DEVO @ Club Nokia

DEVO is one of those bands that I always wanted to see, heard so many good things about and had the opportunity to see multiple times, but the stars never seemed to align and I'd always miss out on them.

My stars finally aligned and not only did I finally get to see DEVO in one of my favorite venues in Los Angeles, but I was going to get to see them for free (thank you to Losanjealous)!

I didn't quite know what to expect from the show, but I knew the moment I got in that I needed an energy dome of my very own. Once that was on my head, the good times began!

The opening band was enjoyable - it sounded like the soundtrack to a video game, which I found pleasant. I could tell it wasn't for everyone, but I was a fan... anyone who has a theremin on stage usually has my vote.

I've had a really hard time writing this entry for DEVO because I don't really know what to say... it left me with my mind blown. Watching them in concert, you realize why they have been so successful for so long and have such a devoted following. Seeing DEVO live isn't just a concert, it's an experience. They're having so much fun on stage that you can't help but get sucked in by the energy of it and begin dancing around yourself. Everyone in the audience is so engaged and happy that it all of a sudden seems as if you went to a concert with a bunch of your friends; everyone just starts smiling at each other, giving those approving looks to each other like you know what the other is feeling too. It was crazy... I don't think I've ever experienced something like that before on that large of a scale. Usually on a rail, but this time it was like the entire venue was sucked in and embracing the word of DEVO. If the energy put off by the band isn't enough for you, you become fascinated by the constant outfit changes, videos, imagery and ridiculous actions by the band that it all of a sudden seems as if you're in a big party.

Perhaps Gerald Casale (courtesy of DEVO website) explains this "experience" best when he describes the purpose of the energy dome:
"It was designed according to ancient ziggurat mound proportions used in votive worship. Like the mounds it collects energy and recirculates it. In this case the Dome collects energy that escapes from the crown of the human head and pushes it back into the Medula Oblongata for increased mental energy. It's very important that you buy a cheap plastic hardhat liner, adjust it to your head size and affix it with duct tape or Super Glue to the inside of the Dome. This allows the Dome to "float" just above the cranium and thus do its job. Unfortunately, without a hard hat liner, the recirculation of energy WILL NOT occur."

All I know is that there was a lot of energy recirculating in that place and I couldn't get enough of it. I hope to put my energy dome back on sometime in the future and experience DEVO again. Nothing like it...

On a side note, it was great to see Josh Freese again and having been a fan of his for a long time, I have to say I think this is the best fit for him. I loved watching him in Nine Inch Nails, but DEVO just seems like the perfect place for him. Go watch some of Josh's videos on YouTube, then go watch some of DEVO's videos. You'll understand.


Setlist
Don’t Shoot
Peek A Boo
What We Do
Going Under
Fresh
That’s Good
Girl U Want
Whip It
Planet Earth
Satisfaction (Rolling Stones cover)
Secret Agent Man (Johnny Rivers cover)
Uncontrollable Urge
Mongoloid
Jocko Homo
Smart Patrol/Mr DNA
Gates of Steel
Devo Corporate Anthem
Freedom of Choice
It’s A Beautiful World

Image of concert poster by Kii Arens of La La Land Posters

Photos:


Video of "Jocko Homo":


Video of "Whip It":