DO THE MESS AROUND

The B-52’s recent opening slot at the Police’s final show was a delightful study in rock-‘n’-soul persistence—the Athens, Georgia–spawned group’s irrepressible spirit and warm togetherness spreading through the Garden in stark contrast to the well-known bitterness of the headliners. The beautiful, bodacious Kate Pierson with her bredren and sistagirls raced joyously through the now-quartet’s classics from “Private Idaho” to “Roam” without resentment nor traces of rancor, proving both that rockers can age gracefully and the long-dimmed spark of late-’70s Downtown culture still has some vital energy. Since many know the group for their creative channeling of Cold War pop aesthetics, what more perfect night out for the All Hallows’ Eve weekend could there be? High time to dust off them go-go boots! With Special Disco Version featuring James Murphy & Pat Mahoney (LCD Soundsystem/DFA) and Hercules & Love Affair.

Sat., Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m., 2008