Devo may have begun in Akron, Ohio, 48 years ago, but the band still sounds like it’s channeling music from the future by way of planet Mars. It had been a lengthy absence from Chicago for the new wave pioneers, having presented their previous seminar on “de-evolution” at the United Center in 2014.
The musicians appeared in matching black suits, with positions lined across the front of the stage in order to make maximum use of a large video screen. Devo were innovators in the unification of music and video, and those skills were displayed during opening number “Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man)” from 2010’s excellent comeback effort “Something for Everybody.” “Don’t tase me bro,” repeated singer Mark Mothersbaugh, recalling the zeitgeist of the early 2000s. The remainder of the set list was drawn from the band’s initial five albums from 1978-1982. [Chicago Sun-Times]
Riot Fest wrapped up its four-day 2021 edition at Chicago's Douglass Park on Sunday (9/19), after kicking off with a smaller "preview party" on Thursday, followed by stacked lineups on Friday and Saturday. The final day was headlined by Slipknot (who replaced Nine Inch Nails), and it also featured The Flaming Lips, DEVO, Thursday, Anthrax, Body Count, The Bled, KennyHoopla, Ratboys, Bleached, HEALTH, Alex G, and more, and pictures of all of those acts are in this post.