B-52s Front man Dishes on Upcoming Concert at the Fox, New Coffee, and What It Takes to Become a Legendary Party Band
By Jesse A. Hancock
Maybe it’s a little early for to think about Halloween. Most of us are just trying to stay cool during these sultry summer months, but you may want to mark your calendar for a rare party concert on Halloween weekend that you won’t want to miss!
The B-52s are coming to rock out at The Fox Theater on Friday Oct. 30, and “everyone’s invited to the party,” said lead singer Fred Schneider.
Very few bands and singers are selling out venues these days. The legendary B-52s know what it takes to get a party going and to keep it going for decades.
Almost 40 years ago, this small group of friends got together in Athens, Georgia after having drinks at a Chinese restaurant. Schneider, Kate Pierson, brother and sister Ricky and Cindy Wilson, and Keith Strickland formed the band and performed their first gig a few months later at a friend’s house.
The band is still going strong, despite some setbacks and challenges through the years, including the untimely death of Ricky Wilson from AIDS in 1985.
Schneider, at age 64 and a lifelong vegetarian, said the group still performs a few times a month and says his band mates are friends who have stayed true to who they are.
“I don’t think anyone has really changed,” said Schneider. “We all pretty much have the personalities we had back in the day. Maybe a little calmer. I realize I don’t need to dance on tables anymore, although if there is one available . . .”
David Atlanta: Let’s first talk about your upcoming concert at The Fox Theater. Of course, The Fox is such a great venue and not far from where you guys got started in Athens. How great is it to perform at The Fox, and to be back in Georgia?
Fred: I mean, who wouldn’t love to play at the Fox Theater? It’s just magnificent! I had originally requested management possibly booking it for Halloween. [October 30] is good because it’s the day before Halloween, which means people don’t have to take their kids trick-or-treating and it won’t conflict with most parties. As far as Georgia audiences, it depends. When we play Athens at the 40 Watt [Club], that’s always great. It’s always great to be back in Georgia. I’m in Atlanta a lot.
David Atlanta: In addition to B-52s big hits, will we get to hear some of your solo work or work with The Superions? How about Kate (Pierson’s) new solo songs or any of Cindy’s solo work?
Fred: I think we’ll probably do ‘Monster’ since it’s sort of Halloween-ish, and we’ll do some cover tunes. We haven’t really discussed the lineup yet, and we don’t have the opening band yet. I don’t think we’ll be doing any of Kate’s or Cindy’s work.
David Atlanta: It looks like a fairly short tour. Are you planning to add dates?
Fred: We just do a couple of shows a month. Cindy (Wilson) wanted to take July off, and I always like a vacation.
David Atlanta: Do you see a lot of fans of all ages at your shows?
Fred: Oh yeah, we always have. People are there with their kids, their grandkids . . . I mean, everyone’s invited to the party.
David Atlanta: Let’s next talk about your new coffee. It’s called ‘Fred Schneider’s Monster Blend,’ and Breyting Coffee Roaster makes it. How did this opportunity come about, and how did you come up with the ‘Monster’ blend?
Fred: First of all, it’s the best coffee you’ll ever drink. A good friend of mine who I’ve known for almost 20 years or more, is the head of Breyting, and he has been doing coffee since 2006. He called me a year or so ago and asked if I wanted to do a line of coffee, and I said, ‘Sure,’ even though I didn’t know anything about coffee except for drinking it. He has some of the best roasters in America working with him. So they sent me eight bags of coffee. I didn’t really like any of them on their own, but I put two together and came up with a blend that I really liked. We called it ‘Fred’s Monster Blend,’ inspired by my song, ‘Monster.’ It’s all organic and fair trade, and it’s grown in Laos. Women make the same pay as men. It’s excellent. People really like it.
David Atlanta: Where can people buy it? What charities benefit from the sales?
Fred: People can buy it online at www.communityroaster.com for now. We also take it to trade shows, and we’re working on bringing it to Atlanta. One of the charities it helps is C.O.P.E. Profits from the sale of the coffee also help the people of Laos, who are still suffering the aftermath of war. The money is used to rally support from corporations and governments to help more financially and to support farmers with long term trade that’s equal to or above today’s fair trade pricing.
David Atlanta: Let’s talk more about your music. There don’t seem to be any really memorable party songs these days. What does it take to create a ‘Rock Lobster’ or ‘Love Shack’?
Fred: For us, it’s the group working together. We never really think in terms of, ‘Let’s crank out a hit.’ We just like it and hope our fans like it. Luckily, boy they do! Cindy came up with ‘Deviant Ingredient,’ which is one of my favorite songs. We started out as a party band.
David Atlanta: The music industry has obviously changed a lot since you guys came onto the scene in the late 70s early 80s. Artists used to benefit from record sales. What are your thoughts about music download and streaming sites and apps like iTunes, Spotify, Pandora?
Fred: I don’t like any of the streaming services. We make no money. Nowadays you have to tour. I’ll be shaking my tired old ass for a long time. We finally came up with an album after so many years, just in time for records no longer to sell.
David Atlanta: With that in mind, what advice do you have for new artists?
Fred: You’ve got to be a YouTube sensation or really get your act together. You’ve got to be original and do benefits and just get in on things happening locally to get the exposure and experience. Or maybe take off our clothes and get in bed with three people. [Laughs]
David Atlanta: For this last set of questions, if it’s ok, let’s talk a little about some of the things that have been happening in the world this summer. I would think such an eventful time in our country’s history could give singer/songwriters plenty of inspiration and topics to write and sing about. I’ll say a topic and you say whatever comes to mind, ok?
Fred: Sure!
David Atlanta: Shark Attacks
Fred: Don’t go in the water when they’re chumming.
David Atlanta: Women’s soccer
Fred: You go, girls!
David Atlanta: The Confederate flag
Fred: Burn it!
David Atlanta: Donald Trump and the upcoming Presidential election
Fred: Burn it! No, I’m glad he’s going to suck all the oxygen out of the room with his stupid comments. I just hope they don’t pick another Mitt Romney to ruin things. The Republican Party is like a clown car where the clowns get worse and worse. And we can’t possibly have Michelle Bachmann!
David Atlanta: Caitlyn Jenner
Fred: She’s a right-winger. I don’t care. Do what you have to do.
David Atlanta: Gay Pride and being gay in 2015 in general
Fred: It’s a hell of a lot easier than when we started. It’s way easier for kids today. Kids have it so lucky today. They don’t even know.
David Atlanta: Same-sex marriage
Fred: Yea! If people want to get married, go for it. If they want to be as miserable as straight couples, why not? [Laughs]
David Atlanta: Since you guys are touring, can we expect a new B-52s album anytime?
Fred: Maybe some songs. You never know.
David Atlanta: Are you active on social media? Where can readers interact?
Fred: I’m on Facebook. I like to post rants against right-wingers and ridiculous photos. It’s Fred Schneider 3.
To order Fred’s Monster Blend coffee, go to www.communityroaster.com.
To read more about the B-52s, go to www.theB52s.com or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theb52s
The post Party ‘Monster’ appeared first on David Atlanta.