Devo performs at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago on May 11, 2024.
On Saturday, May 11, Devo brought their 50 Years of De-Evolution Tour to the Riviera Theatre in Chicago for a packed show, presented by Jam and 93XRT. The band – Gerald Casale, Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, Jeff Friedl, and Josh Hager – proceeded to deliver a no-nonsense set that was full of fun and games. There was no opener, just 90 glorious minutes of Devo running through hit after hit after hit.
Following a brief video introduction from Rod Rooter, the fictional executive from Devo’s quasi parent company Big Entertainment, during which he referred to the band as “his biggest regret” and “as popular as the Delta variant,” Devo plowed through a trio of hits including “Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man),” “Peek-A-Boo!,” and “Going Under.” The band donned their energy dome hats during “That’s Good,” “Girl U Want,” and “Whip It,” the last of which found Mark Mothersbaugh tossing the iconic red caps out to the crowd.
Throughout the night, Mark Mothersbaugh divided his time between standing front and center – as well as stints going into the pit and literally cheering on fans with pom-poms in hand – with stops at his keyboard set-up. He played a spacey intro, full of pitch bends, during “Secret Agent Man,” which found his brother taking on the lead vocals. Earlier, Casale busted out his keytar for “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” creating a throwback sound that somehow also bordered on futuristic.
Devo performs at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago on May 11, 2024.
With tornadic energy, “Uncontrollable Urge” was one of the most exciting interludes of the night as Devo engaged in synchronized dancing and high jumps while Mark Mothersbaugh ripped swaths of fabric from his bandmates’ jumpsuits with ferocious intent. At least one fan in the crowd followed suit, tearing off his coveralls as his seatmates cheered at the top of their lungs. “Smart Patrol / Mr. DNA” also built into one of the best jams of the night as the musicians created a noisy swirl of sounds, driven by Bob Mothersbaugh’s wailing guitar.
Prior to playing “Jocko Homo,” Casale took time out to address the crowd.
“Good evening, Chicago,” he said. “How many of you tonight believe that de-evolution is real? It’s getting more real by the moment. You don’t have to look too far for the evidence.”
This of course led to a call and response in which Casale asked, “Are we not men?” And the crowd responded, “We are Devo.”
Devo performs at the Riviera Theatre in Chicago on May 11, 2024.
Yes, humanity has certainly devolved since Devo first asked that question on their 1978 debut album. However, after witnessing last night’s show, it is clear that the spuds in the crowd have evolved into the highest caliber of concert-goer, bringing energy and enthusiasm to match the incomparable spirit that the band unleashes on stage.
Check out photos from Devo’s May 11 show in Chicago below and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. A full list of upcoming events at the Riviera Theatre can be found at Jamusa.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
