On Sunday, May 11, 2025, Devo descended upon Cleveland’s TempleLive at the Masonic Temple, delivering a Mother’s Day performance that was part celebration, part satire, and entirely fantastic. As part of their extended “50 Years of De-Evolution… Continued!” tour, the band proved that age has only sharpened their edge, not dulled it.
There was no opener, so Devo went on shortly after 8:00 PM, launching into a setlist that spanned their career. Of course, it included classics like “Whip It,” “Uncontrollable Urge,” and “Satisfaction,” each delivered with the band’s signature energy and precision. The lineup featured original members Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale, joined by long-time collaborators drummer Josh Freese and keyboardist Josh Hager.
In their interview with Cleverock, Casale mentioned how they didn’t want to seem like so many “legacy acts” that people think shouldn’t be on stage anymore. Well, there is no doubt that they’ve surpassed the bar and then some. The amount of energy they exerted on stage was nothing short of impressive, regardless of age. They were running around, falling on speakers, and jumping off the stage.
The performance was also a testament to their enduring relevance. Their satirical take on modern society, delivered through a mix of punk, new wave, and synth-pop, resonates just as much today as it did 50 years ago. Take that how you may. The visual elements of the show, featuring the iconic red energy domes, synchronized graphics, and choreographed movements, were just as great as they’ve always been. There were several costume changes throughout as well, including into and out of the yellow jumpsuits.
The crowd, a surprisingly diverse mix, responded with enthusiasm right back. From those standing in front (yours truly) to the very back seats, attendees danced, sang along, and immersed themselves in the energy. Mothersbaugh interacted with the audience, including moments of direct engagement and shared humor. He even came down into the crowd and had a call-and-response during “Jocko Homo.”
Another personal highlight was “Gates of Steel” from 1980’s ‘Freedom of Choice.’ It’s probably a lesser-known track off the album that features so many great songs. Although it was a single, it was surpassed in popularity by the aforementioned “Whip It.” It was a highlight because, while the song is one of the more straightforward songs on the setlist, featuring a catchy chorus that shows off Mothersbaugh’s vocal abilities, it stood out because of that.
READ OUR PRE-SHOW INTERVIEW WITH DEVO!
They ended the set with “Booji Boy” and Casale singing “Beautiful World,” but not before Booji Boy went on a tangent about his own mother and what she would do if she were to come to the show. I’d say how I prefer Mothersbaugh’s vocals over Booji Boy’s (they made sure to note that those are two different people in our interview), it likely wouldn’t matter. They have always done things their own way.
The performance was more than a concert; it was an entire production that highlighted the band’s impact on music and society. It felt at moments like a homecoming, as DEVO first met and started the group at Kent State, even if they wouldn’t fully admit that. However, they did mention that it felt a bit like coming back to their roots.
Their exploration of themes like conformity, technology, and dehumanization remains strikingly relevant. As they continue their maybe / maybe not farewell tour, Devo leaves behind a legacy of innovation, critique, and unforgettable music.
The show blended entertainment with thought-provoking content and captivated the audience and reaffirmed their place in music history. For those who attended, it was an evening of reflection, celebration, and, above all, de evolution.
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