The B'52's are an American new wave band that emerged in the mid-70s with their quirky, fun sound. They started out in Athens, Georgia in 1976. Ricky Wilson and Keith Strickland, who were already friends, joined up with Ricky's sister Cindy Wilson & Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson through mutual friends. They adopted the name The B-52's from local slang for high-rise beehive hairdos.
Their popularity began to spead and their debut single 'Rock Lobster' was released in February 1978. It was instantly popular and became one of the first independent hits in the American new wave scene. In 1980, John Lennon called the B-52's his favorite band, and specifically cited "Rock Lobster" as an inspiration for his comeback with Double Fantasy.
The band continued to have a string of hits that drew from 50s & 60s pop culture and rock & roll and created their unique, kitschy style. Ricky Wilson died from AIDS-related illness in 1985, and Strickland switched from drums to lead guitar. The band progressed by added touring members for albums and live performances.
Iconic photo of John Lennon with a flower in his eye, fondly known as 'Adoration'.
Morrissey performing upside down on a monitor during his Kill Uncle Tour at the Jones Beach Theatre, Wantagh, New York in July 1991
Bob Dylan hanging out on the streets of Portland, Orgeon prior to performing there as part of his Gospel Tour in January 1980.
Energetic contact sheet of The Ramones performing at the Hammersmith Odeon, London in 1980
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band who were in the vanguard of the British music Invasion that became popular in the US in 1964–65.
Liam Gallagher is best known as the charismatic, self-assured front man of Manchester Britpop band Oasis.
Catherine Bush is an English singer-songwriter, musician and record producer, known for her eclectic and experimental music.
Johnny Cash was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice and a trademark look, which earned him the nickname "The Man in Black"
Jill Furmanovsky is one of the greatest ever rock & roll photographers with a huge archive of iconic shots of the world's best music artists
Check out our great range of authentic fine art photographic prints available for £250 or less.
We are all still reeling from the tragic loss of David Bowie. Here is a wonderful tribute from one of our photographers, Mark Mawston.
For eight years photographer Brian Duffy worked with David Bowie and shot his most iconic and enduring images. View his fantastic collection
