The B-52s Get A Star On Hollywood Boulevard

The B-52s (with Ron Frierson)

I've lived in Los Angeles for nearly three decades and had never been to see the unveiling of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Until today. The B-52s, the most fun band in the entire galaxy, perhaps the universe (even those on Planet Claire and Wild Planet know it to be true), were honored with a star (aren't you a bit surprised that they didn't already have one?). Hell, this band should get an entire constellation, but for now one star will suffice. Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson and Keith Strickland were all on hand for the celebration, and were joined by members of The Go-Go's, as well as by Fred Armisen. 

Jane Wiedlin

Members of The Go-Go's showed up a little early, which got the crowd excited. Jane Wiedlin was sporting her purple hair, forever the cool punk. How could you not love her? How could you not love that band? And from the cheers and shouts from the crowd, it was clear that everyone there certainly did. The Go-Go's soon disappeared, going to whatever green room had been set up for them. The B-52s, through their social media sites, had encouraged folks to dress up for the occasion, and many people did. One guy near me was wearing a Rock Lobster hat. (That lobster might have begun its existence as a regular ol' plastic lobster, but once it was attached to a captain's hat and brought to this event, it was forevermore a Rock Lobster.) Others were in bright clothes, and even brighter wigs.  The event took place just outside of Amoeba, which seemed perfect. I still prefer Amoeba's old location, but The B-52s star being here now actually makes Amoeba's location fitting, rather than Amoeba being there making the location of the star fitting. Right? It was also fitting that this took place just before Halloween, the best and most fun holiday of the year, the day when things are supposed to get more than a little weird. 

Richard Blade

Richard Blade, who acted as Master of Ceremonies, welcomed the crowd approximately ten minutes early, mentioning the perfect weather (before the coming rain of the weekend). And when his pages blew off the podium, he joked about reading them in a different order. Then right at 11:30 a.m., Ron Frierson, the President of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, said, "Welcome to the Love Shack," which delighted the audience. He introduced Richard Blade, who had received his own star a couple of years ago. Richard mentioned that in his speech. "And I was like, What about these guys?" he said, referring to The B-52s. He listed some of the band's accomplishments and charity work, and said that if you put a needle down on that first B-52s record, "you went to a different planet." True. Though I like to think that it rather made this planet something better, something more interesting, and, again, something more fun. Richard also joked about the band's farewell tour that began in 2022 and "continues to this day."

Kate arrives

The Go-Go's

Three members of The Go-Go's (Jane Wiedlin, Charlotte Caffey and Gina Schock) took the stage, each speaking about the band and its influence. Charlotte said, "If rock and roll was a family, The B-52s would be The Go-Go's' favorite cousins. "Thank you for making the world a better, whackier place," Jane said. And Fred Armisen, whom I once got to see play percussion for Jon Langford and Sally Timms, spoke of his love for the band and about how seeing The B-52s changed the course of his life. Richard Blade took the stage again to deliver a personal note about his love for the band, relating an anecdote about when he first played the band on the radio, amid the music of Toto, Journey and Christopher Cross. That song was "Dance This Mess Around." And he mentioned that whenever he's acting as DJ at a private event, he has certain songs he knows will pull people onto the dance floor. A couple whose wedding he did was in the audience, and he brought the microphone out so the husband could announce that the final song at his wedding reception was "Rock Lobster."

Fred Armisen

Richard Blade with married couple

Ron Frierson introduced The B-52s, and each member took a few moments to speak to the crowd. Kate Pierson thanked the band's collaborators and the musicians who have joined them. Keith Strickland thanked friends and fans for their support, and quoted Maurice White's "Shining Star": "You're a shining star/No matter who you are/Shining bright to see/What you can truly be." Fred Schneider joked about having no marketable skills, and received a giant cheer when he said, "We're still going." He mentioned they'll be playing a show at the Hollywood Bowl next year. And Cindy Wilson teared up when talking about Ricky Wilson. Ron Frierson then declared today to be B-52s Day in Hollywood, and the star was unveiled. The B-52s certainly deserve their spot on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Theirs is the 2,861st star presented. Now let's see about getting this band another three or four stars for their deserved constellation.

Kate Pierson

Keith Strickland

Fred Schneider

Cindy Wilson

You can find the star at 6212 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles.