Aw, Sonny, that was excellent, thank you! I’ve loved the B-52s since 1982? They used to play “Rock Lobster” at junior high school dances…and we’d all go… “down, down, down”, and then burst up in some dance music ecstasy! And then in 1985, when I first heard “Planet Claire.” I wrote “I’m not no Limburger” on my neon green Tshirt and thought that was the most hilarious thing ever.
Thanks for the great writing and the jolt of nostalgia! I’ll be playing this record today!💕
Thanks, Sheila! Rock Lobster is so much fun to dance to, isn’t it? I’ve been listening to the record all week and it’s amazing how well it still holds up. Do me a favour and crank it up when you put it on today. 🤘
Great read, thanks very much. Btw, current Garden & Gun has an excellent first-person verbal history of the Athens music scene by a number of the players. Fun, nostalgic, informative read (as was yours!): https://gardenandgun.com/athens-georgia-music
We found a self-guided walking tour at the info center. Here’s where the B-52s rehearsed, here’s where REM played. It’s cool, they probably have it online if you ever do go.
Thanks for the early history of the band and of this song in particular. This is late high school and early college for me. Very original music and a ton of fun!
I remember buying that cassette in 1979 because it looked different from everything else at the time. When I got home, put on the headphones and heard that intro to Planet Claire, I was a fan.
Rock Lobster stands out as a song played at a church lock-in by the college student working as a summer youth minister. It was so much fun for us early teens to dance to and we must have played it times that night.
This is great. Thank you. I have been a B-52’s fan since Jr. High. Those first two albums are off the charts. So unique. Never saw them live but they hold a place in my music container.
Thanks, David! I listened to the first album non-stop while I was working on the piece. It had been a while since I’d heard it in its entirety and I was blown away by how fresh and creative it still sounds. I never saw them live either, unfortunately, but at least we have their amazing records.
I have a quick story. My girlfriend is a vocalist and studied music in school when she was younger. One night we cranked up B52’s and started dancing around and singing and we were nailing the harmonies and I knew ALL the lyrics from the first two albums. It was sweet. Not sure how big of a fan you are but be sure to listen to Wild Planet all the way through as well. Cheers. Thanks for your work.
That's a great and heartwarming story. Thank you for taking the time to share it! I wouldn't say I'm an expert or anything, but I'm familiar with all their music and dove deep into their albums while writing this piece. Wild Planet is amazing, and I can only imagine the fun you and your girlfriend had. Keep on rockin'! 🤘
Great read Sonny! I remember seeing the B52s on Saturday Night Live back in the day and thinking how funny they seemed but interesting nonetheless. Athens is such a cool little town that it makes sense a band like that would come out of there. I played there a few times while I was living in Atlanta, but it's a place I wish I'd spent more time in.
Thanks AJ! I thought the same thing when I first saw them – fun, weird, and super intriguing.
That’s so cool you played in Athens! I’ve always wanted to visit because of the town’s rich history. Obviously it’s changed since back in the day, but I bet it’s still a pretty hip place.
I really enjoy reading all these moments from music history. I never really connected with the B-52s music but the best of your writing is so emotionally impactful that it makes me cry. This was no exception. Loved it.
Aw, Sonny, that was excellent, thank you! I’ve loved the B-52s since 1982? They used to play “Rock Lobster” at junior high school dances…and we’d all go… “down, down, down”, and then burst up in some dance music ecstasy! And then in 1985, when I first heard “Planet Claire.” I wrote “I’m not no Limburger” on my neon green Tshirt and thought that was the most hilarious thing ever.
Thanks for the great writing and the jolt of nostalgia! I’ll be playing this record today!💕
Thanks, Sheila! Rock Lobster is so much fun to dance to, isn’t it? I’ve been listening to the record all week and it’s amazing how well it still holds up. Do me a favour and crank it up when you put it on today. 🤘
You know I will, Sonny!🤘
Great read, thanks very much. Btw, current Garden & Gun has an excellent first-person verbal history of the Athens music scene by a number of the players. Fun, nostalgic, informative read (as was yours!): https://gardenandgun.com/athens-georgia-music
This looks great, can’t wait to read it! Thank you so much!
Bravo Sunny. Fantastic.
Thanks, Tamara!
Spent a day in Athens because Widespread Panic is also from there. You can hear and feel great music in the streets, even if nothing is playing.
Cool piece, cheers!
Thanks, Carl! I’ve never been to Athens (not the one in Georgia, anyway) but I hope to get there some day.
We found a self-guided walking tour at the info center. Here’s where the B-52s rehearsed, here’s where REM played. It’s cool, they probably have it online if you ever do go.
BTW… noticed in one of the posters that the Zantees performed as an opening act. I loved that band as much as the B-52s, rockabilly par excellence.
https://youtu.be/Dr2IrgXjk2A
Nice one!
Lux and Ivy of The Cramps?
The very same.
Thanks for the early history of the band and of this song in particular. This is late high school and early college for me. Very original music and a ton of fun!
Thanks for reading, Cheryl! I came to them around the same time in life. Original and fun, indeed!
I remember buying that cassette in 1979 because it looked different from everything else at the time. When I got home, put on the headphones and heard that intro to Planet Claire, I was a fan.
https://youtu.be/eOjAzI5zALo?si=kPPT8M2hzPk9_s3e
Talk about a song that pulls you in.
Totally. I wasn’t sure what I was in for, but when Ricky started that surfer rip, I got up and danced 🕺
Rock Lobster stands out as a song played at a church lock-in by the college student working as a summer youth minister. It was so much fun for us early teens to dance to and we must have played it times that night.
I love this song ❤️. I had a dog years ago that would go nuts every time I played it..
This is great. Thank you. I have been a B-52’s fan since Jr. High. Those first two albums are off the charts. So unique. Never saw them live but they hold a place in my music container.
Thanks, David! I listened to the first album non-stop while I was working on the piece. It had been a while since I’d heard it in its entirety and I was blown away by how fresh and creative it still sounds. I never saw them live either, unfortunately, but at least we have their amazing records.
I have a quick story. My girlfriend is a vocalist and studied music in school when she was younger. One night we cranked up B52’s and started dancing around and singing and we were nailing the harmonies and I knew ALL the lyrics from the first two albums. It was sweet. Not sure how big of a fan you are but be sure to listen to Wild Planet all the way through as well. Cheers. Thanks for your work.
That's a great and heartwarming story. Thank you for taking the time to share it! I wouldn't say I'm an expert or anything, but I'm familiar with all their music and dove deep into their albums while writing this piece. Wild Planet is amazing, and I can only imagine the fun you and your girlfriend had. Keep on rockin'! 🤘
Great read Sonny! I remember seeing the B52s on Saturday Night Live back in the day and thinking how funny they seemed but interesting nonetheless. Athens is such a cool little town that it makes sense a band like that would come out of there. I played there a few times while I was living in Atlanta, but it's a place I wish I'd spent more time in.
Thanks AJ! I thought the same thing when I first saw them – fun, weird, and super intriguing.
That’s so cool you played in Athens! I’ve always wanted to visit because of the town’s rich history. Obviously it’s changed since back in the day, but I bet it’s still a pretty hip place.
Great article! They were one of my two favorite bands in high school. I knew about Lennon but didn’t know their full history. Thanks for this!
Thanks, Dave! I’m thrilled you enjoyed it!
I really enjoy reading all these moments from music history. I never really connected with the B-52s music but the best of your writing is so emotionally impactful that it makes me cry. This was no exception. Loved it.
Thank you so much, Lou! You’ve made my day!
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