OT: Devo concert review from Whistler 2010 Olympics

[Rusty James]

February 22nd Concert review:
http://www.theprovince.com/entertainmen ... story.html

It's official: Devo is still as energetic and playful as ever.

From the energy hats to the pompoms to the awesome video-screen shows on display during the show, Devo rocked Whistler last night.

While it wasn't everyone's cup of tea, a hard-core group of Devo followers bopped and sang along at the free concert in the Medals Plaza.

"It's got to be 20 years since I saw them," said Patricia Williams, up from Langley for the day. "I can't believe they have so much energy."

The yellow jumpsuits were gone, replaced by more space-age silver-grey two-piece suits.

And the energy hats were 2010 Olympic blue. However, said lead singer/keyboardist Mark Mothersbaugh: "Red will never be dead." He then threw some more traditionally coloured energy domes into the crowd totalling several hundred.

When they played 1980s smash hit "Whip It," with Mothersbaugh cracking an imaginary whip above his head, the crowd sang along as if they'd just heard it on the radio.

It felt like both the song and the band stood the test of time for those who enjoy New Wave music. The show was both futuristic and retro, without relying on either to be successful.

The band began in the '70s as an experiment around the concept of devolution -- the idea that humans were regressing. Their formation was prompted by bassist/keyboarist/vocalist Gerald Casale having witnessed the infamous fatal shootings of four Vietnam protesters.

And true to their message, initial video flashes included images of struggle in the world.

Devo is about to release their first album in 20 years and, according to earlier comments by the band, they were looking forward to the Whistler performance to see if they could capture a crowd that was not Devo specific.

"I've heard of them," said Mackenzie Martin, adding that she came to the Plaza to see the awarding of Olympic medals to athletes.

"They are a good choice tonight as the music is keeping us dancing and it's really cold out.

"I know I won't forget this concert," she said, holding her blue energy dome to her head as she jumped in place to the music of "Secret Agent Man."

clareogilvie@telus.net

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