Indianapolis, IN. – DEVO’s Mutate, Don’t Stagnate Tour arrived at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre in Indianapolis and delivered an electrifying celebration of one of the most innovative bands to emerge from the 1980s. Fans packed the historic venue, many sporting the band’s signature red energy domes and vintage DEVO apparel, creating an atmosphere that felt like a reunion of generations connected by the group’s unique vision. The ornate surroundings of the Murat provided a striking contrast to DEVO’s futuristic themes, making the evening feel like a collision between the past and the future.
Leading the charge were founding members Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale, whose chemistry remains as sharp and entertaining as it was during DEVO’s rise to prominence. They were joined by guitarist Bob Mothersbaugh, drummer Josh Freese, and guitarist-keyboardist Josh Hager, forming a lineup that seamlessly blended veteran experience with fresh energy. Throughout the evening, the band delivered a tightly synchronized performance filled with DEVO’s trademark robotic choreography, satirical wit, and visually captivating production elements that helped make them pioneers of the MTV generation.
The performance was fueled by boundless energy, impeccable musicianship, and the unmistakable creativity that has defined DEVO for decades. Angular guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and layers of synthesizers filled the Murat Theatre as the band moved effortlessly through its catalog of classics. Every song was delivered with precision and enthusiasm, proving that DEVO remains far more than a nostalgia act. Instead, the group demonstrated why its influence continues to be felt across alternative, electronic, and new wave music, sounding as inventive and relevant today as it did during its groundbreaking heyday.
From the opening moments, the Mutate, Don’t Stagnate Tour embraced everything that made DEVO a cultural phenomenon in the 1980s. The band powered through fan favorites including “Girl U Want,” “Beautiful World,” and “Freedom of Choice,” while archival video footage and surreal visuals flashed across the screens behind them. Their blend of synthesizers, angular guitars, and social commentary transported the audience back to a decade when new wave challenged conventional rock and reshaped popular music. The energy reached its peak when the unmistakable opening notes of “Whip It” rang through the Murat Theatre, prompting an explosive response from the crowd as fans jumped to their feet and sang along to one of the band’s most enduring and iconic hits.
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As the final songs concluded and the band took their bows, the Indianapolis audience responded with a thunderous standing ovation. The Mutate, Don’t Stagnate Tour proved that DEVO’s message of challenging conformity and embracing change remains as important today as it was during their 1980s peak. More than four decades after helping define the new wave movement, Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, Josh Freese, and Josh Hager delivered a performance that celebrated their legacy while reminding fans why DEVO continues to influence artists and audiences around the world. For one unforgettable night, the Murat Theatre became a portal to the golden age of the 1980s—and DEVO was the perfect guide for the journey.
Show Date: 06.02.26
