It was a cold day in London when my good mate, Piers Hamilton Relly and I dragged ourselves out of our respective squats and up to Kentish Town to see one of my favourite acts. I'd first discovered The B-52's (on vinyl) back in 1979 before being conscripted into the army. Their first album, "The B-52's", was a collection of manic, eccentric and exceedingly danceable songs which also produced their most successful hit to date, namely "Rock Lobster."

A day before the concert I was lucky enough to meet Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Fred Schneider, and Keith Strickland at an autograph session at the Virgin Megastore in London's Oxford Street. Complete with bouffant wigs and campy, thrift-store clothing, The B-52's were charming, posing for photos and signing a single a CD and a poster for me.

When I saw them in 1989, the B-52's were on the return with "Cosmic Thing", their most commercially successful album to date. This unforgetable disk includes the party smash "Love Shack," "Cosmic Thing", "Roam" and "Deadbeat Club". The group's kitschiness overflowed onto the stage - it was covered with dozens of dancing daisies and sunflowers which hypnotically kept the breakneck rhythm! My God, Piers and I "danced this mess around"...and neither of us can dance! I was saturated with sweat, and maintained my fluid level with a constant flow of Newcastle Brown Ale! We were in the heart of the "mosh pit" and I had more fun than I've had in any other concert I can remember! I certainly lost a few kilos that night.

"Good Stuff" to be sure and one of the best sing and dance-along concerts I've ever attended. I hope I have the opportunity to see them again.

iMusic Bulletin Board: The B-52's