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The B-52s

Rock

The B-52s Tickets

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About

THE B-52S IN CONCERT:
 
Since forming in 1976, The B-52s have always stood out for their thrift-store chic style and ability to craft catchy, retro-inspired hits. Over the years they might have let their beehives down, but every-thing else about the band is still as tight as it was 30 years ago. Their call-and-response choruses always get fans singing along, and their fun and funky grooves will have you dancing right along with the band. The B-52s are taking their party atmosphere to select cities across the U.S. on their 2015 tour, bringing all their cool style and flamboyant fun to a town near you.

BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
 
Named after a particular type of beehive hairdo, The B-52s rocketed out of Athens, Georgia in the late ’70s. Starting with their smash hit “Rock Lobster”, the band developed a reputation for campy fun and catchy melodies that carried over to other favorites like “Planet Claire” and “Private Idaho”. By the end of the decade, the band achieved a major mainstream radio breakthrough with the hits “Love Shack” and “Roam”. The band stayed relevant into the ’90s, appearing in The Flintstones live action movie (as “The BC-52’s”) and performing the theme song from the Nickelodeon cartoon Rocko’s Modern Life. Almost 40 years later, this zany garage band is still having a blast -- and still sounds like a blast from the past.

Reviews

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 2199 reviews
  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Great fun

    by Mergatroid on 7/16/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    First Zoo Concert ever. Horrible weather. Learned a great deal for the next time. The warm-up band and The B-52's were terrific. There were no surprizes, they just gave their old fans what they wanted, and newB's an idea of how fun they and their music are.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    very wet concert but b-52s worth it

    by oldma on 7/16/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    It was pouring down rain at the zoo the night of the concert. This did not dampen the spirit of the fans. We had a great time. Music was great!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    B52 brought down the house...

    by okb52 on 7/16/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    Even with the pouring rain...the concert was energetic and fun. The band still puts on a show that pulls the crowd into every song.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Wet but fun!

    by Gingerkid on 7/16/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    The show was great, although the opening act was not my favorite kind of music. Despite the horrible weather, I had lots of fun dancing. My one request is that the Oregon Zoo provide more food options at the concerts.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The B-52"s were just as hot as they were 20 years

    by foxesbox on 7/16/09Del Mar Fairgrounds - Del Mar

    The concert was absolutely fantastic. The venue was perfect for being at a fair. We had the dinner package that came with great seats, good food, and parking only yards away from the gate. I will certainly do it next year.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Great (but soggy) show in Portland

    by kurtztk on 7/16/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    The B-52s put on a great show. They're getting up there in years, but still sound great. It rained for the 90 minutes before the show, but things dried out just before the opening act.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The B-52's ROCKED the zoo!!!!

    by Jaimiejamm on 7/16/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    I took my Mom to see the B-52's for her Mother's Day present and she had a ball!! The whole zoo was dancing, even after they got rained on!! The sound quality was fabulous!! The B-52's were a lot of fun, full of energy!!! I would see them again in a heartbeat!!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    B-52s were better than ever!

    by Snohores on 7/16/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    The show was incredible. The sound system was awesome. Food and wine were most enjoyable. A great venue for a concert!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    B-52's stil have it going on

    by pahiya on 7/16/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    The weather could have been better but when the B-52's got on stage it stopped raining. They sounded good and had a good mix of old and newer songs.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    B-52s kicked asphalt!!!

    by BerdMan on 7/16/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    I've been a fan of the B-52s since the early 80s and this was my first concert. It's good to be a "virgin"?! They did NOT dis -a -point!! They were great, I was in the front row dance'in on the concrete and I can't way unti they come back to Portland. Cheers!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    B-52's and Dancing in the Rain

    by 2peachy4u on 7/16/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    The day promised of rain, and rain it did. The band came out and gave it their all to everyones delight. We had a sea of dancing bodies all around us. We heard all of our favorite songs and knowing the words to most of them a real plus. The only thing I regret was not moving closer to the stage to get a view of these unique artists.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    B-52's the music of the 80s

    by nordi on 7/16/09Del Mar Fairgrounds - Del Mar

    The B-52's played awesome! The venue was perfect, open air they played all my favorite songs.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    B-52's - Unforgettable

    by irkmir on 7/15/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    The show was awesome! After how many years/decades, they can still get the crowd on their feet. Played all their classics and even some I had forgotten.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    B52's kept us up and movin on a cold and wet night

    by kyligayl on 7/15/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    As I walked to get in line at the Zoo, I thought to myself no one will be in line yet 2 hours early and it's pouring down rain. (it is Oregon) I was surprised to see the line all the way to the front gate. People standing there with no rain coats, talking and having fun even before the show started. True Oregonians! The concert was so much fun. They were even more fun to watch than I expected. It was nice to see all ages and families enjoying this together. My teenage daughters and I had a blast and would see them again rain or shine.!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    B-52s In The Rain, Baby!

    by Retroman on 7/15/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    Not having been to the Oregon Zoo in Portland for about 30 years, my wife and I decided to view the delights offered by the zoo prior to the B-52s concert. As we arrived at the zoo, the clouds darkened and emitted forth a deluge not seen since Noah. Lugging our blankets and chairs around the zoo for four hours, the exhibits were vacant. Most of the animals, except for the penguins and fish, were smarter than we, and were snuggled away in their sheltered lairs. We walked past the concert site at 3:30, and were treated to an improptu rehearsal rendering of "PUMP" by the B-52s!! The ten people in attendence applauded voraciously, and were rewarded with a polite "Thank You!" by Kate Pierson. The grassy concert lawn was soon closed, to be opened later for seating. We joined the huge line for entrance at 6:00, grabbing spots about halfway up the arena in pouring rain. Some kind of shelter erected in the center of the arena blocked the view of much of the area; most people seated themselves outside of the void created behind the shelter. Standing water 2 or 3 inches deep surrounded us as we seated ourselves near a short retaining wall. As others erected small shelters beneath blue tarps, we comforted outselves with a small umbrella and a wet blanket. The opening band began promplty at 7:00, and although I don't remember the name of the group, they actually played some decent songs. But we were all here for the B-52s. At about 8:00, they took the stage!! Amazingly, the rain stopped at about the same time!! The band began with "PUMP" (again) off of their new album, which was great!! They followed with a few of their latest songs, which had the audience dancing. However, the bulk of the concert consisted of their classics, which had us all on our feet dancing. A crowd of devotees had formed at the foot of the stage, all dancing with ourselves and each other. But the focus was on the stage, where the band seemed to perform only for those in the front. The band sounded great!! The majority of the audience were on their feet the entire time of the concert, oblivious to the soggy conditions. Of course, the overplayed "Love Shack" received the most adoration by the crowd. The concert ended abrubtly after about 1.5 hours, after one encore. The band did not play some personal favorites such as "Channel Z", which was somewhat disappointing. However, considering the rainy conditions and enthusiasm of the crowd, this was one of the most memorable concerts that I have ever attended. If the B-52s ever return to Portland, I will be there.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    B-52s Really Entertains

    by BeautySchoolDropOut on 7/15/09Del Mar Fairgrounds - Del Mar

    Loved the show. They all sound just as good as they did over 20yrs ago. Del Mar Fairgrounds is a great venue for a concert.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    B-52s were great!

    by docevil on 7/15/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    B-52s were great - somewhat disappointed that tere was a one-hour opening act...expected two and a half hours of B-52s music. Didn't get to hear many of the songs that I expected. Paid for VIP package at the Oregon Zoo...NOT worth it! The service was awful. Food was good, seats were good, but we had to practically beg for everything the service was so bad. Parking was confusing.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    B-52's Rain or Shine a Delight to See

    by LolitaLeeMe on 7/15/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    Despite the torrential downpour before and during the concert, the B52's had us on our feet ...playing old and new tunes. Everyone around us from young kids to 60 year olds were dancing in the rain. It was a show worth going to, and one my daughter and I fondly referr to the swamp concert. June bugs a dancing in July. LOVED IT!

  • Rating: 2 out of 5

    B52's were forgettable!!

    by blahblahblah on 7/15/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    They pulled it together for the encore, but I found their display of energy underwhelming. I sat it the rain for hours to grab a spot for my spouse and our son, who did not appreciate it either. The encore was a thrill, by comparison. I apologize for my negativity. I don't want to bring anyone down!!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    B-52's were awesome!

    by MusicIsMagical on 7/15/09Oregon Zoo - Portland

    Entertaining and a great small venue at the Zoo, the B-52's brought all their funky style and best loved songs. The performance had as good a sound quality as their records do. Especially engaging stage presence of Fred and Kate's dancing and singing was wonderful. What live music should be - a party, outrageous fun, danceable, a celebration outdoors. Unforgettable night.