Devo Rocks Crown Grand Opening

DEVO ROCKS CROWN GRAND OPENING!

At a brisk one hour and ten minutes (a bit short for the $80 asking price--but then I suppose that depends on who you ask--most of the faithful in attendance didn't seem to mind the price tag at all), eccentric new wave heroes Devo blazed through a set of legendary favorites (Whip It, Girl U Want, and the rousing closer, Freedom of Choice) leaving room for only a couple of tunes (Fresh and What We Do) from their latest release, Something For Everybody. And while the set was short, this playful band still had plenty of time to make it through a handful of zany costume changes. It was strictly business as these 80's icons (true, their first record came out in '78, but they really hit their stride in the decade that would follow) rocked The Crown's grand opening. While the band wasn't entirely interested in socializing with the enthusiastic crowd, there was absolutely no doubt that Mark Mothersbaugh and crew were having a great time, and they couldn't have sounded better. Its as if Devo never left. Following the show, Mark Mothersbaugh was gracious enough to mingle with a handful of eager fans and he was even kind enough to take a photo with yours truly. Oh how I wish I would have had the opportunity to chat with him about his other various musical endeavors through the years (including a stint composing music for Pee Wee's Playhouse and Nickelodeon's Rugrats). Just having a chance to see he and his band mates perform for the first time however, would have to be enough. I can finally say I had a chance to experience Devo live, and for one glorious evening, grateful attendees at The Crown--myself included--got to party like it was 1980.