Originally from Athens, Georgia, The B-52s emerged in the late 1970s. In spite of their limited musical background, Kate Pierson (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Cindy Wilson (vocals, percussion), Fred Schneider (vocals, guitar, keyboard), Ricky Wilson (guitar) and Keith Strickland (drums) produced a refreshing debut album. Featuring the hits Rock Lobster and Planet Claire, it demonstrates three of the group main attributes: inimitable style, a sense of the absurd and unbridled energy. Following Ricky Wilson's death in 1985, The B-52s took a break from performing, but made a comeback four years later with Cosmic Thing. Since then, the group has maintained its reputation for being a great party band. Funplex, their first disc in 16 years, was released in 2008.