B-52s Rouse the Crowd at California Casino Gig

Those attending the B-52s' show at the Chumash Casino in Santa Ynez, Calif. Friday night were greeted with two faux crustaceans measuring five feet in height.

They were there to advertise an all-you-can-eat seafood night, but they symbolized more than heaping plates of food. After all, the song 'Rock Lobster' kicked off the campy alt rockers' career more than three decades ago. And, fittingly, that Yoko Ono-inspired tune concluded the band's set Friday, capping off the show with an Ono-like scream.

"Are we going there, Fred?" band member Kate Pierson asked beforehand.

Fred Schneider, the band's quirky front man, then answered, "Yeah -- let's go to Chumash Beach!" leading into Keith Strickland's surfy guitar intro.

Crowds at the casino are typically more reserved. But the B-52s, who recently discussed coping with the death of guitarist Ricky Wilson with Spinner, had them dancing in the aisles, particularly during their signature hit 'Love Shack.'

Pierson is now 61, but on stage she appeared ageless, performing 'Beach Blanket Bingo'-style dances through songs like 'Funplex,' 'Roam' and 'Private Idaho.' She teamed up with Cindy Wilson to belt out the loud, high-pitched harmonies that mark the band's signature sound. Meanwhile, Strickland offered up loud surf licks, including a snippet of Jimi Hendrix's 'Third Stone From the Sun,' which led into 'Planet Claire.' 'Love Shack' was extended with a Strickland guitar solo.

Not long after appearing on Howard Stern's satellite radio show, Schneider appeared in a Stern-like wig for 'Party Out of Bands,' concluding with, "That is a rock star wig!"

Armed with cowbell, slide whistle and an illuminated tambourine, Schneider offered nods to the casino crowd, starting with, "Welcome to all you wonderful gamblers!," and later adding, "Speaking of sinners, drinkers, and gamblers, I'd like to introduce the band!"

The B-52s on AOL Music