The B-52s emerged in Athens, Georgia in 1976 as new wave icons who brought their unique blend of eccentric style and quirky vocals along with timeless party anthems to the music world. The original members, Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson and Keith Strickland created music that blended surf rock with punk elements and dance beats through their distinctive underground sound during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

The world discovered "Rock Lobster" through their debut album in 1979 which established their signature playful, energetic musical style. The band achieved greater popularity through their successive albums starting with Wild Planet (1980) and Whammy! (1983) which included the popular songs "Private Idaho" and "Legal Tender."