Heading to see Devo at ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin Sunday night, expectations were high. Once we arrived at the venue, those same expectations rose higher with the electric buzz that surrounded the W Hotel, where ACL Live is located. Devo had to cancel their Fun Fun Fun Fest set last November (guitarist, Bob Mothersbough injured his hand) and this was in effect, a "make-up show".
The new wave, punk and art-rock, pioneers delivered a rousing set that ran the gamut of their catalog. Hell, they even played The Rolling Stones', "Satisfaction" in their own, geeky, futuristic style. There were eight costume changes (that's the number my photographer and I figured), a giant LCD screen, a sea of energy hats on fans and Mark Mothersbaugh bouncing around the set throwing all manner of swag into the crowd. The animated frontman launched energy hats, bouncy balls, and even bananas (yes, you read correctly) into the throng of Devo maniacs packed onto the Moody floor. Watch the short, live video clip on the left to see M. Mothersbaugh chuck a few hats into the crowd as the band soldiers through their biggest hit, "Whip It".
The band executed the performance well like the seasoned veterans they are. Drummer, Josh Freese was particularly energetic, looking like an electrocuted, multi-limbed serpent banging on his rainbow-colored kit while bandmates, the Mothersbaughs and Bob and Gerald Casale ripped through a raucous set that highlighted their punk roots. As they neared the finale they rolled out classics, "Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA and "Freedom of Choice."
A complete setlist posted on Austin 360 (in performance order) is below:
- Don’t Shoot
- Peek A Boo
- What We Do
- Going Under
- Fresh
- That’s Good
- Girl U Want
- Whip It
- Planet Earth
- Satisfaction
- Secret Agent Man
- Uncontrollable Urge
- Mongoloid
- Jocko Homo
- Smart Patrol
- Gates Of Steel
- Freedom Of Choice
- Beautiful World
Devo's March tour concluded last night right here in Austin. We posted a raft of great photos of the show for you. Have a look at the slide show on the left side bar.
Special thanks to Casey Brewer and Sharilyn Mayhugh.
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