The B-52s

On 25 June 2026, at TivoliVredenburg in Utrecht, The B-52s bring their idiosyncratic mix of new wave, danceable rock and retro pop to the stage. The outfit from Athens, Georgia, built a sound from the late 1970s onward around staccato rhythms, surf-tinged guitars, bright keyboards and vocals that shift between spoken-sung delivery, harmonies and stylized cries. "Rock Lobster" set the tone, followed by albums such as The B-52’s and Wild Planet; later the repertoire moved toward pop and groove with Cosmic Thing.

Live, this sounds like compact, dance-oriented songs with call-and-response, the joint vocals of Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson, and keyboard lines that carry the melody while the guitar stays sharp. The set weaves cult favorites with later singles, with that characteristic blend of humour, retro references and rhythms that invite movement. Without grandiose display, it’s all about energy, hooks and a playful aesthetic that have made the band recognizable for decades.