News Summary
Devo electrified fans with a high-energy reunion concert at the Fillmore Detroit, marking their first return to the metro Detroit area since 1997. The band performed a lengthy setlist of iconic hits over 85 minutes and showcased their signature visual performance style. With a mix of vintage and modern elements, the concert celebrated their enduring legacy while reflecting on the band’s influence in pop culture. Fans eagerly anticipate their upcoming performance, co-headlining with the B-52’s at Pine Knob Music Theatre.
Detroit – Devo electrified fans with a high-energy reunion concert at the Fillmore Detroit on Saturday night, June 28, marking their first return to the metro Detroit area since 1997. The concert celebrated the band’s 50th anniversary since their formation in 1973, engaging a packed audience with a mix of their iconic hits and their unique visual performance style.
The concert featured a lengthy setlist of 18 songs performed over 85 minutes, including popular tracks like “Whip It,” “Uncontrollable Urge,” “Mongoloid,” “Gates of Steel,” “Freedom of Choice,” and “Gut Feeling (Slap Your Mammy).” The evening kicked off with a powerful opening segment that included songs such as “Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man),” “Peek-A-Boo!” and “That’s Good.” The band’s lead vocalist, Mark Mothersbaugh, was prominently featured throughout the show, supported by Gerald Casale and guitarist Bob Mothersbaugh.
While Devo has not released new music since 2010’s “Something For Everybody,” the band remains a relevant force in pop culture. The live performance offered depth and dynamism, enhancing tracks compared to their studio versions. Devo also showcased their signature quirky visuals, changing outfits four times during the event, and engaging the audience in a thematic experience that blended eccentricity with futuristic elements.
During the concert, Casale prompted attendees to consider their views on de-evolution before performing the song “Jocko Homo,” from their celebrated 1978 debut album. Additionally, vintage Devo attire, including the band’s iconic hats, could be seen among audience members, highlighting the deep-rooted fan culture surrounding the band.
The visual aspect of the performance included a combination of archived video clips from the late 70s and 80s, reflecting the band’s creative history. The show concluded with Mothersbaugh dressed as “Booji Boy,” a mascot that has become synonymous with Devo’s identity over the years.
Devo’s reunion follows a notable appearance earlier this year, when they performed in February as part of “SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert,” where the band embraced pop culture collaboration with comic Fred Armisen drumming alongside them.
The band faces the challenge of losing two of its principal members in recent years, with Alan Meyers having passed away in 2013 and Bob Casale in 2014. Despite these losses, Devo continues to persevere, maintaining a loyal fanbase and a vibrant presence in the music scene.
Fans looking forward to more performances can mark their calendars for September 25, when Devo will return to the stage for another concert. They will co-headline with the B-52’s at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in an event titled “One Last Orbit (Maybe?)”, further cementing their legacy in the music industry.
The concert underscored Devo’s enduring significance, entwining their distinctive sound and visual art with subversive themes that resonate amid the current cultural landscape. As the band embarks on its next chapter, it promises to continue delivering engaging performances that captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
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Additional Resources
- The Oakland Press: Devo Whips It Good at the Fillmore Detroit
- Bridge Detroit: One Detroit Weekend
- Metro Times: The B-52s and Devo Announce Co-Headlining Tour
- Wikipedia: Devo
- Detroit Free Press: Devo Farewell Tour Schedule
