Concerts

DEVO Celebrates Fifty Years in Denver: Photos

Mission Ballroom becomes a shrine to DEVO’s legacy.
DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
DEVO pioneered the use of synthesizers in punk and new wave music.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

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DEVO’s stop at Mission Ballroom on November 15 was a surreal celebration of the new-wave band’s fifty-year legacy. The sold-out crowd was greeted by the band’s iconic Energy Dome hats, yellow jumpsuits and a barrage of multimedia visuals that underscored a satirical message. Classics like “Whip It” and “Beautiful World” had fans singing along, while deeper cuts showcased the band’s experimental roots. The performance balanced humor, critique and pure musical energy, proving that DEVO’s vision of de-evolution still resonates.

Colorado’s long-standing connection to DEVO made the night feel like a homecoming, and the audience left buzzing from a show that was equal parts history lesson and dance party.

See photos from the show below.

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
DEVO’s breakout hit was “Whip It” in 1980.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

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DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
Their 1981 album New Traditionalists introduced the Energy Dome hats.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
DEVO formed in Akron, Ohio, in 1973.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
Their stage costumes often include yellow jumpsuits and red “Energy Dome” hats.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
They contributed music to films such as Rugrats and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

Related

A crowd shot during DEVO at Mission Ballroom.
Fans were grooving all night long.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

A crowd shot during DEVO at Mission Ballroom.
DEVO fans came to party.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
DEVO’s legacy continues as one of the most innovative and eccentric bands in rock history.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
DEVO’s lyrics often critique consumerism, conformity, and politics.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

Related

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
They were nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame multiple times.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
DEVO has influenced bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Gorillaz.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
DEVO’s live shows often include multimedia projections and satirical skits.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
DEVO appeared on Saturday Night Live in 1978, gaining national attention.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

Related

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
The founding members included Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

A crowd shot during DEVO at Mission Ballroom.
Concertgoers packed Mission Ballroom for DEVO.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
Their song “Beautiful World” is considered one of their most ironic anthems.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

DEVO on stage at Mission Ballroom performing live on Thursday, November, 13.
DEVO’s music videos were among the first to gain heavy rotation on MTV.

Photo Credit: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

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