60 Seconds With . . . The B-52’s Fred Schneider

“Rock Lobster” and “Love Shack” are as much a part of party culture as Cheetos. Now the purveyors of those favors, Athens, Ga., quartet the B-52’s, are emerging with their first new album in 16 years. “Funplex” won’t be out until Feb. 26, but fans can get a preview of six or seven songs when Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, Cindy Wilson and Fred Schneider (below) play the Roxy on Friday.

WITH THE LONG BREAK BETWEEN RECORDS, DID IT ALMOST FEEL LIKE A NEW BEGINNING?

Oh, yeah. And I wanted to do something different. I didn’t want to do just another B-52’s record. I’ve been listening to a lot of electronic stuff and I really gravitate toward percussion more than other things. Keith just came up with great music that combines all the elements. And we all arranged it, structured the songs. And luckily it went a lot faster. We were able to write a song every time we went to Georgia. And the songs are really amazing I think.

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DO YOU LOOK AT FOOTAGE OF YOURSELVES ON YOUTUBE?

If it’s ridiculous -- which a lot of it is, like people jitterbugging. But there’s a lot of good early stuff, like from 1978 from a show at a club in Atlanta. [Overall,] we weren’t as well-documented as a lot of other bands.

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WHEN YOU SEE THAT FOOTAGE HOW MUCH DO YOU FIND YOU’VE CHANGED MUSICALLY?

We’re a lot more dynamic now. Back then we were starting out and basically we were not that comfortable in front of an audience. And if something went wrong we’d either stand there and wait or I would recite poetry or something that didn’t make any sense. But we’re much more dynamic, the music is more complex, and we’re a lot better. That’s for sure.

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YOU HAVE PLAYED TO TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, SO WHAT IT’S LIKE TO GET BACK TO THE SWEATY, SMALL CONFINES OF A CLUB THE SIZE OF THE ROXY?

Well, you’re right there, the audience is in your face and we’re in their face, so it’s gotta be good.

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DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE VENUE TO PLAY IN L.A.?

The Greek Theatre. I like places like that. They’re big, but they’re not too big and it’s an enjoyable experience for the audience and the band because it’s comfortable and a beautiful setting.

-- Steve Baltin

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