The Anthem became an All Hallows Love Shack
The B-52s delivered a massive Halloween treat at the Anthem in DC on October 31st. It was one of two themed shows for spooky season. The other, in Chicago, will follow the DC show.
Decked out in costumes—Fred Schneider in a crazy blond wig, Cindy Wilson in sparkly silver, and Kate Pierson in an all-black witchy wardrobe—the group delivered their delightfully kooky catalog in fine form.
The B-52s music and aesthetic have always fit well with the campy horror and sci-fi of the early-mid 20th century. Songs like “Is That You Mo-Dine” and “Mesopotamia” would make great genre films themselves. And Fred Schneider’s voice sounds like it belongs narrating an episode of MST3K.
Pierson’s and Wilson’s harmonies shined on “Deadbeat Club,” and Schneider played a glockenspiel on “Give Me Back My Man.” During all of this, Skeletons danced and Jack-O-Lanterns laughed on the screen behind them.
The four backing musicians were dialed in and knew how to get the melody out to the crowd without overpowering the three leads. That can be tricky in a GA open-floor venue, where echo is your enemy. They particularly stood out on “Roam” and “Private Idaho.”
“Love Shack” and “Rock Lobster” came later. The campiest of the B-52s arsenal have been ubiquitous at Halloween parties for decades. Experiencing them at a Halloween party of three band’s own making is something otherworldly. And I’m sure they would take that as the highest compliment.
In the crowd, fans let their freak flags fly with costume after unique costume. There were Elvira wigs, blazers and dresses evoking the loud style of the 80s, and of course more than a few lobster hats.
Fans of the B-52s don’t just emotionally experience the music. They live it. They celebrate it, just as the music lets them celebrate themselves. Because the B-52s have a simple message: Love yourself loudly. Be yourself freely. Dance like you live in your own Private Idaho. And ALWAYS Rock Lobster!!
