Photos and Recap by Max Stewart

It gets said a lot, but Athens GA’s The B-52s are truly in a category all alone. Their innovative sound was completely original and forged a path for many new wave and art rock bands to push the boundary of ‘safe’ music in the mainstream and beyond. Best part is, there is not an ounce of pretention amongst the band.

Founding members Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson all just bring good energy and weird fun to their eclectic live shows. Fans are glittered with, well… glitter, wigs, sequin jackets and all sorts of party get-up. A B-52s concert is a hell of a good time and it has been that way since 1976. But all good things must come to an end. That is why when they announced their Farewell Tour, they had no trouble selling out three nights at Atlanta’s famous Fox Theatre to mark the occasion. Although they have made it clear that they are not officially done performing live, they will no longer tour (they have a Vegas residency scheduled for later this year).

On the eve of UGA’s National Championship game, the Athens pride was paramount amongst the regal theatre audience with fans in retro Wuxtry Records shirts and dusted-off tour shirts from the debut album amongst the first crop of local fans. The band kept the lively spirit going throughout the 90 minute set which included “Roam,” “Planet Claire,” “Rock Lobster,” “Private Idaho,” “Dance This Mess Around,” and of course “Love Shack.”

It was a non-stop party and celebration of the eccentric cool of the band that helped put Athens on the map and inspired so many along the way. They will be playing one more sold out show in Athens on Tuesday and we look forward to their spirit shining on in the universe for years to come!