The B-52s
ListenRock Lobster / 52 Girls · 1978
The B-52s — original DB-52 single recordings, 1978.
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1978 · DB Recs
Rock Lobster / 52 Girls
The B-52s began by making their own fun in Athens, Georgia. Their first single carried that spirit beyond the parties and improvised jams: “Rock Lobster” and “52 Girls,” issued by their friend Danny Beard in 1978. [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0125 |
|---|---|
| Artist | The B-52's |
| Release | 1978 · United States |
| Label | DB Recs · DB-52 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | U.S. commercial issue · blue sleeve |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | E− |
Release history and significance
Kate Pierson recalled the band’s first jam following a shared flaming-volcano drink. With few places to play locally, they developed songs together and took their tape to New York. CBGB rejected it; Max’s Kansas City offered them a show. Ricky and Cindy Wilson’s parents helped by lending the group a station wagon. [1]
The musicians were giving up ordinary jobs and scraping by on performances when Beard put out the single. Its success helped bring the record-company offers that followed. Pierson also identified Yoko Ono’s experimental singing as a direct influence on the vocal sounds in “Rock Lobster.” [1]
DB-52 preserves the original independent recordings, preceding the band’s major-label debut. The blue sleeve gives the El Dorado Restaurant contact address and credits Kevin Dunn and the B-52s as producers. [2]
Market context
Discogs lists a median sale price of US$107.43 for the blue-sleeve DB-52 reference edition, as checked on 13 September 2026. [2]
Physical Description
A DB Recs DB-52 seven-inch in the blue sleeve associated with the first U.S. issue. The sleeve is printed in blue on both sides and gives the El Dorado Restaurant address. [2]
Condition
Graded E−. The seller described the vinyl as NM or M− with no marks, and the sleeve as VG+. Reported sleeve wear includes small tack holes in two corners, light ringwear, browning at the edges and slight creasing along the opening.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs Marketplace on 22 June 2026.
Sources
- Ken Sharp interviews Kate Pierson, Rock Cellar, 9 November 2018. Athens beginnings, early travel, Danny Beard and the first single.
- Discogs, The B-52s, release 3780364. Blue-sleeve DB-52 reference, credits, packaging and sales history.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.