Show: DEVO
Date: March 19, 2011
Venue: Club Nokia
City: Los Angeles, CA
DEVO
Photos by Nicolas Bates
Written by Michelle Oberg
There is never an easy way to talk about a band that has influenced artists, trends, and sounds. Younger generations will never understand it, and the kids of the times won’t ever let it go. Devo raked in the echo boomers, clad in “Energy Domes” (red tiered headgear), and futuristic space gear (decipher as you will), for their March 19th show. As pioneers of the music video and visually stimulating imagery, their stage act is worth the price of almost any ticket. Their line-up currently consists of two sets of brothers, Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald and Bob Casale, and well-known tour drummer, Josh Freese (who has been involved with some notable rock bands; Guns ‘n Roses, NIN, Weezer, and Paramore).
Bright colors of pixilated original videos displayed on monitors throughout the venue and behind the artists as they took to the stage. The band wasted no time in popping and locking their way to doing the robot, and their receptive audience danced their way back in time. Narration was a theme of the evening, as a computer voice led fans through the universal journey that represents Devo and their sci-fi theme, throughout the show. Their first song, “Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man),” prompted what seemed to be an excitement overload to some fans, as EMS wheeled 3 (not physically hurt) people out. Devo continuously throughout the night referenced their concert attendees as “spuds” while the guitars cried their mutated sounds.
The vocals and instrumental perfection of each member’s devices were a joy to listen to. Through their original novelties and individual quirkiness as the American new-wave band, their performance came across as if listening to their albums. They went on to play their interpretation of The Rolling Stone’s “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” with a highly embellished electronic rhythm resembling Hendrix. And, who can forget their smash hit, “Whip It,” which prompted the entire room to start crackin’ those imaginary whips.
After three wardrobe changes by the entire ensemble and Mark amping up the crowd with his giant orange and yellow pompoms, Devo neared the conclusion of the evening. Prior to their last change of attire, they covered “Secret Agent Man,” “Mongoloid,” and “Jocko Homo.” A long and drawn out “Thank You” and the unfortunate Charlie Sheen reference of “we don’t have Tiger blood…but still rock” ended the 16 song set. The band, after a brief break, re-entered for “Corporate Anthem.” After a 2-tune encore, fans were dust in the wind. Overall, the show was an emblematic tribute to the era most poke fun at, but an era that clearly knew/knows how to party. Their performance hasn’t changed as they have entered the years of AARP card-carrier hood, although it may have actually gotten a little better. It is a tour you don’t want to miss.