attention from the pop world and tapped into a growing audience for new music that was much larger than anyone could have anticipated.
The rest, as they say, is history!
40 years, 20 million albums and countless classic songs later, the B-52s are acclaimed as one of the most unique, influential and much-loved artists of the post-punk period.
The fabulous B-52s are set to celebrate their 40th anniversary in New Zealand as part of their upcoming tour with Simple Minds. The landmark concert happens at Vector Arena in Auckland, on Tuesday February 14, Valentine’s Day.
The B-52s’ Fred Schneider says: “From Athens to Auckland, 40 years and the party ain’t stopping!”,
To mark the occasion, Simple Minds and the B-52s have agreed that the Georgia natives will close the show in Auckland. In a change from previously advertised times, Simple Minds will be on stage at 7.30pm with the B-52s at 9.30pm, both bands playing their usual full sets.
Jim Kerr says “Bringing our music to Auckland always feels special. More so this time when we join the B-52s as they themselves celebrate their own special anniversary. We very much look forward to playing our part in what is set to a very memorable evening for fans of both bands, and fans of great live music in general.”
It’s the B-52s first visit to New Zealand in seven years and with a 40th birthday to celebrate, it’s going to be a night to remember!
Both the B-52s and Simple Minds have enjoyed stellar careers in Australia and New Zealand and are ecstatic to be heading back. The Australasian tour kicks off with a day on the green in Perth’s Kings Park on February 2, with ticket sales for most shows close to capacity.
Don’t miss one of summer’s more captivating tours, the majestic Simple Minds and the party vibes of the B-52s! Final tickets are on sale now.