Report: DEVO Live in Buff-A-Lo!

The Spudboys take over the Town Ballroom in Buffalo, NY, on July 8.

Text and photos by April S. Engram

After several excruciating minutes in a verbal scuffle with a megalomaniac security guard, the opportunity of seeing one of the best post-punk bands to have stood the test of time was nearly lost. BLURT vs. men with Napoleon complexes, 1-0. This victory met a just reward, two hours of entertaining antics and seamless execution of songs new and old.

It was refreshing to see that the 1973 quartet attracted fans of every age, especially those who could not yet walk; one could not help but observe the excited parents who wheeled their stroller up to Town Ballroom's doors. A much returned welcome to the music scene, and Buffalo, NY, latest album Something For Everyone is Devo's first LP in 20 years. (Read about it in the BLURT interview here.) Gerald Casale later confessed to the audience that it was nearly 30 years since they played in Buffalo, their last pilgrimage took place in 1982. So to the packed venue Devo immediately engaged, and with their faces hidden from the audience, they leapt into "Don't Shoot (I'm a Man)" and the energetic night commenced with a loud bang.

Donning their silver suits, they then took off the masks for the next song and the audience cheered upon setting sights on Devo. Lead singer, Mark Mothersbaugh, was ever amusing as he walked on stage on all fours for "Jocko Homo." As he sang "Are we not men," the audience delightfully shouted back, "we are Devo!" He ripped the famous yellow suits off his band mates during "Planet Earth" and of course graced the stage as alter-ego Booji Boy for his rendition of "Beautiful World." Between Devo's coordinated moves about the stage and the ever animated Gerald behind his keyboard the night was full of exuberance.

With constant costume alterations the audience loved every moment. The most exciting change came when Mark tore at the yellow suits of the others, exposing their black shorts and kneepads, and tossed the remnants to the crowd. Eager fans lunged forward trying to grasp a piece of the suit, tussling with each other for a piece; and after performing "Whip It" Mark surprised us again by sending several blue caps flying into the air. But of course, all of this was not over as Booji Boy did not make his appearance.

After personal favorite "Freedom of Choice," Mark disappeared behind the stage as the rest of Devo entertained us with some music. Then just a suddenly Mark reappeared dressed in a choir gown, a peculiar bulge beneath his frock and his Booji Boy mask and glasses. During the lengthy song, "Beautiful World," Mark talked and sang in a high pitched voice, much to the dismay of the security in front of me who incredulously shook his head, and swayed with the motion of the music. Finally, towards the end of the number, Mark reached down and lifted the gown to reveal a fanny pack, the infamous bulge, and proceeded to throw smiley faced bouncy balls off the stage. Yet again delighted fans reached out in an attempt grasp the flying balls and when all were done flying, Devo waved goodnight to the ecstatic audience. 

Set List:

Don't Shoot (I'm a Man)
Peek a Boo
What We Do
Goin Under
Fresh
That's Good
Girl u Want
Whip It
Planet Earth
(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction

Secret Agent Man
Uncontrollable Urge
Mongoloid
Jocko Homo
Smart Patrol
Gates of Steel

Encore:

Freedom of Choice
Beautiful World