The B-52s through the years

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The B-52s through the years

To commemorate the B-52s' first studio album in 16 years, we take a look back at the path the Athens band has taken.

The B-52s, the venerable rock band with roots in Athens, have weathered the test of time. The group is releasing its seventh studio album this week after a 16-year absence. We take a look back at how the band has evolved. The B-52s got their start on Feb. 14, 1977, their first performance. In December, Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson, Kate Pierson and Keith Strickland head to New York and play for a paying audience for the first time at Max's Kansas City.

The B-52's self-titled debut is released July 9, 1979, and sells more than 500,000 copies on the strength of the first singles, "Rock Lobster" and "52 Girls."

Released in 1980, their second studio effort, "Wild Planet," proved their success was no fluke with hits like "Private Idaho," "Give Me Back My Man" and "Party Out of Bounds."

"Whammy!" is released in 1983, sporting a cover shot by William Wegman, best known for his pictures of his Weimaraners. The original issue included a take on Yoko Ono's "Don't Worry," which was jettisoned after a royalty dispute.

One of the last photos of the original B-52s, taken in 1985. Ricky Wilson (center) dies of AIDS on Oct. 12. "Ricky was sick and nobody knew except Keith Strickland," his sister Cindy says.

"Bouncing Off the Satellites" is released in 1986, a year after guitarist Ricky Wilson died. In the wake of his death, the remaining band members were too devastated to promote the last album Ricky had worked on.

"Cosmic Thing" hits stores in 1989. "Love Shack," the first single, goes to No. 3 on the Billboard singles chart late that year and becomes the band's first pop hit. "Roam" repeats the feat in January 1990.

The B-52s get a Grammy nomination for "Love Shack." In 1991, Cindy Wilson (left) officially leaves the band because she was "burned out and tired. I was still missing Ricky a lot."

"Good Stuff" is released in June 1992. Without Cindy Wilson, Kate Pierson's voice is showcased.

Cindy Wilson returns to the band in 1994 for a series of live shows, including one celebrating the 20th anniversary of fabled New York punk club CBGBs and a televised special to coincide with the Super Bowl in Atlanta. The group also plays a packed show at Athens' 40 Watt Club.

Fred Schneider of The B-52s performs at Piedmont Park as part of the 2000 Atlanta Pride event. The band plays to a crowd estimated at more than 200,000, making the appearance one of the most memorable musical moments in Atlanta Pride's history.

In September 2000, the B-52s are inducted into Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Cindy Wilson, Keith Strickland and Kate Pierson perform "Love Shack" during the ceremony.

The band releases a two-disc anthology, "Nude on the Moon," to commemorate its 25th anniversary. Included are a couple of live cuts and a never-before-released version of "Queen of Las Vegas."

The B-52s were honored at the 2005 Atlanta Heroes Awards, which recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the Atlanta and Georgia music community. The band was presented by Antwan "Big Boi" Patton because "OutKast really inspires us, " Kate Pierson said. "They have a certain sensibility that's akin to the B-52s."

The B-52s already are getting glowing reviews for "Funplex." The band returned to Athens to record part of the album, something Pierson says helped with the creative process.

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The B-52s, the venerable rock band with roots in Athens, have weathered the test of time. The group is releasing its seventh studio album this week after a 16-year absence. We take a look back at how the band has evolved. The B-52s got their start on Feb. 14, 1977, their first performance. In December, Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson, Kate Pierson and Keith Strickland head to New York and play for a paying audience for the first time at Max's Kansas City.

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