Tiny Desk Concert: Devo

Shortly before beginning the band’s set, Devo frontman Mark Mothersbaugh learned we have a closet full of stage props and costumes, everything from lab coats and wigs to a rubber chicken and fake blood. After quickly rummaging through the boxes and racks of clothes, he returned with a stack of hats that he eventually — and repeatedly — swapped out during a sometimes breathless performance.

The band’s set included songs members say they hadn’t performed in more than 40 years, opening with “It Takes a Worried Man,” a track Devo had originally recorded for the little-known 1982 comedy film Human Highway . The group also performed a skittering version of 1979’s “Blockhead,” and “Come Back Jonee” from the band’s 1978 debut album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!

Now 74, Mothersbaugh hasn’t slowed down or lost the playfully subversive style that’s defined his time with Devo, at one point working his way into the audience with a megaphone to ask people just inches away what they’re doing with their hands (for the song “Praying Hands”).

Devo’s set comes after releasing a career-spanning box set, 50 Years of De-Evolution (1973-2023) , late last year.

SET LIST

• “It Takes a Worried Man”
• “Blockhead”
• “Praying Hands”
• “Come Back Jonee”

MUSICIANS

• Gerald Casale: bass, vocals
• Jeff Friedl: percussion
• Josh Hager: guitar, vocals
• Mark Mothersbaugh: keys, vocals
• Bob Mothersbaugh: guitar, vocals

TINY DESK TEAM

• Producer: Robin Hilton
• Director/Editor: Kara Frame
• Audio Technical Director: Josh Newell
• Host/Series Producer: Bobby Carter
• Videographers: Kara Frame, Joshua Bryant, Maia Stern, Christina Shaman
• Audio Engineer: Josephine Nyounai
• Production Assistant: Elle Mannion
• Photographer: Zayrha Rodriguez
• Tiny Desk Team: Ashley Pointer, Hazel Cills
• Executive Producer: Suraya Mohamed
• Series Creators: Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson
• VP, Visuals and Music: Keith Jenkins

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