The B-52’s are in the midst of celebrating 35 years together and what a better way to celebrate than to be touring? The band stopped at the Seneca Allegany Casino this past Sunday for a show reminiscent of days past. Still consisting of original members Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson and Keith Strickland, the band performed a variety of songs from their catalog for an hour and 15 minute set. What I was impressed with was the band they had backing them, which consisted of: bassist Tracy Wormworth, drummer Sterling Cambell and guitarist Paul Gordon. This backing outfit was a very solid foundation which let the B’52’s do what they do best. The vocals seemed a little low and Gordon handled almost all of the leads while Strickland’s guitar was also hard to hear as well. Both Pierson, who still looks amazing at age 64, and Wilson were both very interactive with the crowd throughout their set.
Right after the opening track “Eyes wide Open,” the crowd funneled right to the front of the stage to dance their little hearts out for the rest of the set. Wilson and Pierson handled all the vocals duties for both “Roam” and ’52 Girls.” The band placed a heavy concentration on material from their 2008 release “Funplex,” playing 5 cuts from it and additionally playing 4 tracks from their self-titled debut release.
I personally can’t believe the B-52’s have been around that long but it shows the band has stood the test of time. Judging by the crowd’s reaction on Sunday night, all that matters is that the B-52’s are still performing and their fans are able to have a good time listening and dancing to it!
Set List:
Eyes Wide Open
Mesopotamia
Lava
Give Me Back my Man
Funplex
Roam
52 Girls
Love in the Year 3000
Too Much to Think About
Hot Corner
Whammy Kiss
Love Shack
Encore:
Planet Claire
Party Out of Bounds
Rock Lobster
We would like to thank Tony Astran from the Seneca Niagara Casino for allowing BackstageAxxess to review the show.
