Keith Strickland | |
|---|---|
 Strickland performing with the B-52s in 2008 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Julian Keith Strickland |
| Born | October 26, 1953 Athens, Georgia, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
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| Instruments |
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| Years active | 1976–present |
| Member of | The B-52s |
Julian Keith Strickland (born October 26, 1953) is an American singer-songwriter, composer, musician, multi-instrumentalist, and one of the founding members of the B-52s. He was born in Athens, Georgia.
Originally the band's drummer, Strickland switched to guitar after the death of guitarist Ricky Wilson in 1985.[1] Strickland also plays keyboards and bass guitar on many of the B-52s recordings, and has occasionally provided backing vocals. Strickland composes the music for the B-52s. He said of the process: "Ricky and I used to write the music together, but now I write the individual instrument parts and arrange the instrumental compositions myself. I'm trying to convey a feeling when I compose. I think of my instrumentals as soundscapes – the chord progressions, rhythms, harmonics and musical direction are used to evoke various sonic atmospheres or moods."[citation needed]
In 1992, Strickland came out publicly as gay,[2] and in 1996 he married Mark Hayda.[citation needed]
On December 13, 2012, Strickland retired from touring with the B-52s;[3] Fred Schneider said of Strickland's announcement, "We had known about Keith’s decision for a while but we just didn’t want to think about it. Keith will probably still be available for special shows but he wanted to get off the road. Keith will always be able to work with us whenever he wants. He's a best friend."[4] Greg Suran is his current live stand-in.
Strickland continues composing instrumental electronic music.
- ^ "The B52's Complete Bio". Archived from the original on March 7, 2007. Retrieved March 8, 2007.
- ^ Dagostino, Scott (March 5, 2008). "Bohemian Rhapsody: How some artsy queer kids in Georgia became the World's Greatest Party Band". fab magazine. Archived from the original on June 12, 2014.
…look at people like Marilyn Manson—it's just so queer anyway. Does it really matter if people come out in rock 'n' roll? Do people really care? When Melissa Etheridge came out, her next album went through the roof! I think it's just a good thing to do for your self. I came out publicly, in the press, for myself. Prior to that, I'd never been asked in the press if I was gay or not but I wanted to put it out there, just for myself.
- ^ "The four of us would like to share this message to you, from Keith". Archived from the original on December 30, 2012.
- ^ Eldredge, Richard (January 4, 2013). "Barnstorming days at an end for one B-52's member". Atlanta Magazine.