"The band was formed in 1976 by five close friends: Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland, and siblings Cindy and Ricky Wilson. It's now public knowledge that the group is primarily composed of queer individuals (Cindy is the lone straight member); however, this wasn't always clear. Strickland, drummer and later guitarist, admitted in a 1992 interview that no one in the music press had ever asked the B-52s whether they were gay. It's unfathomable to think of a band that presented so overtly ."
"I grew up during those years, and being a music fan was very puzzling. Freddie Mercury and George Michael were closeted, Elton John married a woman in 1984, and even Boy George stated he preferred a cup of tea to sex to avoid answering questions about his sexuality. If those guys weren't gay, who the heck was? Adding to the confusion were the likes of Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet playing with makeup, hair, and fashion in a way straight guys hadn't really done before."
The B-52s are embarking on a September tour that may be their final one. The group is best known for "Rock Lobster" and "Love Shack" but has a broader musical and cultural significance. The band formed in 1976 with Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Keith Strickland, and siblings Cindy and Ricky Wilson. The lineup is primarily queer, with Cindy as the only straight member. Early press rarely questioned the band's sexuality despite overt presentation. The band’s flamboyant look and performances, including an iconic 1980 SNL appearance, helped bring drag aesthetics and queer references into mainstream music culture.
Read at Advocate.com
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