28 September 2023

28 September 2023 - The B-52's - Private Idaho

Why did a band from Georgia do a song about Idaho in 1980 - a state that they did not play in live until 2011 -  and why did they take it private?

Written by the band, the song reflects the mystery that is the state of Idaho to these beatniks from Athens, Georgia.  It's just that simple.  They didn't understand Idaho - so beautiful! so conservative!!  They kind of romanticized the state - it's not parody.   It ended up being their second Hot 100 hit, and became a dance club staple as well.

Plus, Gus Van Sant was a fan of the song - so much so that he titled a movie of his My Own Private Idaho. He first heard the song while he was visiting Idaho - apparently, they like the song the B-52's wrote for them - and the movie takes place largely in Idaho....

....unlike the band, who, as I previously stated, did not visit the state until 2011.  


Idahoans actually attended that 2011 show and took video.... of "Private Idaho" in Idaho, where you probably needed a ticket to see them live.... so, yeah, private.

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