B-52s' Fred Schneider: Gay, Proud, and on the Comeback Trail

By Sam Brand Posted Feb 22nd 2010 06:37PM

The second most-famous cowbell player in the world (behind Will Ferrell's Gene Frenkle, of course) took to 'The Howard Stern Show' Monday morning to promote his new rock and roll venture The Superions. But you better believe Howard pulled more than the standard PR schlock from the 58-year-old frontman of the B-52s. Among other fun revelations, Schneider reminisced on breaking the news to his mother that he's gay...

"Back then no one even knew what they were," the mastermind behind 'Love Shack' told Howard of his sexual orientation. "You became gay in the '70s."

Schneider's mother always knew more about her son than he knew about himself. He came out of the closet while she was vacuum-cleaning. "Oh I know, Freddie," she said, and continued vacuuming without missing a beat.

"It's like, well, OK. I guess I'll go back outside and smoke some pot."

Fred still tours with the B-52s, performing upwards of fifty shows a year with old bandmates Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson and Keith Strickland.

"I'm not wealthy," he told Howard. "We only started making money after 'Cosmic Thing'" – the band's fifth album, released in 1989 that featured singles 'Love Shack,' 'Roam,' and '(Shake That) Cosmic Thing.'

"I live pretty modestly. I'm not broke, but I can't retire," Schneider said.

Which maybe explains the existence of his new spunky musical venture, The Superions. According to their MySpace profile, The Superions are the "most exciting group to hit the music scene since Elvis or Lady Gaga." While that's a little farfetched, they are exciting, or at least off-the-wall, much like their famous New Wave forebearers.

As you can tell from lead single 'Who Threw That Ham At Me,' it's the kind of music that aims to make you cringe, laugh, dance and if sufficiently coordinated, do all at once.

Simply cringing might suffice.

Tags: b-52s, fred schnieder, howard stern, love shack

Comments

(45)

Monday 22 February

By stellandbones

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Freds back! I have always loved the B 52's. I wish him luck. For the record Planet Claire is my favorite song of all time. Rock Lobster second.

By Val

There are so many B52 songs I love. Fred is so unique - I love his voice, I love how he is in the videos. Yay Fred - love that you're gay too! Fred and all the B52's rock!!!!

Tuesday 23 February

By Fred

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boy, just what we need--another Freddie Mercury.

By Thom Koszonjuk

I mean, most fans of the B52s don't give a rip about their sexual orientation; Ricky was gay (and rocked!!) I've been a DJ for 20 years, I'm a straight male and yessir, the B52s are, were and always will be a great group and I wish Fred the best!!

Oh yeah, Stella don't forget about "Dirty Back Road" and "Private Idaho" from Wild Planet and "Deadbeat Club" from Cosmic Thing!!

By Bill Maguire

Quiche Luaraine, Now there's a great song. Gay or not, it's funny as hell.

By lvizbded

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Must have gotten book for the 2011 super bowl halftime show.

By Bill maguire

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Thats if Engelbert Humperdink isn't available. The B-52s might be too "relavent" an act for the superbowl.

By Ed

What a Chit Band

By WFD

WHAT THE BUCK!

By Jimmy

Yet another CLASSIC interview by The King of ALL Media. Man, only Howard Stern can take a guy like Fred Schneider (no offense), and make him unbelievably interesting. Howard proves time and time again why he gets paid the big bucks. By the way, when is FOX going to cut Howard a check for generating all the discussion on American Idol. I mean, if it wasn't for the speculation that Howard might take Simon's place, the only time you would ever hear about American Idol is during the show, and near the water cooler at work the following day. Instead, all you hear about is "HOWARD STERN" coupled with "American Idol." Props to you Howie, making dull people interesting once again.

By the way, what a crappy song. But kudos for going on Howard!

By john

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Disco is back? After listening and watching this video of "the ham" song, It will not leave my brain. I'm gonna give in and buy it. Fred is too iconic to ever ignore.

By msinformation

He ain't no limberger that's for sure.Wish someone would dance this mess around at 57.

By supertwink

Howard's show has gotten somewhat stale overall, but his interviews with great guests like Fred Schneider remain excellent. Howard is still the King of all Interviewers. Larry King- your interviews are feeble, at best (if you can even remember your guest's name: ask Ringo or Fran Drescher about that!)

By HandyHandyHandy

Agreed. Howard bores me to tears unless he is interviewing a guest...a real guest, not another boring orgasmic "Miss Stern" winner. Those have gotten to be really old and repetitive - just like Howard. I think he is bored with his show, and it SHOWS. Great interview with Fred though, I will happily admit.

By Jerry

I loved the B-52s, and I have the greatest respect for Fred Schneider...but that was awful!

By Vasu Murti

I saw the Pretenders and the B-52s in concert in the summer of 1998 at the Shoreline Ampitheater in Mountain View, CA. I didn't know Fred Schneider was gay, but I do like a lot of the B-52's music...especially after learning some of the band members are vegetarian.

By The Be Sharps-52s

Oh, so that song Rock Lobster was about AIDS or sumpthin' (Huell Howser voice)really gayyyyy!

By jimmythehamthrower

Swish that wrist, Fred!

We all knew all along! And we love ya! Hope you can retire soon and build a car collection like Jay Leno!

LOL!

By judie

Are there any straight left out there. Is it me or does the pickin's seem slimmer and slimmer....lol

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