The B-52’s with Ricky Wilson (Image: Imdb)
For fans of The B-52’s, the vibrant, quirky, and undeniably danceable sound of the band is instantly recognizable. Central to this unique sonic signature was the distinctive guitar work of Ricky Wilson. More than just a guitarist, Wilson was a key composer and the architect of the band’s otherworldly, surf-infused New Wave sound. His untimely death on October 12, 1985, due to AIDS, marked a profound loss for the Athens, Georgia group, both personally and musically.
While Cindy Wilson, Kate Pierson, and Fred Schneider commanded the stage with their flamboyant personalities and iconic beehive hairdos, it was Ricky Wilson’s guitar that anchored The B-52’s distinctive musical landscape. His often minor-key surf guitar licks, combined with cheesy Farfisa organ riffs and the band’s signature call-and-response vocals, created a sonic universe that was both whimsical and deeply engaging. To truly understand The B-52’s, one must delve into the innovative and unconventional guitar style of Ricky Wilson.
Ricky Wilson’s approach to the guitar was anything but conventional. He famously played a Mosrite guitar, a choice that itself speaks to his penchant for the unique and slightly offbeat. More importantly, he was known for his distinctive open tunings. Rejecting standard guitar orthodoxy, Wilson tuned his guitar by ear, seeking out sounds that resonated with him. In his own words, he would “just tune the strings ‘til I hear something I like, and then something comes out.” Remarkably, he often played with only four or five strings, further contributing to his minimalist yet impactful style. He didn’t write down his tunings, relying purely on his ear and intuition, a testament to his deeply personal and sonic-driven approach to guitar playing.
This intuitive approach led to a guitar style that was both deceptively simple and incredibly innovative. Some critics and fellow musicians place Ricky Wilson in the same pantheon of post-punk guitar innovators as Keith Levene of Public Image Ltd (PiL) and Andy Gill of Gang of Four. While perhaps not as technically flashy as some of his contemporaries, Wilson’s genius lay in his ability to create instantly memorable and atmospheric guitar lines that perfectly complemented The B-52’s playful and often eccentric aesthetic. When asked about his influences, Wilson listed “Children’s records, The Mamas & The Papas, Escarita & The Voola,” a diverse and eclectic mix that hints at the wide range of sounds that informed his unique guitar voice.
Wilson’s guitar work was not about virtuosity in the traditional sense; it was about crafting the perfect sonic texture for each song. His signature sound often featured a twangy, surf-rock inspired tone, achieved through his Mosrite guitar and unique tunings. However, he also incorporated elements of garage rock, spy movie soundtracks, and even children’s music, creating a sonic melting pot that was distinctly B-52’s. His use of minor keys often added a touch of melancholy or mystery to the band’s upbeat party anthems, creating a fascinating and complex emotional landscape within their music.
The album Bouncing Off the Satellites, recorded in 1985, stands as Ricky Wilson’s final recorded contribution to The B-52’s. Tragically, Wilson was already battling AIDS during the recording sessions. He played on four of the album’s tracks, with drummer Keith Strickland, a close friend and musical confidant, stepping in to learn Wilson’s distinctive style and complete the guitar parts on the remaining six songs. Bouncing Off the Satellites wasn’t released until 1986, after Wilson’s death, and became a poignant, bittersweet testament to his enduring musical legacy. The album showcases the last glimpses of Wilson’s guitar genius, subtly interwoven with Strickland’s respectful interpretation of his style, marking a transitional moment for the band.
Keith Strickland’s role in completing Bouncing Off the Satellites highlights the deep musical connection between him and Ricky Wilson. Their friendship and musical partnership predated The B-52’s, going back to their time in a pre-B’s band called Black Narcissus from 1969 to 1971. Strickland was not only a bandmate but also one of Wilson’s closest confidantes, being the only member of The B-52’s who knew about Wilson’s illness during his final months. This trust and shared history underscore the profound impact Wilson had on those around him, both personally and musically.
Following Ricky Wilson’s death, The B-52’s faced an uncertain future. As Strickland recounted in a 2019 interview, “We felt that the band was finished. We couldn’t imagine continuing without him.” However, the band eventually decided to carry on, a testament to their resilience and the enduring power of their music. Strickland, having absorbed Wilson’s guitar style, transitioned to guitar, while Zack Alford joined on drums.
In 1989, The B-52’s re-emerged with Cosmic Thing, a remarkably upbeat and successful album that signaled their return and their determination to continue. While the shadow of Ricky Wilson’s absence was undeniable, the band channeled their grief and loss into creative energy. As Fred Schneider explained in a 1989 interview, “After Ricky died, we didn’t know what we were going to do because it was such a loss…We didn’t know if we could replace Ricky and everybody was just so devastated…” However, through jamming and collaboration, particularly with Strickland taking on guitar duties, they found a way to move forward, creating new music that honored Wilson’s spirit while forging a new path for the band.
The B-52’s with Ricky Wilson (Image: Imdb)
Cosmic Thing produced hits like “Roam” and “Love Shack,” proving that The B-52’s could still create infectious and uplifting music, even in the face of tragedy. Schneider reflected on their approach to the album, stating, “Well, we didn’t want it to be sad at all…We had been through all the grief and we’re still grieving — we’re still depressed and whatever — but we didn’t want that to carry over into the music.” This conscious decision to focus on the positive and celebrate life, even in the midst of loss, is a defining characteristic of The B-52’s and a testament to Ricky Wilson’s enduring influence.
Cindy Wilson poignantly captured the personal impact of her brother’s absence and the band’s journey forward: “Not having Ricky behind me was really scary…I didn’t think I could live without Ricky. Cosmic Thing was a blessing. We went from the small band to the big band.” The addition of bassist Sara Lee and keyboardist Pat Irwin further expanded their sound in the post-Ricky Wilson era, solidifying their status as a “powerhouse” live act.
Even as The B-52’s evolved and expanded their sound, the essence of Ricky Wilson’s guitar style remained a foundational element of their musical identity. His unconventional approach, his signature Mosrite guitar, and his intuitive open tunings continue to inspire guitarists and music fans alike. Ricky Wilson’s legacy is not just as a guitarist in a band, but as a sonic innovator who helped define the sound of a generation. He proved that guitar playing could be about more than technical proficiency; it could be about creating atmosphere, evoking emotion, and crafting a truly unique and unforgettable sonic world. The B-52’s music, forever intertwined with the distinctive guitar of Ricky Wilson, continues to be a testament to his enduring artistry.
