Song for an 80s generation

MUSIC: The B-52s and the Proclaimers. Enmore Theatre, Sydney. November 25.

MUSIC: The B-52s and the Proclaimers. Enmore Theatre, Sydney. November 25.

THE B-52s have been billing themselves as the world's best party band for more than three decades, and with their big wigs, wacky tunes and goofball dance moves -- all of which sit comfortably within the band's friendly brand of psychedelia -- their credentials as dance-floor favourites are impressive.

The B-52s formed in 1976 in Athens, Georgia, also the birthplace of REM, and the distinctive vocal harmonies of Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson remain the band's strength.

That, and the magical power of Love Shack, which can lure even the most jive-resistant wedding guest to the dance floor.

And so it was at Sydney's Enmore Theatre, where 2000 fans cheered, sang and daggy-danced their way through a 90-minute set laden with the band's greatest hits. Some initial sound problems and an uninspiring stage design weren't helped by a less than dynamic rendition of Mesopotamia early in the set, but Pierson, 61, and Wilson, 52, soon got the party started with a scorching version of Private Idaho.

The pair's soaring harmonies were perhaps best on show in the band's 1990 classic Roam, given added grunt courtesy of Keith Strickland's jangling guitar.

At times, lead singer Fred Schneider appeared less energetic than Wilson and Pierson, but he didn't disappoint when leading from the front with a rousing performance of Love Shack.

Before signing off with a crowd-pleasing version of their breakthrough 1979 hit Rock Lobster, Schneider thanked fans for coming to see a band from a country "whose contribution to popular culture includes daytime TV, heart-stopping burgers and shopping malls".

And, of course, the B-52s.

Earlier in the night, Scottish band the Proclaimers -- responsible for one of the 20th century's most annoying or most delightful songs, depending on your view: I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) -- gave a typically joyous performance. Led by identical twin brothers Charlie and Craig Reid, the band thrilled punters, some of whom had turned up in kilts, with a beautiful version of their 1988 ballad Sunshine on Leith, followed by their second biggest Australian hit, On My Way.

But the highlight of the night was unquestionably the band's raucous interpretation of I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles).

Hearing 2000 Australian accents attempting to mimic the distinctive Scottish brogue of the Reid brothers was both hilarious and an assault on the senses.

And for four brilliant minutes, the song wasn't annoying at all.

Tomorrow, Yarra Valley, Victoria; Sunday, Bowral, NSW; December 2, Geelong; December 3, Melbourne; December 5, Barossa Valley; December 6, Swan Valley, WA