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Iconic new wave band DEVO celebrates its 50th anniversary with a farewell tour that included a stop at the idyllic Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Saturday, November 3

 

All Photos: Ray Soto / Central Coast Rocks

ClubDevo.com

VinaRoblesAmphitheatre.com

 

Are We Not Men? We Are Devo! This is the statement the band Devo has made since their debut album in 1978. Now on tour and celebrating 50 years of groundbreaking music and visuals. The band, formed in 1973 continues to entertain legions of faithful fans globally.

 

Under the stars at Vina Robles Amphitheatre the band opened with their customary “Don’t Shoot” ( I’m a Man ) followed by a slew of hits including “That’s Good,” “The One You Want,” & of course “Whip It,” all of which were performed early in the set proving the depth of Devo’s catalog.

 

Spuds from all over California came to cheer on their heroes in a Sold Out evening. Fans adopted the term “Spud” out of affection to the ways in which the band has used potatoes. "We made potatoes part of the Devo philosophy and called ourselves spuds, both pejoratively and as a compliment," the band's Mark Mothersbaugh once explained, adding that potatoes represent "the dirty, hard workers of the earth" rather than "the aristocratic, above-ground fruits of the world".

 

“Freedom of Choice,” “Gut Feeling” ( Slap Your Mammy ) & “Beautiful World” closed out the evening which also happened to be the last show of the Vina Robles Amphitheatre 2023 Season.

 

 

 

 

Just announced, DEVO celebrates with unveiling a new career-spanning boxed set that encompasses all of Devo’s hits and a selection of rarities. Available everywhere October 20th in various configurations.

“This box set represents a great cross section of early experiments and later creations. I was looking to create a new sound, a concept in art and music that represented a new way of thinking about life on planet earth. With Devo, I think we did just that. Farewell to the first 50, Let's get the next 50 started!” - Mark Mothersbaugh

"In the past this information has been suppressed. But now it can be told. Come celebrate 50 years of De-evolution with a mind-blowing, 50th Anniversary box set from Devo." - Gerald Casale.

 

 

 

DEVO marks half a century of de-evolution as the trailblazing band resumes their global tour this fall. Rhino pays tribute to the influential group , unveiling a new career-spanning boxed set that encompasses all of Devo’s hits and a selection of rarities.

 

50 YEARS OF DE-EVOLUTION (1973-2023) arrived in various configurations on October 20. The first is a 4-LP set pressed on clear vinyl that’s limited to 3,000 copies worldwide, available exclusively from Rhino.com. This deluxe version comes in a slipcase with a 28-page book, a Devo air freshener, and a foldable paper hat that resembles the band’s iconic red energy domes. Additionally, a lithograph of the album artwork is included. A 2-CD version of the 50-song collection is also available. ORDER HERE.

 

On the same day, a 25-song version of 50 YEARS OF DE-EVOLUTION (1973-2023) was released as a 2-LP set on black vinyl, and a 2-LP special edition featuring blue and red vinyl will be available exclusively at retail. The 7” version of “Disco Dancer” from the upcoming set is making its streaming debut.

 

"In the past this information has been suppressed. But now it can be told. Come celebrate 50 years of De-evolution with a mind-blowing, 50th Anniversary box set from Devo."states Gerald Casale.

 

Mark Mothersbaugh adds: “This box set represents a great cross section of early experiments and later creations. I was looking to create a new sound, a concept in art and music that represented a new way of thinking about life on planet earth. With Devo, I think we did just that. Farewell to the first 50, Let's get the next 50 started!”

 

To continue the celebration, DEVO has also partnered with the disruptive clothing brand Brain Dead who hosted and launch a special DEVO event as well as merchandise capsule. DEVO celebrated on October 17th at Brain Dead’s Fairfax Theatre featured a screening of "A Face In The Crowd" accompanied by a short band Q&A and a trailer of Devo video rarities. And for those seeking to commemorate the occasion in style, a meticulously designed Devo capsule merch collection awaits, courtesy of Brain Dead. For more information visit WeAreBrainDead

 

Devo was formed in 1973 by two sets of brothers – Bob and Gerald Casale and Bob and Mark Mothersbaugh – and Alan Myers. The band took its name from the concept of de-evolution – the notion that society is regressing rather than progressing. It was their response to the infamous 1970 shootings at Kent State University, which some band members witnessed while attending the school.

 

Devo started out performing around Akron, Ohio and garnered early support from David Bowie and Iggy Pop, helping the group secure a deal with Warner Bros. Records. Soon after, the band began working with legendary producer Brian Eno on its 1978 debut, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!. The album was an underground success despite the mainstream music press overlooking Devo’s insightful cultural satire.

 

A year later, the band returned with Duty Now for the Future before achieving mainstream recognition in 1980 with its platinum-certified third album, Freedom of Choice, which included the hit single “Whip It.” The song’s iconic music video became a fixture on MTV, contributing to Devo’s growing popularity in the 1980s. That decade saw the band release more hits (“Beautiful World” and “That’s Good”) and a string of memorable studio albums: New Traditionalist (1981), Oh No! It’s Devo (1982), Shout! (1984), and Total Devo (1988). After 1990’s Smooth Noodle Maps, the band took an extended hiatus to pursue film and television projects before returning in 2010 with Something for Everybody.

 

Today, Devo’s innovative music and thought-provoking performances are celebrated for their profound influence on generations of new-wave, industrial, and electronic artists. 50 YEARS OF DE-EVOLUTION (1973-2023) stands as a testament to the band’s legacy, compiling key tracks from all nine of Devo’s studio albums, as well as rarities like the 1974 demo for “I’m A Potato” and single mixes for “Come Back Jonee,” “Snowball,” and“What We Do.”   ClubDevo.com

 

 

 

 

About Vina Robles Amphitheatre

 

Welcome to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, where European Inspiration meets California Character and the stars always shine. Here, two of California's great compositions meet, as exceptional wine and intimate live music are paired to create an unforgettable wine country experience.

 

The 3,300 seat boutique amphitheatre is nestled on a picturesque, oak-dotted hillside in Paso Robles on California's Central Coast. With its opening in the summer of 2013, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre became one of the largest outdoor venues for arts and entertainment in San Luis Obispo County. Featuring a style reminiscent of the California missions, guests are able to immerse themselves in a unique and intimate concert adventure as they enjoy modern amenities and first class hospitality. The concert season runs from May through November and features top tier acts from around the world in all genres. Various seating options all within 150 feet from the stage, including regular, VIP and general admission lawn seating, make events accessible to anyone in the community. We look forward to sharing our love of wine and the arts with you soon. For more information about the Vina Robles Winery, Click Here

 

www.VinaRoblesAmphitheatre.com
 

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