The new wave icons kicked up their summer tour with a bang at the Murat Theatre on June 2.

Photos: Ted Somerville  /  Words: Seth Johnson

Few active bands can match the otherworldly ethos of Akron, Ohio’s own Devo.

Less than two months after performing at the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the new wave icons kicked off their latest run of tour dates at the Murat Theatre in Old National Centre, with the 78-year-old Mark Mothersbaugh still steering the ship with the best of them.

Featuring two costume changes and plenty of intergalactic visuals, Devo’s performance was undoubtedly highlighted by selections from their beloved 1978 debut album, including “Jocko Homo,” “Mongoloid,” and “Uncontrollable Urge.” The band also made sure to touch on plenty of other fan favorites as well, with lively renditions of “Gates
of Steel, “Girl U Want,” and “Whip It.”

To close out their short-but-sweet performance, Devo returned to the stage for a three-song encore, which was capped off by the 1981 classic “Beautiful World.” In fittingly
weirdo fashion, the band invited their 1970s character Booji Boy (pronounced Boogie Boy) out to sing the song with them, sending every fan in the building home with a
smile on their face.