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DEVO on Tour
Often misunderstood, but nevertheless iconic, new-wave synth band DEVO is back for their 2022 tour, marking their first tour across the United States in eight years. Known best for the smash hit "Whip It" (1980), the Akron, Ohio, band is slated to hit four cities across the country. The band has released 11 studio albums, with their debut, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO! coming from Warner Bros label in 1978. They would go on to release five albums in the next five years; however, none were able to capture a mainstream audience like their debut. "Whip It" reached as high as No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the accompanying music video was received as a culture shock to the system, sending waves through the MTV generation, which elevated the band's fame. DEVO is heralded by their fans for concert performances that deliver high energy, alluring visual effects and innovative music from decades ago that still feels fresh.
DEVO in Concert
Musicians Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh were friends at Kent State University in the 1970s. The art majors, and another acquaintance, Bob Lewis, who was band-member-turned-manager became friends through a similar dark social humor that was often unconventional and offbeat. They agreed on a philosophy that society had actually been undergoing a "de-evolution" that rejected individuality or quirkiness. Thus, the robo-rhythmic group DEVO was born in the late 1970s, and with it a genre of new wave techno-pop. The group had their breakthrough with the film score for the local short, The Truth About De-Evolution, winning First Prize at the 1976 Ann Arbor Film Festival. In attendance at the festival were David Bowie and Iggy Pop, who helped DEVO secure a label contract with Warner Bros. Although their debut album caught on as an underground success, the group was also met with pushback. Some saw the band's non-conformist style as threatening. Rolling Stone magazine even labeled the group as fascists in an initial review of the album. Despite this, their third album, Freedom of Choice, and its premier single "Whip It" catapulted the group into the forefront of pop music as it was one of the most successful singles of 1980.
this is my sixth Devo concert and they never cease to put on an amazing performance. as a band, they are as tight as ever and play with such energy. it is obvious they still have a great time up there. do yourself as favor and bring the family, your girlfriend or grandparents and boogie with boogie-boy!!!
I was a huge fan back in the 80s and have listened to their first 4 album extensively. Now, in 2011, they were able to reproduce, even surpass, the muscianship and energy they exhibited on those early recordings. Amazing. One of the best shows I've attended and I've seen a lot of bands.
I really liked English Beat. Devo was good too. Would go and see again
The venue was an interesting one. It was a small space, which was great, however it seemed more suited to a corporate conference or a motivational speaker rather than a concert. The chairs were probably the most comfortable concert seats I've ever had, but the experience would have been greatly enhanced if there was stadium seats rather than flat seats, as the view was easily obstructed by tall folks sitting, standing, and dancing in front of us. The show kicked off with The English Beat, who were fantastic. They played the hits including "I Confess," "Tears of a Clown," "Save it for Later," and "Mirror in the Bathroom," as well as "Tenderness" by lead singer Dave Wakeling's other band, General Public. The crowd was enthusiastic and the whole floor was shaking in rhythm with the band. They were fantastic and I'd definitely see them again. Next on stage was Tom Tom Club. They opened with what sounded like a remix version of their big hit "Genius of Love" that was vaguely familiar, but the lyrics were different. Tina Weymouth then proceeded to give long rambling explanations of each song they played as though they were on VH1 Storytellers and the songs proved equally slow and dull. Eventually they did play "Genius of Love" followed by some fun upbeat numbers. They closed their set with a two songs from their "first band" the Talking Heads, playing "Take Me to the River" and "Psycho Killer" and the crowd was happy to hear more familiar (and brilliant) songs. DEVO closed out the night, and were fantastic. I've seen them once before and have yet to be let down. Once again the floor was shaking to the offbeat rhythm of the band. They too played their hits including "Whip It," "Girl U Want," "Freedom of Choice," as well as a few songs off their new album that blended seamlessly into the rest of the set. Their set included multiple costume changes including their trademark yellow paper suits and "flower pot" hats, this time in blue. My only reason for giving this show 4 stars instead of 5 is Tom Tom Club. I respect that they're still out there touring and doing what they love, but I felt that they weren't a great fit for the show, and really brought the energy down after The English Beat got the room going. Even if they hadn't been replaced by another band, I think the show would have been greatly improved had their set been before English Beat, as the energy of the show wouldn't have lulled in the middle.
Great show and very tight. I would go again in a second
Defintiely a wonderful trip back to the early 80s for all of us 40-somethings (and many 50-somethings) to see the English Beat, Tom Tom Club, and Devo in a single show. Show was nearly 4 hours w/ intermissions. Would have liked Dave Wakelying to go another 30-40 mins with his cast of young band members. He had the place jumping up & down with I Confess, Tears of a Clown, and closing with a raucous Mirror in the Bathroom - Awesome! Tom-Tom Club was so-so, just not enough notable hits, other than Genius of Love, to get the crowd excited. Definitely the lesser of the 3 bands. Devo had so much energy and Mark M. was at his goofy best, until he got into some strange wilderness story during the It's a Beautiful World finale. I could go see Devo another 4-5 times on their own!
Devo and English Beat (sorry, had to sit through the Tom Tom Club but it still did not intrigue me 30 years later....) The Beat was superb, Dave still makes it sound as edgy and true to the original sound and intent as it ever was. An awesome concert, sorry that it was only an hour long. I would go far to hear Dave and his crew of ranking boys again. Awesome indeed. 'A miracle that so many of us actually turned out to be reasonable people' That was an inspired though, which I have continued to mull over since the concert. Who would have thought it back in 1980? Devo - Not really that much you can say. Yet another amazing sight/sound experience, and a glimps into the mind of Mark M. It was loud, but the band was spot on and a TON of fun. Glad I was there, would most certainly go again if the opportunity was there. Forgot my spud collar and plastic hair, but next time.
My ears r just getting back to normal. WoW what a show! This was the make up show from earlier when a member of Devo had been injured while on tour back east. That show was supposed to b Devo w The Psychadelic Furs. When Devo had to cancel The Romantics and X w the original line up! filled in and I thought that show was incredible. But their return w a new amazing drummer was the stuff of legend. If u ever get to a Devo show just know that along w the audio candy there's also a visual/multimedia assault. So they attack all ur senses like good spud-boys. The other acts on the bill were The English Beat (Dave Wakeling had the crowd fired up dancing and singing, I even felt I was at one of their shows early 80's) Tom Tom Club put on quite a show especially when they played songs from their original band Talking Heads.
I had seen Devo once before several years ago at the House of Blues Anaheim. I had a blast then and they didn't have the multimedia additions they had this time around. The addition of the video wall allowed for a bit of nostalgia for the videos I grew up watching like Peek a Boo, and Good Thing. But the real treat was the band themselves. Even after over thirty years they still have all the energy, and drive they have always had. Their new stuff is relevant while still maintaining that Devo feel. My ONLY disappointment was the same gripe I had when I saw them at HOB. Why no songs from Total Devo? That is one of my favorite of the Devo albums. I know I am in the minority on that one but I would have loved to hear "Baby Doll" or "Some Things Never Change" (my fave Devo song). Total Devo, Freedom of Choice, and New Traditionalists are my favorite albums in that order. Even with that minor disappointment this tour is totally worth seeing. The new drummer is excellent as well even if he isn't, as Gerald Casale put it "As old and cynical as the rest of us." :) Keep up the great work guys. We are all DEVO!
Devo is a great band with a lot of lights and costumes. Fun to watch and listen to. But the median age at this show was 40. I felt like an outsider because I'm still in my 20s. The audience was also very inhibited during the show. I noticed that whenever my friends and I started dancing (or any of the audience members assumed a posture other than standing still with their arms crossed) a score of disdainful looks would come our way from the surrounding audience members. That aside, DEVO sounds and looks better than ever! I would go again, just maybe not at this Anaheim Mall-core venue (seriously, they had carpeted floors and cushioned chairs! It was like we were in the Edwards Cinema at the Spectrum or something! LOL) DEVO was slated to perform at 8. There was no opening act, but for whatever reason, DEVO wasn't even on stage until about 9:30!!! lame
This was my very first time to see Devo in performance;) They were excellent & entertaining. Did a collection of songs. Went back in the day like duty now for the future, are we not men, oh know it's devo ane of course Devo;-)
Great show! DEVO was full of energy for a bunch of 50something yr olds! The sound was good.
Devo sounded great and they had good energy throughout the show. The setlist started with a run through of new material with a couple of oldies mixed in. The second half was all classic material - just about everything a fan would want to hear. The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is that the appearance of Boojie Boy during the encore of "Beautiful World" took away from an otherwise great song. Highly recommended!
DEVO always puts on a great show!!!! Can't wait to see them again!
It's DEVO ! if you've seen them live, nothing else need be said, if you haven't, do yourself a favor and catch their show, they are one of the best live bands around!
Very fun show!!! Devo can still rock after all these years! I would go see them again!
Devo was definitely worth driving two hours to see. Especially since i got to sing with Mark Mothersbaugh made my night
I thought it would be a good show, but it was GREAT!!! really unforgettable, would love to see them again anytime!!!
It was a sonic storm of epic proportions, can't wait to see 'em again!
Didn't know how much energy they would bring but they brought a lot. My buddies and I had an ouright blast! In addition, they impressed me that they played guitar so well. There was a part of the show that definitely had a "punk" feel to it and the fun and energy that surrounds that. A really good show!