Setlist:
Pump
Mesopotamia
Ultraviolet
Give Me Back My Man
Private Idaho
Keep This Party Going
Strobe Light
Juliet Of The Spirits
Roam
Funplex
Party Out Of Bounds
Hot Corner
Love In The Year 3000
Love Shack
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Planet Claire
Rock Lobster
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Channel Z
July 19th, 2008 brought America's long-reigning party band to Europe's premier party city, Amsterdam. For 32 years, The B-52's have thrilled fans with their hedonistic blend of killer hooks, bizarre lyrics, 60's girl group vocals, and of course the sprechgesang of the irrepressible Fred Schneider. While their profile had been significantly lower in recent years owing to a 16 year gap between albums, to the faithful The B's were never truly away, and are received with a riotous welcome from Paradiso's sold-out crowd.
There can surely be no stronger argument for music retaining youth than the B-52's. The glamourous-as-ever Kate and Cindy, have maintained their remarkable vocal chops and dance throughout, spurring on the audience from opposite sides of the stage like the experienced party hosts that they are. Fred, naturally, stalks the stage fully immersed in his carnival-barker mode, reminding all present of why he is possibly the most original and charismatic frontman to emerge from the late 70's. Over to the side, original B's drummer-turned-guitarist Keith Strickland (looking roughly half of his 54 years) provides solid musicianship throughout - the backbone of the whole show. Of the three backing musicians, only a slightly stone-faced keyboard player appears immune to the festivities. From the opening, a rollicking-rendition of Pump (from the new album), the audience are eating out of the band's collective hands.
It's a testament to the strength of the new material (largely written by Keith) that it stands so well along such all-time classics as 'Rock Lobster' and 'Love Shack'. The band too, appear delighted that the new material is so popular with the crowd - indeed after 16 years without new material, it must be a huge relief. This is not to say that 'Lobster', 'Planet Claire' and even the money-track 'Love Shack' aren't performed with all the flamboyant vitality that they deserve. Quite the opposite, and the clear affection that both the fans and the band have for these gems is undeniable.
Special mention must go to Cindy, who has on occasion been unfairly criticized for perhaps seeming a little less than exuberant. Tonight, she steals the show, dancing and rocking her way throughout the entire set with boundless energy and a smile on her face. Her gutsy, wild rendition of fan-favourite 'Give Me Back My Man' deservedly receives the biggest applause of the night.
Great chemistry, all the classics, excellent new songs and raucous performances from a band who stubbornly refuse to grow up. A party out of bounds, indeed.
Review by Michael Escritt. Photos by Merel Herder and Michael Escritt.
Please do not reproduce without permission.
The B-52's new album 'Funplex' is in stores and online now.
Catch The B-52's on tour in the U.S. this summer as part of the True Colors tour.
Visit www.myspace.com/theb52s for details
You can currently watch the entire concert for free at www.fabchannel.com!
