I had absolutely no intention of going to this DEVO show. Our private flight home was diverted because, unbelievably, there was a dead FedEx plane sitting on the private runway. We were faced with three options: circle the skies for hours, divert to Buffalo and rent a car, or just head to Toronto, where I happen to have an apartment. Naturally, we went the Toronto route, and when we landed, I discovered that DEVO was playing at Budweiser Stage—essentially across the street from the airport. It felt like fate, or at the very least, perfect luck, and suddenly a show I hadn’t planned on became an irresistible opportunity.
From the moment DEVO took the stage with “Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man),” it was clear that this wasn’t just a casual gig. The band opened with tight, precise instrumentation and their signature robotic, stylized stage movements. The pulsing synths and angular guitar lines immediately drew the crowd in, and Robin and the rest of the band delivered their satirical vocals with deadpan perfection. Despite not expecting to be there, I was immediately caught up in the energy of the performance, and the audience, a mix of longtime fans and newcomers, was equally captivated.
“Peek-A-Boo!” followed, keeping the energy high and introducing the playful side of DEVO. The mechanical rhythms and quirky melodies encouraged sing-alongs and clapping, and the audience responded enthusiastically. The band’s choreography was as precise and striking as ever, giving a visual complement to the music that made the performance feel like more than just a concert—it was a fully immersive experience. The seamless transitions between songs highlighted the band’s decades of experience, their ability to execute complex arrangements live, and their understanding of how to maintain a captivating narrative flow throughout the set.
“Going Under” brought a darker, more hypnotic edge, with jagged synth lines and a driving bassline creating a sense of urgency. Even as someone who hadn’t planned on attending, the song’s intensity and precision drew me in completely. The audience moved in unison, responding to the complex rhythms and electronic textures, proving that DEVO’s music, even decades later, still commands attention. The intricate arrangements were delivered flawlessly, showcasing the band’s ability to reproduce the layered sound of their studio work in a live setting without losing any energy or spontaneity.
“That’s Good” highlighted the band’s playful, ironic side. The angular guitars and syncopated rhythms kept the crowd engaged, and the lyrics elicited laughter, applause, and thoughtful nods from fans who have long appreciated DEVO’s social commentary. Each member of the band contributed visually and musically, reinforcing the performative aspect of the show. Even in my unplanned attendance, I found myself laughing, clapping, and completely absorbed in the interplay of music and movement.
“Girl U Want” was a high-energy, infectious performance that drove the crowd into a frenzy. The catchy chorus, rhythmic guitars, and layered synth lines were executed perfectly, and fans sang along at every opportunity. DEVO’s precise stage choreography added to the spectacle, making it feel like an event rather than just a concert. The energy was contagious, and I, like the rest of the crowd, couldn’t help but be pulled into the excitement.
Then came “Whip It,” perhaps the song most synonymous with DEVO. From the first beat, the crowd erupted in cheers, clapping along to the iconic rhythm, and singing the lyrics in unison. The band delivered it with perfect precision and playful theatricality, moving in their trademark robotic style while still conveying energy and charisma. Even decades after its release, “Whip It” remains capable of igniting a crowd, and this performance proved it. The shared enthusiasm of audience and band created a moment that felt celebratory and timeless.
“Planet Earth” provided a more atmospheric, contemplative contrast. Its layered synth textures and melodic basslines drew listeners in, allowing for a moment of reflection amid the high-energy set. The crowd swayed and listened intently, absorbing the hypnotic rhythms while remaining engaged. DEVO showcased their versatility here, effortlessly moving between frenetic pop songs and moodier, atmospheric tracks without losing momentum or crowd engagement.
The “Carl Sagan Video” interlude was a humorous and thought-provoking addition, in line with DEVO’s tradition of blending multimedia, science, and satire. The audience laughed and applauded, showing appreciation for the intellectual and comedic elements that the band has woven into their performances for decades. This set a thematic stage for the following songs while offering a brief moment of levity and reflection.
“Uncontrollable Urge” returned the show to frenzied energy, with pounding rhythms and jagged guitar lines driving the crowd to dance and cheer. DEVO’s tight execution ensured that the complex arrangements landed perfectly live, with each instrumental part contributing to the sense of controlled chaos that defines the track. The audience, old fans and newcomers alike, fed off the band’s energy, creating a reciprocal dynamic that enhanced the overall experience.
A true highlight came with “Blockhead,” performed live for the first time since 2008. Longtime fans erupted in excitement, and the band treated the song with the same tight, energetic performance as the rest of the set. The mechanical rhythms, synth layers, and ironic lyrics demonstrated why DEVO remains influential, and the rarity of the performance added a layer of excitement and spontaneity to the night.
“Mongoloid” followed, with its angular guitars, mechanical synths, and ironic vocal delivery. The audience clapped along and shouted lyrics in unison, fully engaged with the iconic track. DEVO executed it with precision and playful spontaneity, proving that even decades into their career, they can make each performance feel vital and immediate.
“Jocko Homo” turned the crowd into participants with its memorable chants and driving rhythms. Fans shouted along with every call-and-response section, emphasizing DEVO’s ability to combine music, theater, and communal engagement. The band’s precise timing and interactive energy made this one of the most dynamic moments of the show, with the audience fully immersed in the performance.
“Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA” maintained the energy, with layered instrumentation and tight performance drawing the audience further in. The playful, robotic stage movements reinforced DEVO’s aesthetic, highlighting the connection between visual presentation and musical performance. Fans danced, sang along, and reacted to every flourish, making this an immersive, interactive experience.
“Gates of Steel” brought the set to near-peak energy, with its driving rhythm and mechanical synth lines energizing the crowd further. The performance was tight, theatrical, and commanding, with the audience responding in kind through singing, dancing, and enthusiastic applause. This song exemplified DEVO’s ability to create a powerful live presence that combines musical skill with performative artistry.
The “DEVO Corporate Anthem” offered a humorous, satirical moment, showcasing the band’s conceptual creativity. Synchronized movements, exaggerated expressions, and ironic lyrics made this a standout moment of theatricality, with the audience laughing and participating in the spectacle. DEVO’s ability to blend entertainment, social commentary, and precision performance was fully on display, keeping fans engaged and delighted.
The night concluded with “Freedom of Choice,” a high-energy finale that left the crowd exhilarated. Pulsing synths, catchy riffs, and iconic vocal lines drove the audience to sing, dance, and cheer, creating a powerful sense of communal joy. The band delivered it with technical precision and playful energy, perfectly capping a set that was tight, entertaining, and unforgettable.
Throughout the show, DEVO’s stage presence was magnetic. Each member contributed to the music and the visuals, moving with robotic precision, humor, and theatricality. Their mastery of timing, dynamics, and performance ensured that every song landed effectively, while their playful, ironic energy made each moment memorable. The audience interaction was vibrant, with sing-alongs, chants, and applause creating a reciprocal dynamic that enhanced the performance for everyone.
Musically, the band was tight and precise. The blend of guitars, synths, and rhythm section was balanced perfectly, while the vocals retained clarity, character, and irony. DEVO’s ability to reproduce complex studio arrangements live with energy and spontaneity was impressive, and their musicianship remained strong across the full set. Each song was executed with precision, but never felt mechanical, maintaining excitement and engagement from the audience throughout.
The setlist was carefully curated to balance classics, fan favorites, rare performances, and multimedia elements. Opening with “Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man)” set a strong, energetic tone, while tracks like “Peek-A-Boo!,” “Whip It,” and “Girl U Want” created peaks of energy. Rarely performed tracks like “Blockhead” added surprise and excitement, while interludes like “Carl Sagan Video” provided context, humor, and intellectual engagement. The finale, “Freedom of Choice,” ensured the show ended on an exhilarating, high-energy note.
Lighting and stage production were understated but effective, complementing the music and the band’s theatrical presentation. Subtle lighting changes emphasized key moments, and video elements added depth without distracting from the live performance. The visual and musical elements worked together to create a fully immersive experience, showcasing DEVO’s multidimensional artistry and keeping the audience engaged throughout.
By the end of the show, it was clear that this unplanned adventure had turned into one of the most memorable concerts I had ever attended. DEVO’s combination of music, performance art, humor, and audience engagement created a live experience that was exhilarating, thought-provoking, and completely entertaining. The crowd left buzzing with energy, the songs lingering in our heads long after the final notes faded. It was a reminder of why DEVO’s music remains timeless, their performances consistently engaging, and their influence on pop, punk, and alternative music enduring.
Setlist:
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Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man)
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Peek-A-Boo!
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Going Under
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That’s Good
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Girl U Want
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Whip It
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Planet Earth
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Carl Sagan Video
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Uncontrollable Urge
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Blockhead
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Mongoloid
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Jocko Homo
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Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA
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Gates of Steel
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DEVO Corporate Anthem
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Freedom of Choice
The performance at Budweiser Stage highlighted DEVO’s unmatched ability to combine musical innovation, humor, theatricality, and audience engagement, transforming a completely unplanned night into an unforgettable live experience.