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.
Jimmy Page playing his legendary bowed guitar solo during 'Dazed & Confused' whilst onstage with Led Zeppelin in Belfast in March 1971
Signed limited edition multicoloured cassette art print by Horace Panter featuring 24 different images including Madness, Blur & David Bowie
Liam Gallagher is best known as the charismatic, self-assured front man of Manchester Britpop band Oasis.
Pete Townshend is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known as a member of the rock band The Who.
The Beatles were an English rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960 and widely regarded as the most influential acts of the rock era.
The Who are an English rock band that formed in 1964 & are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century.
A photographic celebration of Manchester's rock music history. Free exhibition at the University of Manchester
The Beatles were one of the most popular & influential bands of all time. Here we showcase our collection of their iconic fine art prints
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
For eight years photographer Brian Duffy worked with David Bowie and shot his most iconic and enduring images. View his fantastic collection
