The B-52s with the Wild Crowd! - Live in Athens, GA

On a chilly winter evening in 2011, the B-52s returned to their beloved hometown of Athens, Georgia, to celebrate a momentous occasion - the 34th anniversary of their very first live show, performed on Valentine's Day in 1977. This milestone marked a pivotal moment in the band's illustrious career, and the B-52s commemorated the occasion with a special live performance that would be captured for posterity on film. The B-52s Live in Athens, GA, a concert DVD release, finds the band in high spirits, revisiting a career spanning over three decades. With no new material to promote, the setlist is a retrospective of the band's most iconic hits, ranging from their 1979 breakthrough to their last new studio album, Funplex, released in 2008. As the cameras pan the audience, it's clear that the crowd is in the know - a sea of devoted fans, familiar faces, and friends of the band have gathered to celebrate a shared musical heritage. The energy is palpable, with fans singing along to every word, dancing in the aisles, and waving B-52s flags. The concert commences with the infectious "Rock Lobster," an anthem that sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of music. Fred Schneider's irrepressible energy is on full display, his eccentric vocals and on-stage antics drawing cheers from the audience. Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, the band's iconic vocal queens, trade off on harmonies and lead vocals, their chemistry and camaraderie on full display. Circus, a highlight of the evening, features Fred Schneider's rapid-fire delivery and a showstopping performance by the entire band, with intricate instrumental arrangements and virtuosic guitar work by Keith Strickland. The song's infectious beat gets the crowd moving, with audience members of all ages dancing in the aisles. Other notable highlights include "Channel Z," a catchy new wave hit from 1992's Good Stuff, and "Juliet of the Spirits," a standout track from 1989's Cosmic Thing. The song's hypnotic rhythms and lush vocal harmonies create a mesmerizing atmosphere, with Kate and Cindy trading off on a dazzling vocal duet. Later in the set, the band performs a scorching rendition of "Mesopotamia," a 1980s-era hit that showcases the band's ability to blend catchy hooks with psychedelic rock sensibilities. The performance is marked by frenetic energy, with Keith Strickland's intense guitar playing and a show-stopping drum solo from Sterling Campbell. The evening's most poignant moment comes with "The World Is Waiting for the Sunrise," a 1960s-era standard that the band reworked into a memorable anthem in 1982. The song's sweeping orchestral arrangements and heartfelt vocals create a poignant conclusion to the main set. As the B-52s return to the stage for an encore, it's clear that the audience is in for more. With a rousing performance of "Roam," a fan favorite, the band delivers a thrilling finale to an unforgettable evening of music. The B-52s Live in Athens, GA is more than just a concert DVD - it's a love letter to the band's devoted fan base and a testament to their enduring musical legacy. With a setlist that showcases their most iconic hits, this electrifying performance is a must-see for any fan of the B-52s, offering a glimpse into the band's enduring energy and creativity.