Frederick William Schneider III is an American singer-songwriter and frontman of the rock band the B-52's, of which he is a founding member. Schneider is well known for his sprechgesang, which he developed from reciting poetry over guitars.
Schneider performing in 2009
Schneider with The B-52's
The B-52s, originally presented as the B-52's, are an American new wave band formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1976. The original lineup consisted of Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Ricky Wilson (guitar), and Keith Strickland. Ricky Wilson died of AIDS-related illness in 1985, and Strickland switched from drums to lead guitar. The band has also added various members for albums and live performances.
The B-52s performing live in Athens, Georgia, on February 18, 2011. Left to right, top to bottom: Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, Cindy Wilson, Keith Strickland
The B-52's in a 1980 publicity shot
Pierson and Schneider in Boston during the Cosmic Thing tour, 1989