Devo at Times Square/Third Annual CBGB'S Music & Film Festival

Devo first gained popularity with the new wave movement in the late 1970s, but the art-rock band actually pre-dated the movement, forming in 1972 between Kent and Akron, Ohio. The concept of "Devo" was a satirical social commentary professing that instead of continuing to evolve, humankind had regressed or "de-evolved", as evidenced by the herd mentality of American society. The band experienced several personnel changes, but the classic line-up of the band included two sets of brothers, Mark Mothersbaugh and Bob Mothersbaugh, and Gerald Casales and Bob Casales, along with Alan Myers. Devo was active mostly from 1973 to 1991. The band has reunited many times with different line-ups since 1996. The band's ninth and most recent album, 2010's Something for Everybody, was an unsuccessful comeback after 20 years away.

Performing a free outdoor concert in Times Square today during the Third Annual CBGB's Music and Film Festival, Devo recreated its kitsch science fiction stage show, including the wearing of simulated chemical-protection uniforms and, for one song, round, ziggurat-shaped "energy dome" hats. The band's often discordant pop songs featured synthetic instrumentation and unusual time signatures that, while once unique, now fit in well with the indie scene. The smart and tight set was largely comprised of songs from 1978 to 1982, including "Girl U Want", "Whip It", a quirky cover of the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", "Uncontrollable Urge", "Mongoloid" and one of Devo's earliest songs, "Jocko Homo," which raised the band's ongoing question, "are we not men?" (Audience response: "We are devo.") The show ended with an appearance of the band's mascot, Booji Boy. Devo's intricate yet catchy music and deadpan surrealist humor were as enjoyable in today's world as they were 35 years ago.

Visit Devo at www.clubdevo.com.