It looks like “all systems are go” for the 40th Anniversary ‘Hardcore DEVO‘ concerts that Gerald Casale mentioned last month when his brother, guitarist Bob [2] died suddenly six weeks ago. The plan had been to commemorate their 40 years together as a band by playing a set of the early songs that were recorded and written between 1974 and 1977. In other words, exactly the material that appeared on both volumes of their “Hardcore DEVO” albums, which were recently re-issued by Superior Viaduct.
The loss of Bob Casale was a potential monkey wrench in the plan, I’m sure, but the circumstances surrounding his demise, have unfortunately, given the tour a new impetus. It seems that Casale had died without having insurance or a will, so the bills have landed on his family to pay. Gerald had mused that the idea of forging ahead with the planned tour could possibly provide Bob’s family with some much needed income at the time of Bob’s death, and now DEVO have confirmed that a portion of the proceeds will go to them to aid them with their expenses. A crowdfunding donation page has also been set up for any fans who wish to aid the family directly with their substantial bills here.
The tour is coming nowhere near this Monk, but the dates will see some friends who will be lucky enough to partake. The band will also have VIP tickets with meet & greets as well as access to view and purchase from a backstage archive of early photos by noted photographers. Presumably the full Moshe Brakha sessions that was used on the “Hardcore DEVO” reissue [right] are the sort of images that will be on display. Commenter JT [who once was in a Cle band called “Evil Clowns”] has already confirmed desire to attend, and if chasinvictoria misses the Vancouver date, he’s out of my will!
DEVO | Hardcore DEVO Tour | USA 2014
- June 18 | Baltimore, MD | Ramshead
- June 19 | NYC | Best Buy Theatre
- June 21 | Chicago, IL | Arcada Theatre
- June 23 | Denver, CO | Summit Music Hall
- June 25 | Seattle, WA | Neptune
- June 26 | Vancouver, BC | Commodore Ballroom
- June 28 | Oakland, CA | Fox Theatre
- June 29 | Los Angeles, CA | Wiltern
- June 30 | Solana Beach, CA | Belly Up
- July 2 | Austin, TX | ACL/Moody Theatre
In the meantime, all readers should honor Bob’s memory by making certain that they have a will and insurance. Anyone with a family needs a will. Period. It’s the simplest way to avoid the sort of hardships that Bob’s family are undergoing right now.
– 30 –
p.s. I just thought of something major… Last year both Mark Mothersbaugh and Martyn Ware had discussed touring together ‘possibly next year’ for the first ever Heaven 17 American tour. If this is it, then boy howdy I will have to take pains [and they will be great] to attend!
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Post-Punk Monk 
Gonna try to catch them in NYC. And very good point about creating a will and having some sort of life insurance. Don’t leave a mess behind…
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Steve Shafer – Living in the seat of culture, you must get spoiled for concerts. Unlike those of us in the boondocks. Have fun… for The Monk.
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As hard and expensive as it is to live in Manhattan, some of the benefits are incredible. I just saw Kraftwerk’s 3-D show/performance last night at an old movie palace up in Washington Heights–and it was simply awesome. Read the NY Times review of the previous night’s performance: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/03/arts/music/kraftwerk-in-concert-at-the-united-palace-theater.html
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Stephen Shafer – At least I have tickets for Moogfest 2014. In just three weeks I’ll have Kraftwerk 3D in my humble hamlet. Thanks for sharing the reviews! I’ll forward that to my wife, who is intrigued.
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If she likes Kraftwerk, this show/experience is not to be missed! The 3-D animations that are projected behind the band as they perform are pretty amazing.
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Stephen Shafer – She originally asked me to buy her a ticket due to Laurie Anderson, who can cancelled her appearance. I assumed she would want me to sell the ticket, but when she didn’t, she cited Kraftwerk.
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regarding this tour – great concept, hopefully great execution, horrid routing!
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Taffy – It looks like the band are not replacing Bob2 for these shows. The band have listed only the four remaining members. Given the primeval nature of the songs, there will be fewer synths, but possibly more stomp boxes! There seem to be more shows in the band’s home state than anywhere else. Baltimore is as close as they come to either of us! I can’t make it as I am planning a West Coast Tour this year where I shall return to my spawning grounds for the first time in 42 years!
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Not sure how Heaven 17, as much as I want them to, would fit into the theme of this tour. Now if it was Martyn & Co just performing Human League Mk 1 and EARLY Heaven 17/B.E.F. material as an opening act, I would find a way to get to NYC or Baltimore.
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Echorich – Thematically, you are on the solidest of ground, sir! What could be more perfect?
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