I hadn’t planned on sticking around Budweiser Stage for the second headliner after DEVO, but as soon as I saw the B-52s were up next, I knew I couldn’t leave. The energy from DEVO’s set was still buzzing through the crowd, and as the stage cleared, there was a palpable shift in anticipation. The B-52s have always occupied a singular corner of rock and new wave—simultaneously playful, theatrical, and irresistibly danceable—and following a tight, quirky, high-concept act like DEVO, they were the perfect act to bring the night to a raucous, celebratory close.
As the lights dimmed and the opening chords of “Cosmic Thing” hit, the crowd erupted. The B-52s, now seasoned veterans of live performance, wasted no time launching into their signature brand of infectious fun. Fred Schneider’s vocals carried that signature cheeky flair, immediately commanding the stage while Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson’s harmonies floated over the driving rhythm section. The audience, still amped from DEVO’s electrifying set, responded with enthusiastic cheering and dancing, instantly swept up in the whimsical, high-energy world of the B-52s. It was the perfect transition from DEVO’s precision and eccentricity to a party atmosphere where everyone could let loose and fully engage with the music.
Following the opener, “Mesopotamia” hit next, a track whose angular rhythms and playful melodies felt both retro and timeless. Schneider’s vocal theatrics paired with Pierson and Wilson’s tight harmonies brought the song to life in a way that was equal parts fun and sophisticated. The crowd, warmed up by the previous set, responded enthusiastically, clapping and bouncing along. There was a clear sense that this was going to be an interactive experience—one where audience and band fed off each other’s energy, building a momentum that would carry through the entire night.
“Give Me Back My Man” maintained the high energy, proving that the B-52s’ songs are as effective live as they are on record. Schneider’s delivery was playful and commanding, while Pierson and Wilson added the lush harmonies that are a hallmark of their sound. The audience sang along to every line, and for a moment, it felt as if the entire stage and floor were moving in unison, propelled by the band’s infectious enthusiasm. Following DEVO’s precise, conceptual performance, the B-52s’ loose, joyous approach to the music was a welcome contrast, offering the kind of pure, unfiltered fun that makes live music so thrilling.
“Whammy Kiss” came next, a bouncy, danceable track that allowed the band to fully embrace their theatricality. Schneider’s larger-than-life stage persona was on full display, complemented by Pierson and Wilson’s dynamic vocals. The audience responded immediately, dancing, clapping, and shouting along with the lyrics. It was a reminder that, decades into their career, the B-52s have lost none of their charm or ability to connect with a crowd. The chemistry between the band members, the precision of the instrumentation, and the sheer joy they brought to the performance made every song feel like a shared celebration.
The set slowed slightly for “52 Girls,” but the crowd’s energy never wavered. Fans swayed and sang along, clearly familiar with the quirky storytelling embedded in the lyrics. Schneider’s comedic flair and Pierson and Wilson’s harmonies added layers of engagement, turning the performance into an interactive experience. The B-52s’ ability to balance fun and technical musicianship is rare, and this track was a perfect example of how they continue to captivate audiences with songs that are as clever as they are catchy.
“Roam” followed, a highlight of the night for many. The track’s universal appeal was evident as arms waved in unison and voices joined the band in a massive singalong. The harmonies were lush, the arrangement tight, and the crowd completely absorbed. Following DEVO’s more cerebral, choreographed performance, “Roam” served as a communal release—a moment where the audience could let go, dance, and sing, fully immersed in the joy of live music. The sense of connection between the performers and the audience was palpable, each note and vocal flourish met with cheers, claps, and sheer exuberance.
The energy stayed high with “Party Out of Bounds,” a song that practically demands audience participation. Hands clapped, bodies bounced, and voices filled the venue. Schneider’s exaggerated movements, Pierson and Wilson’s harmonies, and the band’s tight musical execution turned the song into a full-blown celebration. The contrast with DEVO’s set earlier was striking: where DEVO had delivered calculated eccentricity, the B-52s delivered playful chaos, proving why they are one of the most enduringly fun live acts in music history.
“Dance This Mess Around” kept the momentum going, a slightly retro track that leaned into the band’s early sound. The instrumentation was crisp, the vocals vibrant, and the audience completely engaged. Schneider’s theatrical flair, Pierson’s vocal power, and Wilson’s dynamic energy combined to make the song feel alive, fresh, and interactive. The crowd responded with dancing, cheering, and singing along, embodying the sense of fun and liberation that has defined the B-52s’ music for decades.
The band then hit “Private Idaho,” maintaining a high level of energy and engagement. The driving rhythms and quirky lyrics made it impossible not to move, and the audience was fully immersed. Schneider’s performance was larger than life, Pierson and Wilson’s harmonies soared, and the band’s chemistry was evident throughout. Following the precision of DEVO’s set, the B-52s’ performance felt like a joyful release, a chance for the audience to fully let go and enjoy the music.
The moment everyone had been waiting for came with “Love Shack.” The opening chords were met with a roar from the crowd, and from the first line, fans were on their feet, dancing, and singing along. Band introductions were interwoven seamlessly, giving fans a moment to connect with the individuals behind the iconic music. Schneider’s vocals were playful and commanding, Pierson and Wilson delivered soaring harmonies, and the band created an infectious groove that had the entire venue moving in unison. It was a quintessential live music moment—pure energy, connection, and joy.
Following “Love Shack,” “Planet Claire” brought a more experimental, spacey energy that highlighted the B-52s’ new wave roots. The synths, guitars, and percussive accents created a layered soundscape, and Schneider’s vocals added a theatrical quality that elevated the performance. The audience was captivated, moving to the music, caught up in the interplay of quirky instrumentation and charismatic stage presence.
The show closed with “Rock Lobster,” a song that embodies everything fans love about the B-52s: eccentricity, humor, and danceable grooves. From the opening bass line, the crowd was fully engaged, and the playful lyrics had everyone singing along. Schneider’s exaggerated delivery, Pierson and Wilson’s harmonies, and the band’s tight performance created an unforgettable conclusion to a night already filled with energy and joy.
Musically, the performance was flawless. The guitars were sharp, the bass drove the rhythm forward, the drums provided a steady backbone, and the synths and textures layered seamlessly into the arrangements. Vocals were precise yet expressive, harmonies rich, and every instrumental flourish delivered with skill and flair. Solos and breaks felt spontaneous without breaking the show’s momentum, and the pacing of the setlist maintained energy while providing moments of variation.
Following DEVO’s calculated and quirky headlining set, the B-52s delivered a perfect follow-up: celebratory, fun, and immersive. The contrast between the two acts created a sense of dynamic excitement, with DEVO’s precision and B-52s’ playful chaos balancing each other and giving the audience a full spectrum of new wave and alternative music excellence. By the end of “Rock Lobster,” it was clear that the B-52s had delivered a performance that was as unforgettable as it was joyous, leaving fans buzzing, dancing, and singing long after the show ended.
Setlist:
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Cosmic Thing
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Mesopotamia
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Give Me Back My Man
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Whammy Kiss
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52 Girls
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Roam
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Party Out of Bounds
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Dance This Mess Around
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Private Idaho
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Love Shack (with band introductions)
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Planet Claire
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Rock Lobster
Closing the night after DEVO, the B-52s proved once again why they are an essential live act. They transformed the stage into a playground of music, humor, and performance, giving fans a night to remember while perfectly balancing fun and musicianship. It was a celebration of their legacy, a communal dance party, and a masterclass in delivering energy, charisma, and connection that will be remembered for years to come.