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 and humorous lyrics, and gender-bending themes have made it a fan favorite and a staple in pop culture. But how did this song come to be? The story begins in 1976, when B-52s singer 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 the song 'Rock Lobster'. The B-52s, named after the 50s-style bouffant hairdos of singers Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, started as a band of four 'nerdy friends' in a disused funeral home. They wrote their early songs, including 'Planet Claire', 'Dance This Mess Around', and 'Rock Lobster', in this cold and scary space. The band's songwriting method was to start with a riff or title and then jam, often making up parts and trying to string them together. The song's unique structure, with its prog-like sections, was a result of this process. The guitar riff for 'Rock Lobster' was created by guitarist Ricky Wilson, who had a distinct, angular style inspired by Joni Mitchell. For the song, he deliberately removed the two middle strings from his Mosrite Ventures guitar, giving the remaining ones an odd resonance. The band recorded the first version of the song at Stone Mountain Studio near Atlanta and released it on an indie label. The song quickly gained buzz and a bidding war between labels, eventually leading to a signing with Warner Brothers. The band's big breakthrough came with a performance of 'Rock Lobster' on US TV show Saturday Night Live, which opened a whole new world for Dave Grohl. The song's kookiness has prevented the B-52s from being taken more seriously, but the band doesn't care. They know who they are and have always struck a chord with people who are different, including gay people, introverts, and outsiders. The song's impact on pop culture is evident in its appearances in countless TV shows, movies, and video games, including Family Guy, Knocked Up, and Rock Band 3. 'Rock Lobster' has become a beloved part of the B-52s' set on their ongoing tour, with singer Fred Schneider making sure to make it fun for both the band and the audience. Despite not being the best singer in the world, Schneider feels that his job is to make the song work and get people going. The B-52s' 'Rock Lobster' is a testament to the power of quirky, unique music and its ability to resonate with people on a deeper level.
