Not too long ago, legendary new wavers DEVO once again broke the mold over four songs in an NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert. The brilliant quintet played a thoroughly unique show, surfacing rarely played tunes that had the room jumping.
DEVO frontman Mark Mothersbaugh was every bit as living, breathing icon as he romped through the Tiny Desk set, whimsically donning hats or singing through a megaphone. Bassist Gerald Casale was a charming master of ceremonies over the bands intellectually driven if often tongue-in-cheek protest music. As lead guitarist, Bob Mothersbaugh laid a foundation for the band to spring forward. And relatively new guitarist (10 years and running though, right) Josh Hager played amazing riffs while mugging to the audience. Rounding out the band was drummer Jeff Friedl, who studiously drove each song home.
Watch DEVO in an NPR Tiny Desk Concert, published to YouTube on May 6, 2024:
Deco played the following four songs:
- “It Takes a Worried Man,” a song originally recorded for Human Highway, a 1982 film
- “Blockhead,” a track from the band’s 1979 sophomore album
- “Praying Hands,” a great one from their 1978 debut album, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!
- “Come Back Jonee,” a rarely played song from the debut album
All of DEVO were in great spirits. Mark seemed perfectly at home in front of a keyboard as he sang and whirled, and Gerald was full of smiles and appreciation for an intimate crowd that really understood the music. These total originals have lost none of their bite, as evidenced by their killer, make-the-day performance at the 2022 Cruel World Festival, where I watched them take no prisoners. (I saw their impressive set also at the 2023 Darker Waves Festival. Busy guys!)
My only regret was that I was personally unable to attend DEVO’s screening of their short films and videos the night before this filming at the AFI Silver Theatre. Instead, I was attending a performance by Echo and the Bunnymen at 9:30 Club. Well, freedom of choice is what I got.
Catch DEVO on tour as they continue to celebrate 50 years!
Here are some photos of DEVO performing at the NPR Tiny Desk Concert, which was published to YouTube on August 9, 2024. All pictures by Mickey McCarter.
