Ricky helton wilson guitar tuning

American guitarist (1953–1985)

This article is about the member of the B-52s. For the member of Kaiser Chiefs, see Ricky Wilson (singer).

Musical artist

Ricky Helton Wilson (March 19, 1953 – October 12, 1985) was an American musician best known as the original guitarist and founding member of rock band the B-52s.

Born in Athens, Georgia, Wilson was the brother of fellow member Cindy Wilson. The B-52s were founded in 1976, when Ricky, Cindy, Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland and Fred Schneider shared a tropical flaming volcano drink at a Chinese restaurant and, after an impromptu music session at the home of their friend Owen Scott III, played for the first time at a Valentine's Day party for friends.^[2] Wilson's unusual guitar tunings were a large contribution to the band's quirky sound.^[3]

On October 12, 1985, at the age of 32, Wilson died from complications related to AIDS following the recording of the band's fourth studio album