Devo kicked off their “50 Years of De-Evolution…Continued” tour at The Met in Philadelphia on May 1, 2025, with a career-spanning show that felt more like a retrospective art piece than a typical rock concert. The Akron-born pioneers of synth-punk and satire transformed the historic venue into a buzzing audiovisual experience, delivering a set that was both celebratory and subversive.
Opening with “Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man),” the band immediately set the tone—quirky, tight, and defiantly weird. Mark Mothersbaugh led the charge with charisma and controlled chaos. His voice carried the same strange urgency it always had, while the rest of the band—Bob 1, Jeff Friedl, and company—bounced between synths and guitar lines with robotic precision.
The setlist was a time machine through Devo’s legacy, blending early art-rock oddities with MTV-era hits like “Whip It” and “Girl U Want.” Lesser-played gems like “Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA” and “Jocko Homo” gave longtime fans plenty to cheer for. Behind the band, a giant screen looped surreal visuals, Reagan-era footage, and bizarre animations that underscored their satirical vision of modern life unraveling.
Crowd interaction was minimal but intentional, with the band letting the music and imagery speak louder than small talk. The highlight of the night came during “Beautiful World,” as Mothersbaugh donned his Booji Boy mask, turning the song’s sarcastic optimism into something oddly emotional.
After five decades, Devo remains a force that confounds, entertains, and critiques. The Met served as the perfect launchpad for a show that reminded everyone that Devo wasn’t just ahead of their time—they’re still right on time. Fans left amused, bewildered, and energized, exactly as the band intended. De-evolution never sounded so good.
Devo
