From Allstar Daily Music News (7/15/97)

Devo Impresses In Four
Lollapalooza Warm-Up Shows

By: Joshua Mills

Playing before friends, family members, record industry professionals, musicians, fans, and hangers-on, the seminal new wave band Devo held four dress rehearsals this past weekend in a North Hollywood, California rehearsal studio in preparation for their headlining slot on the Midwest leg of this year's Lollapalooza tour. Original members Mark Mothersbaugh, Jerry Casale, Bob Mothersbaugh, Bob Casale, and much- in- demand twenty- something drummer Josh Freese led enthralled fans through an hour- plus set of the band's greatest hits.

Dressed in their de rigueur red flower pot "energy dome" hats, their Devo- emblazoned yellow nuclear safety suits, and Doc Marten shoes, Devo played inspiring sets that included costume changes, syncopated choreography, and bizarre Devo anthems. They ran through such favorites as "Uncontrollable Urge," "Whip It," and "That's Good," in rousing sets that were far more rock- oriented than any of their albums.

The sets opened with a 10-minute video clip that instructed audience members on the proper etiquette while attending a Devo concert, along with a "best of" reel from the band's groundbreaking music videos. Devo then took the stage to wailing sirens and wild applause. It was refreshing to see the Devo members -- who were literally pelted with debris in their hometown of Akron, Ohio when they began their career in the early '70s -- so easily deliver a set that impressed the fans, including Frank Black, Rob Zabrecky of Possum Dixon, author Jerry Stahl, and Suzi Gardner of L7.

Ever the statesmen, ringleader Mark Mothersbaugh also pulled off the best line of the weekend: When asked before the shows if he was looking forward to Lollapalooza, he quipped, "Well, at this point it's like five accountants going white- water rafting."