Only drummer and composer Strickland — who would later take over guitar duties for the band, teaching himself Ricky’s distinctive, three-string, spy-movie-sonics style — was aware of Ricky’s illness ...

For nearly 50 years, The B-52s have been a cultural staple, with buoyant beats that have enamored generations. The band is currently in the middle of a residency at the Venetian Theater in Las Vegas, ...