The B-52s' 'Rock Lobster' is a quirky, new-wave dance classic that has become a beloved part of their set on their ongoing tour. The song's unique structure, surreal lyrics, and gender-bending themes have made it a stand-out track in their repertoire. But how did this song become a hit? The story begins in 1976, when Fred Schneider was inspired by a cheesy disco club in Atlanta. He wrote a poem about undersea creatures, beach party movies, and a Coppertone tanning butter commercial, which he later turned into a song. The B-52s, named after the 50s-style bouffant hairdos of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, started writing their own songs in a disused funeral home, where they recorded the first version of 'Rock Lobster'. The song's distinctive riff was created by guitarist Ricky Wilson, who removed the two middle strings from his Mosrite Ventures guitar to give the remaining ones an odd resonance. The band's songwriting method was to start with a riff or title and then jam, creating a song with a strange structure that unfolds like a prog rock masterpiece. The song's surreal and humorous lyrics, as well as its gender-bending themes, have made it a fan favorite. The B-52s' big breakthrough came with a performance of 'Rock Lobster' on US TV show Saturday Night Live, where people in the audience immediately stood up. The song has since appeared in countless TV shows, movies, and video games, including Family Guy, Knocked Up, and Rock Band 3. Despite its kookiness, the band has never been taken more seriously, and they don't care. They know who they are and have always struck a chord with people who are different, from gay people to introverts to outsiders. In my opinion, 'Rock Lobster' is a testament to the B-52s' unique sound and their ability to create catchy, memorable songs that have stood the test of time. It's a song that has become a beloved part of their set on their ongoing tour, and I never get tired of doing it. But I've got to make it fun for the band on stage, fun for the people in the audience, and get them all going. I feel like that's my job. I'm not the best singer in the world by any means. People might think: 'Oh, he thinks he can sing.' But I don't. And who cares? I do what I do, and it works.
