On Monday, June 30th, American New Wave pioneers DEVO brought their “50 Years of De-Evolution…Continued!” tour to Toronto’s History, delivering a high-energy set that blended nostalgia, satire, and pure synth vibes. Fans across multiple generations packed the room, ready to dance, sing, and fully embrace the weird brilliance that only DEVO can offer.
Before the band took the stage, videos featuring the fictional sleazy record executive; Rod Rooter, played on screen. In the first clip, Rooter tries to convince DEVO to sell out with commercial deals. In the next, he returns decades later, washed-up and bitter about how DEVO “ruined his life.” It was classic DEVO: just the right mix of odd and hilarious.
The band hit the stage just after 8:15 p.m., launching into a set filled with crowd favourites and cult classics. By the fourth song, they put on their iconic red dome hats, creating an uproar of cheers from the crowd. A few songs later, they tore into “Whip It,” turning the room into a scream-along celebration.
DEVO’s set included fan-beloved tracks like “Girl U Want,” “Peek-A-Boo!,” “That’s Good,” and “Uncontrollable Urge,” each one keeping the crowd bouncing along. Their signature choreography, matching industrial uniforms, and colourful visuals elevated the show into something closer to performance art than a traditional gig. Frontmen Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale shared vocal performances throughout the night, proving that even decades in, their chemistry remains electric.
Whether you’ve been a spud since the ’80s or were just there to finally hear “Whip It” live, the night was a reminder of the band’s cultural relevance and creative brilliance.
