Last night I saw DEVO, performing for the first time in Sydney in over 25 years.
Yes, DEVO, that gang of subversive geeks willing to mock everything sacred about American (and, by extension, Western) culture—those Spuds who preach that de-evolution is REAL!
Now, it should be noted that Monica and I always stumble into adventures when we’re out together. Sometimes it involves meeting Marcia Hines at the Police concert; other times, it involves the wheelchair dying on Enmore Road. If nothing else, it’s always an… interesting experience, and this night was no exception.
Firstly, at Mon’s suggestion, we didn’t park where I had originally intended. This (as you’ll see later) was a bit of luck.
As soon as we arrived, we had dinner at Cine, an Italian cafe in the Entertainment Quarter (formerly the Fox Studios Backlot)—pleasant enough, though nothing fantastic. The staff were very nice, however.
When we arrived at the Hordern Pavilion for the show, I made a beeline for the merch stand. I picked up a T-shirt, a poster, and (yes!) an Energy Dome (which was another bit of luck, but… oh, I’ll tell you later).
Anyway, the show…
eddy current suppression ring were the first act, a kind of geeky punk/garage rock band from Melbourne. Very good and they fit in well.
After that, we went in search of COFFEE! Yes, even Spuds need caffeination now and then. Unfortunately, we found none, but some guy offered to buy my Energy Dome from Monica, since they were now apparently sold out!
Next up was Regurgitator with a very fun set. Not much more to say about that, really, but they seemed to be in awe of the fact that they were supporting “the best fucking band in the world!” Mon was heaving during “I Will Lick Your Arsehole”, however—I have no idea why.
Finally, it was time for some De-Evolution! After the intro video, they got straight into a great set that hit all the highlights, including Booji Boy performing “Beautiful World”!!!
The setlist, by memory:
- “That’s Good”
- “Going Under”
- “Peek-a-Boo!”
- “Girl U Want”
- “Whip It”
- “Secret Agent Man”
- “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
- “Uncontrollable Urge”
- “Mongoloid”
- “Blockhead”
- “Jocko Homo”
- “Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA”
- “Gates of Steel”
- “Devo Corporate Anthem” (on video)
- “Freedom of Choice”
- “Gut Feeling”
- “Beautiful World” (performed by Booji Boy)
I really was not expecting a Booji Boy appearance last night—it was bloody amazing.
The boys only played for about 75 minutes with no encore, but that has to be the best show I’ve seen so far. Seriously. I’ve been a Devo fan for many years, but this has pushed me into the “hardcore” territory.
(The Toto show is probably on par, actually, but Devo are still fresh in my mind…)
After the show, we got coffee (finally!) at Gloria Jeans. (It should be noted that Monica was basically holding me up with this coffeehouse expedition, possibly due to watching one too many episodes of Friends, though I did gladly go along with it because my Spud-sense told me there was good reason to….)
It wasn’t until about 50 minutes after the show that we were actually making our way back to the van—the spot Mon had chosen—when…
There they were! Devo were just leaving the Hordern. The two Bob’s were signing some fans’ stuff, so, of course, I had to stop and join in.
I had a chat with Bob 1 and got him to sign my poster and Energy Dome (through the fence, no less). Then I met Mark Mothersbaugh and he signed my Energy Dome, too! Yes, the Energy Dome that was already sought after before being signed by the Mothersbaugh boys.
So there you have it: Monica’s coffee-house dithering and parking eccentricities got me to meet Devo. How often can you say that???
Photos
Devo on stage
Booji Boy
Bob 1
Mark Mothersbaugh
UPDATE! Bonus (Bad) Bootleg Video (but not by me)
Secret Agent Man
Uncontrollable Urge
Mongoloid
Jocko Homo
UPDATE 2! John Larkin has a great overview of the same show here.