JERKIN BACK AND FORTH DEVO

DEVO ON ABC TV LATE NIGHT VARIETY SHOW "FRIDAYS".

[@dipsydoodle7988]

The magic and mystery of Devo. Their music was so futuristic sounding you absolutely forgot they were using musical instruments and were in fact darn good musicians. I don't care how many folks will never "get" them. They are one of a kind and I'm glad I do!!

[@carlsaganlives5112]

They are just so damn unique and mesmerizing, not enough adjectives could do justice, ya know?

[@negascoot23]

After humanity destroys itself (nuclear war, Covid-19, meteors, zombies, Trump gets re-elected--pick your Apocalypse), a few centuries later alien archaeologists will be digging through the remains of our civilization and come across the broken remnants of artifacts that seem to have no purpose but to make noise. From what they can piece together from their incomplete understanding of our written languages, they figure out that the inhabitants of this world had something called "Muzick"...and these noise-production devices are what they used to create it. Intrigued, a team of researchers will do their best to rebuild these devices, using technology far beyond that which was used to make them in the first place... When the devices are ready, and the scientists begin their experiment, it's too bad there won't be anyone to tell them that they're playing an exact reproduction of DEVO.

[@manasbose8817]

Well the crowd at The Free Trade Hall in Manchester in 1978 got them immediately...and I still do 😛This video never fails to bring a smile to my face and yes they could really play live Wonderful stuff

[@chrisirving8712]

Just this side of mind control 😠😜😈💕💕💕💕

[@kidkique]

Judging by their popularity and the fact they're still even relevant today leads me to believe people "get" them

[@TS-qq7vr]

That is one seriously underappreciated drummer.

[@setdrift]

Allen was the best. He did some great stuff with Yamamoto after her left the band. It's on KZbin.

[@A_New_Yorker_Lost_In_Florida]

i appreciate him and you

[@tsarbutterfly663]

Alan is up there with some of the greats. One can only imagine what would've happened if he stuck around after Shout.

[@Stowneyo]

If you haven't heard Devo and all of its artist are highly celebrated. Part of the reason you get to watch this video is in fact because of recognition

[@thewenik6876]

Yes with the comment on these drums. Such a steady beat.

[@JoeHacking]

Alan is still one of the most underrated drummers of all time.

[@craigl6815]

Absolutely

[@charlesaguilar1708]

Alan is like me, doing machine work, nice and Precise! An OUTSTANDING drummer!

[@owenjackman426]

Couldn't agree with you more!

[@traecy43]

The percussion at the beginning of the video was very Tribal.

[@japan906]

And now Charlie Watts is up there with Alan, Neil, Bonham and legendary timekeepers and epic anchors to their bands distinct sound.

[@jnowak9]

Im 56 years old and have been a Devo fan since I was 12. I have never seen this video!

[@sharkb8er]

30 years old and still ahead of their time.

[@flyingmerkel6]

It's 2020. We are now living in Devo time

[@cnfuzz]

@@flyingmerkel6 kraftwerk sounds 70s while devo allways sounds ahead

[@thewordlove4316]

I'm still climbing the wall, futilely waiting for ONE last Kraftwerk release before Ralf calls it a day - or he teams up mit Florian again ...

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

40 years and counting

[@808TheDuck]

40+ years now!

[@tommygarson8592]

Gerry's little "YOU, YOU, YOU!" is such a genius move for some reason. it pumps up the listener in a really subtle way, and it can only work in a live performance

[@owenjackman426]

Allan Meyers was one wicked talented drummer!

[@danielkatzel895]

agreed - if the band's style was more complicated , instead of basic new wave, he could've showboated with the best

[@sophiepooks2174]

So many make the same comments so irritating.

[@avangelion6500]

I know this has been said a million times before. But there never has been or will be another band like Devo. Their stage presence is incredible. Truly a greatly talented group of performers. These guys are artists.

[@TeaRiker]

they just don't do live performances like they used to. Many band do concerts where they just perform their song and live, not even preparing any dances or stage decorations or whatever. But they get thousands of people to want to join their concerts.

[@donaldbaslington8319]

Keep coming back for that drum intro.

[@sophiepooks2174]

Oh please, shut it.

[@samg5555]

I’m not a drummer. But I do not understand how such a simple drum beat at the beginning can be so amazing.

[@PaulGrayson-gi8pu]

From the UK........ because it is, don't over think class 😊

[@russelldempsey4145]

The critics trashed everything that they did but. the people of the US have the final word, we love them!

[@excelsior2511]

Nothing like Devo; before, or since.

[@rachelfriberg448]

The very first concert I experienced live...1981. F ing Amazing!!!. Dead Kennedy's show #2 . and so on into SF hardcore. And it started with the I hate Pop attitude of DEVO.

[@thaddeusmcgrath]

WE ARE DEVO FRIEND!

[@karlshallowhorn1332]

I saw this tour in 1981. It blew me away when they came out on the treadmills. So far ahead of their time.

[@rickszabo4312]

Ya , now I know where the keyboard player for Rammstein got the idea from.

[@andrewpotok2661]

Me too in 81. The tower in philly. Too young to really appreciate greatness. Ty

[@tomkonen136]

Lucky 5:01

[@fistyann8434]

Little makes me happier than watching Jerry perform.

[@geo386]

I am now 60 and I still watch videos and listen to DEVO. This band was way ahead of it's time and is very unique in their style of imagery and music.

[@hanskloss1331]

as well

[@Tekrothebountyhunter]

That VHS scratchiness is actually kind of fitting for this video. Great song, by the way.

[@donaldgoetz6227]

very slack

[@princeofcupspoc9073]

Even the tape is DEVO.

[@daehnihc]

@@princeofcupspoc9073 conspiracy theory: everything is devo

[@JamesParsonsDunckervon]

talent hits a mark others can't reach genius hits a mark other's can't see.

[@ycm3591]

thanks jay-z

[@clarenceboddicker4023]

This band had only one Mark.

[@JamesParsonsDunckervon]

but many scores. they hit every note here :-)

[@jimpappas7296]

Devo is timeless.

[@RunnerSandman]

Touché

[@EvilscooterKitty]

DAMN THIS IS BRILLIANT even after all these years!

[@k-matsu]

I saw them in Columbus OH on this tour. The synchronization of the treadmills was amazing

[@GreasyFilms-qc1xo]

A synthesizer band legendary for its great live rock shows. Devo broke all the rules!

[@CommunityGuidelines]

What fantastic stage design... if only the whole tour had been filmed!! Devo exerts more energy live than on the album version... amazing showmen!!

[@jamesmckenzie3532]

This was on a TV show called Fridays.

[@1958piwo]

I wish there was a cleaner version: I’ve watched this video at least 20 times over the years. Even the intro portion is awesome

[@mickeymousebiker1]

Pure geek sugar. So damned goofy and fun. What a talented group of spuds. Love this.

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

Geek..sugar..

[@isaacdebolt3637]

Don't say that.

[@MarkCisOfTheLoonieLeft]

Depends on the geek, many I know prefer hard rock/metal.

[@rickghaly]

Sick Drums! Love the fact that that they went for real percussion.

[@slobomotion]

They were amazing live, early on. I was all over those gigs in Ohio. There were a few groups I knew right away I needed to see pronto, cuz soon they'd be away and big, and this was one such group. They did great stuff with odd scraps! It always sounded fine, and I recall there were always real drums. Real percussion, yes.

[@rickghaly]

I hear that Alan. The original drummer used to live down the street from Captain Beef Heart and the GoGo's so, creative 80's heaven. Basically.

[@MarkCisOfTheLoonieLeft]

Who cares? certainly not people that listen to music because it MUSIC, but not because it has to have some old fashioned work ethic attached or be considered worthless. A music lover is; a music lover full stop, would still enjoy even if they used a machine squeezing rubber ducks to make the sound.

[@johndoran1754]

I've seen enough concerts to be half deaf. Hands down the best live band I ever saw. Thanks Bob, RIP.

[@massimodepalma6557]

40 years damn!!! No one today can give me same shivers

[@hubbsllc]

It *does* give shivers. Whenever they went "off-book" in a show like they do here it's absolutely thrilling.

[@Chilkat007]

Still gives me chills and an uncontrollable urge to dance 38 years later!!

[@TheNewNumberTw0]

Jerry's dance moves are almost hypnotic...

[@sharkb8er]

now bands with giant treadmills are cutting edge stage shows...So far ahead still. All the matching 'uniforms' is pretty cool. We are still de evolving.

[@dennistorrence4778]

Actually we are Devolving

[@dennistorrence4778]

Oops, didn't notice you broke it into 2 words

[@tvtitlechampion3238]

Idk, evolution might be a slow-motion ekg-looking thing, vacillating up and down, with a series of lager, more drawn out sine waves; the planetary heartbeat, with the individual chamber valves clapping and creating echoes...

[@joshgellis3292]

Its darkly interesting that they look like they're a nuclear accident cleanup crew. lol.

[@sg7149]

Gerry Casale - the best!

[@alexjennings3105]

I saw devo at cruel world 2022. They absolutely BLEW MY MIND. I’m hey had such a wild energy live. There was even a mosh pit for Mr DNA!!!! Absolutely made a lifelong fan outta me that day.

[@cymbolichuman433]

Devo was so cool that nobody notices what a great love song this is.

[@do0ranfrump260]

Love song?... it reminds me of my ex..

[@negascoot23]

That intro was a real treat--I'd never heard it anywhere before this :)

[@davesaussieduster]

Goin Under!

[@mikecheck7940]

Rock of ages

[@carlsaganlives5112]

Me too. Way cool. Just when you think they can't get any better....

[@InstantLeprosy]

Huh? It's The Theme from the Adventures of the Smart Patrol: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX20ipiwdraterc

[@MrBribones06]

it's the song "the super thing" from the same album.

[@yerachmielben-zeev2796]

The hair, the costumes, the treadmills! Probably the funniest band ever. Genius.

[@tinfoilmagnolia2546]

Funny but highly, highly intelligent! An unbeatable combination. I am no music snob yet I feel people that don't understand Devo , like them or not, are not high on the ( de ) evolutionary scale!

[@zellah]

Saw this great "New Traditionalists" concert in 81-82. They were on the treadmills for numerous songs

[@evanwolf6618]

O' 🍀🍀🍀 Sullivan

[@mikejones-go8vz]

I did, in New Zealand, still one of my favourite concerts, they threw hats into the crowd, wish I could’ve got one, I will look for one

[@waynegagnon474]

CLASSIC..!!!! they were tight and very original.MUCH RESPECT.

[@PaulGrayson-gi8pu]

From the UK...... I love Devo

[@mike196212]

BIG Devo fan here. Light years ahead of the curve. Brilliant.insightful,ironic lyrics.Unbelievably tight band and largely underappreciated. I also like subversion of wearing matching attire at a time when such a thing had pretty much vanished from rock music.

[@brucegordon7248]

Not a hair out of place!

[@debb8321]

Bruce Gordon 😄

[@ernestinemaloy6752]

He overdosed on too much hair lacquer...

[@peytbass]

@it's rick.hentai on Instagram yes. Modeled after JFK.

[@kevinloving3141]

@@peytbass That's odd I always thought this "hairpiece"was a dig at Ronald Reagan

[@ronduff4325]

They were genius !❤❤❤

[@stephenduncan872]

Allen was such a powerful drummer!!!

[@johncady9780]

Once again I have the privilege of basking in the weird genius that is Devo. Awesome performance!

[@AVENALEK]

My favourite album. Thanks for uploading.

[@davidbrodeur5023]

Saw this show @ the Forum 1981 and transformed me from casual fan to avid fan. Kinda like when I saw Sparks live for the first time. These guys did 3 stage and costume changes during the show, had an awesome light show and rocked every one of their best songs while playing 2+ hours. One of the concerts from over 500 that I remember like it was yesterday

[@dozerla2705]

Saw the same 1981 New Traditionalists tour - agreed, one of the THE best concerts in my four decades of seeing shows!

[@darkenedaze]

abby glory

[@InfiniteRhombus]

sparks blew me away the first time i saw them

[@thewordlove4316]

Sparks love always warms the cockles of my heart!! 2021 and still going strong!

[@drunvert]

Great documentary out about Sparks. Netflix or Prime. Had no idea how amazing they were

[@Dani92670]

It's 2:33am on Friday, July 12, 2024 & I just landed on this for the 1st time. I KNEW today was going to be better than the 7/11 shit day straight from hell I troopered thru & THIS is the first sign of proof.

[@ghill628]

I remember seeing Devo in the Old Gym at Nevada (UNR). I couldn't get any of my friends to go because they thought of Devo as a passing fad. I'm so glad I went, it is still one of the best shows I ever saw.

[@theitineranthistorian2024]

love these guys, so committed to their show. I got to see this tour in l.a. as good as it gets. n.t.

[@Personofnointerest1968]

I got the album for my 15th birthday. This is still my favorite song on the album and one of my fav songs ever.

[@Robostate]

In 1981, Alan Myers predicted machines replacing human musicians, so he unleashed all of humanity's remaining percussion out in the introduction of this song, and I was blessed enough to have seen it live on ABC's Fridays.

[@chrismitchell45]

I’m 50 and growing up in the 80’s the only song I’d heard from Devo was Whip It which was ok. Over the last couple weeks I’ve realized I totally missed out on an extremely cool and VERY GOOD band. Better late than never I guess.

[@ronchamberlain8392]

Same here

[@tygerscru]

Rest in Musical Paradise Bob Casale! Thanks for sooooo much great music and memories!

[@fortunetechinc]

Saw them in Boston in 1980 for this tour Still one of the best bands and shows I’ve ever seen and I’ve seen many.

[@rayhughesman10]

One of the only bands to put the drummer upfront.

[@collinmc90]

My dad always told me how he saw devo perform on treadmills. This is awesome to see haha.

[@kd4pba]

One thing that makes this even better, is the VHS quality. I remember watching this and never thinking i would see it again.

[@hubbsllc]

One of the best thing about Devo shows - and this performance is a great example - was that even though they'd reel out songs from their catalog they'd also do things you wouldn't have heard before or adapt one of their songs into something you haven't heard before. Their live album NOW IT CAN BE TOLD ends with an absolutely banger of a medley that weirdly (and awesomely) includes "Somewhere" from WEST SIDE STORY.

[@Vampirebear13]

Ohio's Own !!!! I'm remember watching this on TV & them doing "Going Under", which is my favorite DEVO song.

[@williamedwards6423]

DEVO brought us the 80's from the future into the 70's

[@froggacuda1605]

Very cool. I remember being blown away by this when it aired. Great time to be a DEVO fan

[@Edward-pp8jc]

Cool! Devo was one of the best new wave groups of that great musical era of the late 70s/ early 80s. How come we don't synthesizers much any more??

[@NickHanley]

OK, everybody say it with me, yeah, you know what it is... "We're all DEVO!". Still love this band.

[@mrdnarna]

I give a thumbs up Mr DNA

[@azcat]

Temple of Devo!

[@noneofyourbusiness4616]

3:07 - wow, that is a great grungy analog keyboard sound

[@HaroldDodd-t8p]

They were always fun to watch and listen to. I remember back in the early 80s, my best friend had a 1972 Oldsmobile powder blue convertible with a big block (429 ?) engine. We would ride around on spring and summer days with the top down drinking beer or liquor while listening to Devo. We were in our prime - early 20s back then and were invincible and oblivious to mortality. God, what I would give to go back in time just for one more day like that. Best friend, awesome ride, good music, sunny days, liquor and plenty of pussy for us both! It's a damn shame that every day in our lives can't be like that.

[@BrookValentine]

Love the OK-Go treadmill track? I love it myself, but now I know it wasn't the first time a treadmill was used as a music video prop! My beloved Devo ahead of the crowd.

[@bill-pn7vz]

+Brook Valentine seen it a kraftwerks vid

[@doorran]

devo was always about the visual presentation and the show.. if you only listen to devo you aren't getting the whole package. many people thought they weren't serious because of this .. but that was only because those people didn't understand what they were trying to do.

[@madmaxxmayhem]

only difference is devo used them in a live show,ok go just did it for a music video

[@pete62red]

Also, chronology.

[@evanwolf6618]

Ann-Margret in 'Bye Bye Birdie'

[@BTMZ]

This is my first song of the year, lucky to start it off with DEVO! 💙

[@andrewpotok2661]

Good for u

[@scottbohe7047]

I never realized how good the drummer is! Don't even know his name! Devo is awesome!

[@hanskloss1331]

this version is phenomenal the different opening is total DEVO

[@EstadoNaturalViajero]

Eran geniales, marcaron una época de surrealismo en la música, da tristeza verlos en sus últimos conciertos, pero me quedo con el pasado, así los quiero recordar siempre.

[@lisal7066]

Still love Devo, more than ever!

[@kineticsurf]

5 minutes of bliss. Thanks.

[@mcerpintaxtv]

i honestly watch this just about everyday, twice a day. thank you for posting this gem!

[@antonio47anos]

Faboulous DEVO. Are we not men? we are DEVO

[@Vivzid]

I love how Devo was talking straight to everyone

[@sammencia7945]

They spent ALL of the money from Whip It on this tour, setup, and videos. When I saw them in 1988 they were playing 200 seat clubs, had left their WB contract, and Alan was no longer drumming. Pioneers Who Got Scalped, indeed...

[@PaulBoos]

No doubt about it - this is my absolute fave Devo tune. Going Under is a close #2. I wish I had seen this concert... (I got to see a Total Devo one which was great, but man this is incredible)

[@tomdumb6937]

Dont forget timing x!

[@SwampDweller67]

Damn, they had to be stone cold sober to pull that off, lol!

[@Adoptpets833]

Devo - where use of the "treadmill" originated💞❣️😎

[@charleskuckel3173]

DEVO made it GREAT to be a GEEK! They were SO far ahead of the curve bands even NOW are struggling to catch up. I remember watching this performance on FRIDAYS followed by "We're Through With Being Cool" then "Working In A Coal Mine" which were BOTH in the movie HEAVY METAL. Those were heady times indeed!

[@TheJabernet]

I can't stop watching this vid. DEVO RULES!!!!

[@setdrift]

saw this when it first came out. Still excellent today.

[@alexpastor8582]

seriously folks this is a freeking great band!!!!!!! blows away the crap we have today!!!!!!!!

[@smittys19daytona]

I never paid that much attention to the lyrics back then, they simple and deep at the same time, like this one , girl U want ect. such showmanship they changed costumes like 4 times when I went to see them , way more talent than ever given credit to most people

[@arekk.9254]

as far as live performances go this is head and shoulders above anything i've ever seen, i dare anyone to top this

[@lockandloadlikehell]

That Smell, Skynyrd Winterland Ozzy Speak of the Devil NYC ZEPPELIN Madison Square Garden Metallica Seattle '89 Waylon Jennings Bob Wills is Still the King '74 Guns and Roses Live at the Ritz 1987 WASP London '86 NSP Brisbane 2018 Simple Man, Skynyrd 1975, Hamburg Motley Crue, Charlotte 2011 Do you need any more?

[@futuregirl3]

WOW ! ! ! I remember watching this when it aired originally...

[@Robostate]

Same here, October 1981. In my city the ABC station was channel 6, which is simulcast over FM radio at about 88 MHz (that's where the audio channel happens to be), so I was able to record this on a cassette, which subsequently wore out from being overplayed. ;)

[@futuregirl3]

Shamak COOL!!!

[@carolmowatt2798]

futuregirl3 I

[@valuedcustomer9614]

I saw it when it originally aired too and I remember it well for the extended drum intro, and how freakin' amazing it was. I wonder if Devo recorded this drum intro on any of their albums? I hope this episode (#40) will be released on video someday. (I bought SNL Season 4 just to get an early Kate Bush appearance.)

[@picmajik]

Me too! I thought I was only DEVO fan on campus until my art teacher mentioned them in class.

[@Burnzy1976]

There are no words to describe how cool these guys were...

[@vandalorianvandalorian4769]

I saw this tour. It was my very first concert at 15 years old. Been a huge fan ever since!

[@johndoran1754]

Oh No, It's DEVO!!!!! Amazing band.

[@luisfelipemorariquelme747]

They are genius.......simple the best ever!!!!!! Thanks DEVO!!!!

[@RSTAR2009]

Their BEST album! Devo forever!!

[@dlphcoracl9645]

What a kick-ass set!!

[@michaeljohnson5684]

Yep 👍

[@kenbob1071]

Loved this song as a teen. Didn't realize until a couple of years later that the song was about masturbation....lol. Such a creative band!

[@tonygatos1]

I will never forget their first album in 1978. After seeing Devo for the first time back then, i knew music would never be the same. They are so inspirational. We Are Devo!

[@alharrington6973]

I saw them on this tour with the treadmills... Out of all the concerts I've seen in my many years this one ranks at the top. Saw them in the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento, CA. I also remember their appearance on Fridays - great stuff! I do find it funny how they avoided close-up camera shots of Gerald as he was doing his jerkin' dance moves. :)

[@tracy4179]

Al Harrington Gerry was working it pretty hardcore and was told to behave lol!! Yeah this is what is so amazing about these guys and being 100% authentic in form, so much talent and geniuses for most people lesser minded to comprehend.. but for those of us who dared to brave the truthfulness is to simply answer one question.. and if you don’t know what that question is or how to respond by this point in time, chances are you only wear shoes without laces. Hey nothing wrong with Velcro, or if you just aren’t able to figure how the bunny ear method actually is going to keep your shoes safely tied. Just sayin

[@ThatsWhenItkickedin]

Best fkn band I ever saw, 6 times was not enough

[@Revelator2025]

Great performance from their Fridays TV appearance. One of my favorite 🤩

[@CliffMcAulay]

This.... It is is musical theatre at its best. Great song, and a well thought out performance. Ah, the good old days...But this is timeless. Thank you Devo.

[@adamc1966]

Awesome. Bring back the 80's.

[@DarrenYates-b1g]

I've been watching this video regularly for the last 6 years since I found it. This, along with other DEVO live performances is the reason I believe their recordings are tame in comparison. It's rare that a band is better live than their professional recordings. This version of 'Jerking' is 50% better than the recorded version. Also, Alan was a brilliant drummer. Impeccable timing, rhythm and power. Why DEVO decided to go with electronic drum machine for a period of time puzzles me considering how good Alan (RIP) was.

[@steven2212]

Live and on point...they were polished.

[@ronchambers3713]

Looks like the show I saw for the 1980-81 tour,