After two years of pandemic delays and venue changes, post-modern protopunk/new wave icons Devo finally made it to NYC, playing The Rooftop at Pier 17 on a lovely if brisk Thursday night (5/18). In some ways the delay was fortuitous, as Thursday was also frontman Mark Mothersbaugh's 72nd birthday, and the group celebrated, giving fans a classics-filled set, including "Girl U Want," "Uncontrollable Urge," "Jocko Homo," "Mongoloid," "Freedom of Choice," the "Gut Feeling (Slap Your Mammy)," "Whip It," their covers of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "Secret Agent Man" and lots more.
The crowd came ready for the occasion, many sporting Devo energy domes on their heads, not to mention jumpsuits and other Devo-ted fashion choices.
Opening the show was Creed Bratton, the former member of '60s band The Grass Roots who is best known for playing a fictionalized version of himself on NBC sitcom The Office. He teased the crowd with fake news about an Office reunion when not playing Grass Roots favorites and other songs.
Photos from the whole night by Ester Segretto, along with Devo's setlist and fan-shot video, are below.
Grab Devo vinyl, toys and other merch in the BV shop.
SETLIST: Devo @ Pier 17 5/18/2022 Don't Shoot (I'm a Man) Peek-a-Boo Going Under That's Good Girl U Want Whip It (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction Secret Agent Man Uncontrollable Urge Mongoloid Jocko Homo Smart Patrol / Mr DNA Gates of Steel DEVO Corporate Anthem Freedom of Choice Gut Feeling (Slap Your Mammy) Beautiful World
