The B-52’s have had five official members since forming in Athens, Georgia, in 1976. Four are current: Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland and Cindy Wilson. The fifth, guitarist Ricky Wilson, was a member from 1976 until his death in 1985.
The band’s hits include “Rock Lobster”, “Planet Claire”, “Private Idaho”, “Love Shack” and “Roam”. It has been nominated for three Grammy Awards. The band has also used a steady group of touring musicians, especially after Ricky Wilson’s death and since Strickland stopped touring in 2013. The official members and the main touring players are listed below.
Fred Schneider – Vocals and Percussion (1976–present)
Fred Schneider has sung and played percussion since the band formed in 1976. He is one of the three vocalists whose trade-off style defines the band’s sound.
Kate Pierson – Vocals and Keyboards (1976–present)
Kate Pierson sings and plays keyboards and percussion. She also played bass from 1976 to 1989.
Keith Strickland – Guitars and Keyboards (1976–present)
Keith Strickland was the original drummer, from 1976 to 1985. After Ricky Wilson’s death he switched permanently from drums to lead guitar, and he also plays keyboards, programming and bass and sings backing vocals. He has remained a member but has not toured with the band since 2013.
Cindy Wilson – Vocals and Percussion (1976–1990, 1996–present)
Cindy Wilson is a founding vocalist. She left in 1990 and returned in 1996, and she has been in the band since then.
Ricky Wilson – Guitar (1976–1985)
Ricky Wilson played guitars, bass and keyboards and sang in the original line-up. His membership ended with his death in 1985.
Current Touring Members
- Tracy Wormworth: bass (1992–present).
- Sterling Campbell: drums (1992–2002, 2007–present).
- Ken Maiuri: keyboards and guitars (2016–present).
- John Andrews: guitars (2023–present).
Former Touring Members
- Pat Irwin: keyboards and guitars (1989–2007).
- Zack Alford: drums (1989–1992, 2000–2007).
- Sara Lee: bass (1989–1992, 1998–2002).
- Julee Cruise: vocals and percussion (1992–1994). She died in 2022.
- Paul Gordon: keyboards and guitars (2007–2016).
- Greg Suran: guitars (2013–2022).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the original members of the B-52’s? Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, Cindy Wilson and Ricky Wilson.
- Were Cindy and Ricky Wilson related? The band’s member list does not say, so this page does not state it.
- Who played drums in the B-52’s? Keith Strickland in the early years (1976–1985). Touring drummers have included Zack Alford and Sterling Campbell.
- Who replaced Cindy Wilson in the 1990s? Julee Cruise toured with the band on vocals from 1992 to 1994.
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