The B-52s, America's quintessential party band and one of the most innovative, enduring and well-loved acts in all of pop music history, is coming to Orange County. They will play the Galaxy Theatre in Santa Ana on March 26 to perform the band's impressive catalog of music that spans the entire spectrum of their three decade career. 

With the band's quirky, innovative and highly danceable tunes such as their blockbuster hit singles "Rock Lobster," "Love Shack," and "Roam," along with their high energy, improvisational on-stage presence, the show promises to be one long party music dancing frenzy and concert not to be missed.

The music from the veteran New Wavers is fueled by the hypnotic yet melodic harmonies of Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson along with Fred Strickland's monotone male vocal counterpoint, unusual guitar tunings, and stream of consciousness lyrics.  Their fusion of new wave, punk and vintage rock combines for a haunting, unusual, yet very danceable and timeless music that gets the party started every time the B-52s set foot on stage.

The band first formed in 1976 when five friends and siblings met for drinks at a Chinese restaurant in the college town of Athens, Georgia.  Founding members Fred Schneider (vocals, cowbell), Keith Strickland (drums, guitar) Kate Pierson (vocals, keyboard), Cindy Wilson (vocals, percussion) and Ricky Wilson (guitar) performed their first gig on Valentine's Day 1977 at a friend's party.

Named after the Southern slang term for the beehive hair style worn by Pierson and Cindy Wilson on stage, the B-52s began commuting to New York to play in New York City dance clubs such as Max's Kansas City and CBGB's.  With their high energy dance party music and innovative on stage performances, the band developed a cult-like following.  Signed by Warner Brothers, the B-52s released their self-titled debut in 1979 which contained their first hit single "Rock Lobster," along with "52 Girls" and "Planet Claire." 

They followed their debut set up with Wild Planet ("Private Idaho," Quiche Lorraine," "Strobe Light") in 1980.  In 1982 the band released "Mesopotamia," a 6 track EP produced by Talking Head's David Byrne.  "Whammy!" ("Legal Tender," "Songs For A Future Generation") was released in 1983.  "Bouncing Off The Satellites" (1986) was the last album recorded with guitarist Ricky Wilson, who died of AIDS in 1985.

Devastated by the loss of their guitarist, the band went into hibernation.  However, they made a huge comeback in 1989 with their release of "Cosmic Thing," the band's greatest commercial success which spawned the hit singles "Love Shack" and "Roam."  The band also had an enormously successful 18 month World Tour to support "Cosmic Thing." 

Cindy Wilson left the band in 1990 and started a family.  The three remaining members released "Good Stuff" in 1992.  Wilson rejoined the band in 1998. 

Throughout the 1990's and first decade of the 21st century, the band has continued to be an enormously popular touring act.  The band co-headlined with The Pretenders in 1998 and in 2000 with the Go-Gos and Psychedelic Furs.  In 2008 The B-52s joined Cyndi Lauper for the True Colors Tour.  In 2008 the B-52s also released "Funplex" ("Pump," "Juliet of the Spirits "Funplex), their first album of original music in 16 years.

In a recent interview with LiveDaily, guitarist Keith Strickland said that the key to the band's success was "we write songs that we like, that turn us on.  We have a lot of fun with it when we're doing it. That transpires when we perform. We just bring that energy into our performance. It transfers. People take it in and they respond back."

To take in the incredible energy and amazing music from one of pop music's all time greatest bands, check out the B-52 concert at the Galaxy Theatre on March 26.  Tickets are $69.50.  Doors open at 6 pm and the show starts at 8 pm.

For more information please visit the B52s or Galaxy Theatre's website