The B-52s, R.E.M. legend endorse 'Rock Lobsters' as name of Athens pro hockey team
The 'Rock Lobsters' name chosen for Athens' new pro hockey team received ringing endorsements across social media Wednesday after the team revealed the music-themed nickname.
The name comes from a 1978 song of the same title from Athens new wave band The B-52s, which lobbied for the team name on its social media platforms in April during a community vote.
The B-52s on Wednesday showed elation on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on its Instagram account after the announcement.
R.E.M. bassist Mike Mills also approved of the name although the city's most recognizable band wasn't in the mix for a team name like Classic City Panic, a nod toward jam band Widespread Panic.
Mills took to X to endorse the Rock Lobsters name.
Classic City Panic would have been good as well, but this is a #win! https://t.co/irSVO19Sjx
— Sweet Daddy Cool ✌️🇺🇦 🌸⚾️🇨🇦 (@m_millsey) May 16, 2024
Famous music venue 40-Watt Club, for which R.E.M. played on its way to fame, posted its excitement for the team's nickname.
GO ROCK LOBSTERS!
CLAWS UP!!!— 40 Watt Club (@40WattAthens) May 15, 2024
The Rock Lobsters open their inaugural season in October and play in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, an 11-team alliance along the East Coast.
Athens mayor Kelly Girtz indicated Wednesday on X that his vote went toward the Rock Lobsters.
Glad to be one little vote toward making this happen! pic.twitter.com/pHrJLitHKy
— Kelly Girtz (@kellygirtz) May 15, 2024
Many on social media were giddy about the possibility of Rock Lobsters merchandise that will soon make its way onto the market. Others were simply excited that hockey is coming to Athens.
More responses to Athens Rock Lobsters
Athens Rock Lobsters. The merch, y’all! The merch! https://t.co/TotraSPmni
— Charles N Davis (@GradyDeanUGA) May 15, 2024
When it comes to naming a team, I've never seen unanimous support for a nickname like I saw for 'Rock Lobsters'. Hockey in Athens should be fun. 🦞🏒 https://t.co/CtcIYCNbqm
— 𝙆𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙣 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙮 (@KevinTroyGA) May 15, 2024
I love Panic as much as the next, but I’m ALL FOR the Rock Lobsters!!🦞
— Ginny Lee Ledford (@ginledford) May 16, 2024
Rock lobsters is a such a sick name https://t.co/5uV3A7uAHt
— Blue Cain’s Burner (@CainMakeitRain) May 9, 2024
Athens naming their new hockey team the Rock Lobsters is excellent, and also better than all of the possible names for the Utah hockey team.
— David (@schaalfan) May 16, 2024
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: B-52s, R.E.M. legend endorse Rock Lobsters for Athens hockey team name
