The B-52s are getting a permanent piece of Hollywood Boulevard. The new wave band that turned a thrift-store wig aesthetic and “Love Shack” into a global phenomenon receives the 2,861st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Pacific time, planted in the Recording category right outside Amoeba Music at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard.
The ceremony is being hosted by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, according to walkoffame.com, and will be streamed live exclusively on the organization’s website for fans who can’t make it to the sidewalk in person. Radio personality Richard Blade is emceeing, and the lineup of guest speakers includes Fred Armisen and The Go-Go’s, who are set to say a few words honoring the band. As FOX 5 Atlanta notes, officials have not confirmed whether all of the band’s members will personally speak during the sidewalk presentation.
From Athens House Parties to a Gold Record
The B-52s formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1976, according to Billboard, long before the college town became synonymous with alternative rock. Their self-titled 1979 debut album went gold, the kind of early breakout that set the tone for a career built on thrift-shop glamour, surf-rock guitar and lyrics about lobsters and rock lobsters alike. The group has since sold more than 20 million albums worldwide, per the Hollywood Chamber’s release.
Founding member Ricky Wilson died before the release of the band’s biggest commercial success, 1989’s Cosmic Thing, a loss that shadowed what became the band’s defining album. Cosmic Thing sold more than 5 million copies, according to onlineathens.com, and the same report notes the band’s current lineup includes Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, with Keith Strickland remaining connected to the group after stepping back from performing.
Chart Success and a Lasting Influence
Cosmic Thing reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and stayed on the chart for 65 weeks, the magazine’s report states. Its two biggest singles, “Love Shack” and “Roam,” each climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and picked up Grammy nominations. The follow-up record, Good Stuff, reached No. 16 on the Billboard 200 and earned its own Grammy nod for best alternative music album, the same account notes…