The performance was at the Persad Underwriter's Circle Cocktail Party and was enthusiastically received. This was followed by an appearance at the Pittsburgh Pride festival in June 2013 before a cheering crowd of several thousand. The Persad show had generated a buzz but the Pride performance really put the band on the map, and the offers have been flowing in ever since.
The Re-52's have forged a close relationship with Persad--a Pittsburgh-based human-service organization that works to improve the well-being of the LGBTQ communities and the HIV/AIDS community--and donate a part of the proceeds from all their shows to the nonprofit. This commitment is a tribute to the B-52s' founding guitarist, Ricky Wilson, who died in 1985 of AIDS/HIV-related health complications. Honoring Ricky Wilson in this way is the band's way of paying back the B-52's for borrowing their songs and personas.
The Re-52's don't pretend to be an exact copy of The B-52's - that would be impossible. What they're trying to capture is a feeling, a certain spirit that lives in the B-52s' music: a warm inclusiveness, a gleeful insanity, a wild abandon. So that you can share in it, whoever you are or wherever you come from.
PERSAD Thanks to PERSAD; the PERSAD CENTER is dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people and those affected by HIV/AIDS. Through outreach, prevention, counseling, training and advocacy services, PERSAD builds stronger, safer, healthier communities.
Jezebel Bebbington D'opulence What's that on our heads? Jezebel works all over the tri-state area, performing and making the world a prettier place, one WIG at a time. Catch Jezebel at The Link Nightclub in Irwin, Pa, celebrating 10 years of LGBT fun.
Eon's Fashion Antique Re-Kate got her WIG at the Eon's Shoppe with a purse to match. Re-Cindy was really jealous, but you don't have to be. There is always some vintage that's new at Eon's.
John Colombo John Colombo is a photographer and has been a fan of the B-52's since 1979. He is extremely excited to be working with the Re-52's. John specializes in portrait, wedding, and event photography.