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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.
DEVO was a bucket list concert for me. They did not disappoint. Great show with every hit. The Met is a wonderful venue to see a concert. I would go see DEVO again in a heartbeat.
This band and the crowd had matched energy and it was a really fabulous time. We danced the whole show!
Great concert! Been waiting to see the spud boys for 40 years and they did not disappoint.
What an inspiration hearing/seing this band fifty years after they began their journey of unique sounds. Classic American music with a heavy dose of musical (and otheriwse) humor.
Saw them in 1981 and have been trying hard to find a way to take my son to see them while they are still playing. Out of nowhere, they played at the Ryman in Nashville (for the first time ever) where we live! Got great seats and checking prior playlists thought they would play about an hour, or about 10 songs. There was no opening band and they played 1.5 hours and they were outstanding! they played their hits in a chronological (reverse) order, which is how it should be, with costume changes for each album. This is their 50th anniversary as a band and loved seeing them still so interactive with the crowd, and so into their music, and still bringing real energy to a show. They also sounded amazing. So, so, happy to hear them play some songs from their first albums that I was hoping for, but not expecting, like Jocko Homo, Secret Agent Man, Mr. Kamikaze/Mr. DNA, Mongoloid, Gut Feeling, it was a blast. They were a BIG part of my childhood and seeing them again really brought me back and reminded me why I still know all the words to every album 45 years later. Thanks DEVO.
This was my first time to the YouTube Theater. Great venue and Devo was awesome...my first time seeing them too!
I flew into Los Angeles from San Francisco to go to this show. I've seen Devo 12 or 13 times in my lifetime but considering this is the last hurrah, it was worth it.... I can't say enough about the YouTube theater and the facility at Large AKA SoFi stadium. The acoustics the configuration of the venue all very modern we have nothing like that up here in SF..... Devo were excellent. Although sticking to the same set list they've been performing for the last oh six or seven years, everything sounded fresh, new, revitalized. The crowd was into it. Unfortunately as they began "smart patrol/Mr DNA"I had to leave or I miss my flight back home... I flew down to Los Angeles to spend 10 hours just killing time so that I could see Devo one last time for about an hour.. you should have seen the looks on people's faces when I jumped out of my Uber wearing my energy dome. I actually have one of the originals from the Oh, No! It's DEVO tour that I scored on New Year's Eve 1982 at The Warfield in San Francisco I still have it.. I paid $7 for it. On this occasion I dropped 50 bucks on a new one...I was skeptical but I stand corrected. Smaller, way more durable, and after all it was Devo live. My only gripe is that they dropped "comeback Jonee"from their setlist a long time ago.
An amazing show. After 50 years Devo call it a career with a tight and amazing set of classic songs. Amazing visuals and sound made for a night to remember.
I've been following Devo for 46 years now and they always put on a great show. The venue (YouTube Theater) is a great place for concerts. The fans were really excited and many wore Devo related outfits including me. There were very young and very old fans in attendance. I even saw an older fan show up in his walker. I always felt like the Beatles music was unintentionally subversive but Devo is intentionally subversive, that's' why I love them! In a few years, i will also attend their concerts in my walker or wheelchair.
First of all, the venue was outstanding. YouTube theater is great! The band was crisp with awesome vocals and instrumentation, but they started out very slowly. I know they’re old, just like most of us fans are, but they picked up speed and performed well throughout the rest of the evening. The abrupt ending was something I did not anticipate — a prompt ending at 9:30 PM with no hope for encore.
I have had the pleasure of seeing Devo twice before. Once in 1983 in Vancouver and once in 2000 at Whistler during the Olympics. Now I saw them in 2023 at the YouTube Theater in LA. This time around the music was tighter and the driving beat of the music had become less quirky and more "get up on your feet and dance". Plus their leaders, Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerry Casales were up there having fun and smiling, not as serious and a "weird"as they were 40 years ago. This made the event so much more fun to be at. My entire group of us 5 Spudboys absolutlely loved. DEVO is at the top of their game now. I hope they keep touring.
This was my first time at the YouTube theatre. It was very nice, Great sound & the video screens were amazing. I have been a long time DEVO fan & couldn't wait to see them again !
Been a fan for years and got these tickets as a Christmas gift for my sister and we had a great time! So glad we were finally able to see them!
Carlos was so helpful getting me to my seat via wheelchair! He provided FANTASTIC customer service! The place was neat and clean. Food and drink prices were expensive but that is what is to be expected at this type of venue. There didn't seem to be a bad seat in the house! Will visit The You Tube theatre again!
Awesome concert! I had never been to a concert that had NO opening band. They also had two breaks/encores but they at least entertained the crowd with some funny videos while they went off stage to change into a different outfit. If I would have known that, I would have tried to get closer tickets. Ah well. Next time.
Last song with Bougi Boy was ridiculous. Overall was an entertaining show.
Loved every minute of it! Seen them many times beginning in 1980. Knew every song. Devo is Coolest of the Cool. Best punk rock show I’ve seen! These guys are definitely hero status and national treasures! Well done spud boys! See you in 2073!
Lets start with pulling in to the venue... $50 FOR PARKING?!?!?! Absolutely no reason... and we hear it's worse for football and concerts. The ridiculous maze from the spot you pay and the point you park took 10 min... Then we ended up in a 2nd pay line. Poorly managed, on purpose. Food is basically only food trucks. Which is fine but $12 for one slide of pizza?? THERE IS NO FOOD INSIDE. Only chips. Beer is $15 to $20 per. The sound and the seats are perfect. The few staff I spoke to were great too. Mostly... it's the food and parking... not the staff... it's how it's managed. Cut overhead, save the consumer, get better planning and management.
Great energy and awesome hit titles played. Awesome backdrop visual elements, too complex to call them videos. Gave context and expanded the concert experience. See them if you can.
Devo is still rocking it after 50 years! Saw fans of all ages coming together for this show and having the best time! Everyone put on a wonderful show and the meet and greet prior only made the experience better. I would seriously recommend this band to any and everyone - regardless of how well they know the songs.