DEVO’s “Farewell Tour” Continues: A Look Back at 50 Years of De-Evolution
Are DEVO really saying goodbye, or is this just another layer of their brilliant, satirical performance art? The art-rock legends are currently on their "50 Years of De-Evolution… Continued!" tour, sparking debate and delight in equal measure. Is it a genuine farewell, or as Gerald Casale playfully suggests, a "welfare tour"? Whatever the answer, DEVO's current shows are a must-see for any music fan.
The band's recent stop at Brooklyn Paramount (May 6, 2025) was an "Evening With" experience, delivering classic after classic, complete with iconic looks from throughout their career. "Whip It," "Girl U Want," "Uncontrollable Urge," and their distinctive takes on "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction" and "Secret Agent Man" were all on the setlist, proving that DEVO's energy and relevance haven't waned.
A review of their Cleveland show at TempleLive highlighted the band’s enduring message. The reviewer noted, "Devo didn’t sound like they were saying goodbye… Instead, it was more like, ‘Hey, remember us and everything we stood for?’" The band's theory of de-evolution clearly still resonates, making their performances more than just nostalgia trips.
The Cleveland show wasn't just a concert; it was a homecoming. Mark Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, and Bob Mothersbaugh (Bob 1), along with drummer Jeff Friedl and guitarist/keyboardist Josh Hager, delivered a performance filled with energy and showmanship. Mothersbaugh, in particular, was a whirlwind, constantly moving and engaging with the crowd. “If this really was a farewell, the band is going out without diminishing returns. And unlike humanity in their eyes, Devo hasn’t de-evolved just yet.”
Even before hitting the stage in Cleveland, DEVO made a pit stop at KCRW for an intimate performance and conversation with Chris Douridas. They discussed their origins in the 1970 Kent State massacre and how their music, much to their dismay, remains acutely relevant. Casale and Mothersbaugh joked about the tour's meaning, adding a layer of DEVO's signature irony to the proceedings.
DEVO's tour continues with dates at Cruel World Festival, Shaky Knees, and even opening for My Chemical Romance in Chicago. Here are a few upcoming dates:
- May 17-18, 2025 – Pasadena, CA – Cruel World Festival 2025
- August 29, 2025 – Chicago, IL – My Chemical Romance: The Black Parade Tour w/ DEVO
- September 21, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees 2025
Whether it's a genuine farewell or a continuation of their artistic commentary, DEVO's "50 Years of De-Evolution" tour is a celebration of their influential career. Are you planning to catch DEVO on their current tour? What’s your favorite DEVO song? Let us know in the comments below!