DEVO: Tiny Desk Concert

Robin Hilton | August 9, 2024 Shortly before beginning the band’s set, Devo frontman Mark Mothersbaugh learned we have a closet full of stage props and costumes, everything from lab coats and wigs to a rubber chicken and fake blood. After quickly rummaging through the boxes and racks of clothes, he returned with a stack of hats that he eventually — and repeatedly — swapped out during a sometimes breathless performance. The band’s set included songs members say they hadn’t performed in more than 40 years, opening with “It Takes a Worried Man,” a track Devo had originally recorded for the little-known 1982 comedy film Human Highway. The group also performed a skittering version of 1979’s “Blockhead,” and “Come Back Jonee” from the band’s 1978 debut album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! Now 74, Mothersbaugh hasn’t slowed down or lost the playfully subversive style that’s defined his time with Devo, at one point working his way into the audience with a megaphone to ask people just inches away what they’re doing with their hands (for the song “Praying Hands”). Devo’s set comes after releasing a career-spanning box set, 50 Years of De-Evolution (1973-2023), late last year. SET LIST “It Takes a Worried Man” “Blockhead” “Praying Hands” “Come Back Jonee” MUSICIANS Gerald Casale: bass, vocals Jeff Friedl: percussion Josh Hager: guitar, vocals Mark Mothersbaugh: keys, vocals Bob Mothersbaugh: guitar, vocals TINY DESK TEAM Producer: Robin Hilton Director/Editor: Kara Frame Audio Technical Director: Josh Newell Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Christina Shaman Audio Engineer: Josephine Nyounai Production Assistant: Elle Mannion Photographer: Zayrha Rodriguez Tiny Desk Team: Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins #tinydesk #nprmusic #devo