Concert Review: Devo Live At The Manchester Apollo
Published July 19, 2007
What could have become a dated repertoire — after all, these guys garnered their cult following in the eighties — was validated by the utter relevance of their satirical lyrics, and by the enduring quality of their songwriting.
"You know they got me doin' this doin' that
and a little bit of something else
fighting cavities of evil
safe-guarding America's health
but not an afternoon pass
I don't get up off my ass
and thank you god
'cause I'm a secret agent man"
They left out some of their earlier, more obscure songs, leaving enough material for another tour on the back of this one in the near future, hopefully.
Devo should, in my opinion, re-release some of their material. It would strike a chord in today's political climate and could be inspirational to a new generation of teenagers in danger of turning into Facebook corporate zombies, volunteering for Big Brother's scrutiny.
Duty Now For the Future!
High Heels is a writer, poet and blogger. She is a tutor in an arts college in the UK. She is a specialist in Literature, Art History and Film Studies. Her interests include film, art and photography, literature, philosphy, politics, fashion and style, popular culture, music, surrealism and the avant-garde. Image of High Heels by kind permission © Ben Wharton 2007.
- Concert Review: Devo Live At The Manchester Apollo
- Published: July 19, 2007
- Type: Review
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Review, Music: Live Concerts, Music: Original, Music: Punk Rock
- Writer: High Heels
- High Heels's BC Writer page
- High Heels's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
Why, thank you! I would've gone to all the dates if I had the time or resources! Not often I feel like that about a gig...
Best Wishes
HH
You're very welcome. I also would of gone to them all if I had more time. But it was enough that I shut down the business for 2 days to go to the Brighton Gig.
Still it was worth it especially as we got to meet the band after show. GVC even came out for a drink with us afterwards.
Great review,thanks for confirming my view that DEVO are and always have been,one of the best live acts you're ever likely to see.
I'm just utterly gutted that I hadn't heard they were back together and touring.Last I heard they'd split and Mark was making big bucks doing music for Rugrats amongst other things ....imagine my surprise when I caught the end of an episode and read "Music: Mark Mothersbaugh" :D
Please someone tell me they video'd one of the gigs cos I so wanna relive my youth.
Again, thanks!
If you live in USA, there's a set on SEPT. 21:
Puyallup Festival, WA; if you don't there's always EasyJet etc... ;)
How frustrating for you though, if you missed European dates :(. Best keep an eye on their Myspace from now on...
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Great review, at last a review by someone who actually "gets DEVO"
Didn't go to this show, but did see them at Brighton June 18th. That was a wonderful experience too.