My first exposure to Devo was on Countdown. It was Whip It, I was drawn to the filmclip. Of course, the context went over my little 9 year old head. I had no idea about their cynicism and humour, let alone their de-evolution theory.
But let's face it, I have always been drawn to the unusual and different, from a very young age.
I liked the song and knew one thing, I wanted one of their red flower pot hats!!!
Well, it took me over 40 years and I got one!
Of course, I know they are called energy domes now, but I digress.
I continued to enjoy their music over the years, and I never really thought I would get to see them live. They had toured previously and I am unsure why I didn't go, probably no one who wanted to go with me as often was the case. When I heard they were here for a festival I hoped for a side tour. And they did, and it was to be at the newish ICC Theatre at Darling Harbour.
My love, Andrew, is also a huge Devo fan, so I got us tickets. I couldn't believe how easily too, 5th row and reasonably priced.
We were excited, and made our way to Darling Harbour on the evening of the concert. They didn't open the theatre until an hour prior, which was quite stressful. Devo has great merch, no less the Energy Domes. We spent 45 minutes in line and got nowhere near purchasing and had to abandon the mission to get our seats which was rather infuriating.
The theatre is amazing, small and really super comfy seats. Our seats were excellent! We were very excited. Murray Wiggle sat directly in front of us, to much fanfare and hot potatoing around. Poor bugger, he seemed bothered and not happy with his seats, after 2 songs he and his wife left. Very odd.
But Devo!
The gig started with some cool clips from way back and they arrived on stage to HUGE fanfair. This was an electric gig, Devo fans are the best!!!
They came out in grey suits and got straight into it!
The original members are in their 70s now and the energy they had on stage, well I am unsure I could keep up.
They sounded great! I guess that type of electronic punk/pop does not age, but still. The replication of songs were spot on.
The choreography emulated the film clips, and the costume changes iconic. They also had great visuals on the backdrop, from clips and part of their de-evolution manifesto.
It was a visual and auditory feast. The sound was loud, they kicked arse!
I was absolutely delighted, we danced a lot. Andrew isn't much of a dancer, but you know a gig is good when he is up dancing before me!
The wildness of the crowd added to the atmosphere.
Highlights for me were Satisfaction and Girl U Want.
When they came out in those energy domes, the crowd went absolutely wild.
The show lasted for 90 minutes with very brief gaps, while videos played, for them to change costumes. They were generous with the audience, Mark pulled off pieces of their hazmet suits and through them into the audience, also little bouncy balls, Andrew got one, and some energy domes!
Founder, and lead singer, Mark Mothersbaugh was on fire and like the rest of the band, was having the most joyous time and every single person there felt similarly.
After the concert, we hightailed it back to merch, and got our hats!
WE ARE DEVO!!!!!
Setlist
1. Don't Shoot (I'm A Man)
2. Peek-A-Boo!
3. Going Under
4. That's Good
5. Girl U Want
6. Whip It
7. Planet Earth
8. (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
9. Secret Agent Man
10. Uncontrollable Urge
11. Mongoloid
12. Jocko Homo
13 Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA
14. Gates of Steel
15. Freedom of Choice
16. Gut Feeling (SLap Your Mammy)
17. Beautiful World
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