Post-DEVO Show 10/8/05 OAKLAND wrap-up (I am SO D-E-V-O!)

The DEVO Experience was astounding! DEVO SHOW was still on my list of things to do before I head on over to the Summerland cuz the truncated Lollapolooza Show didn't quite qualify. But it was catalytic in that it showed them they still had fans out there and could have a successful tour in 2000+.

My inner voice was right on target telling me to go over to the Paramount Theatre in the afternoon for the soundcheck which I figured would be at 3:00. Sure enough, I went to the back of the theatre building and could hear sound check. Made friends with security guard who told me where to stand for max sound. Then DEVO manager came out and chatted with me, "if you hang out here, this is the van we'll be taking back to the hotel."

Aloha Bob, cuz he was wearing aloha shirt, showed up as Rabid DEVO Fan #2 with me and we listened to soundcheck and waited. He took off for a bit, bad timing Aloha Bob, soundcheck ended and MM came out. I said "Sound check was good, Mark." We had a chat while waiting for rest of band to get in van.

Talked to Bob 1, lead guitar and my fave energy-wise, when he came out. They said "We'll look for you at the show tonight. Thanx for coming down here." I went to car and screamed with glee (we don't see that very often!) for a bit.

Tried to rest, eat some dinner but too much excitement. As I pulled up to Theatre for the Show, someone was leaving so I got front door spot where I could see everyone in their DEVO gear. Aloha Bob came by and I waved him into the car for some pre-show libations ("Oh Bob, not cigarettes! ICK.") He said to go back, where we were this afternoon, later after the show and they will come out to chat. I put on my DEVO gear, Flashing Light Glasses, etc. and headed inside. The glasses were a major attention getter; whoa, I'm not used to all that attention!!

My seat was too far from the stage; unacceptable! The Theatre security peeps were like on homeland security alert or something. JEESH, it's D-E-V-O! I picked my moment, removed my Flashing Glasses, invoked my "Cloak of Invisibility" and headed down the aisle toward the stage. A blonde woman who was down front put her arm out and said "Come stand over here." at the edge of the stage. And there I was for the duration of the show, directly in front of Bob 1 and the synth. I put my FlashGlasses back on and proceeded to dance like a maniac. The floor beneath us was pulsating with the exuberance of Rabid DEVO-tees. I don't know who that blonde woman was but she was very supportive and acted like I belonged there with her.

When it was encore time, she said, "What other song could they possibly do?" I said "Freedom of Choice?" and so they came out and did it! She said, "o, you're spooky!" Thanx to my Cloak and to her energy, I didn't attract wrath of security til the encore when I HAD TO attempt to take a picture of Mark in big hat on Jonee. I knew that was always at the end. As soon as my flash went off, security came over, blahblahblah.

After the show, there was more schmoozing by the stage door with Mark and Bob1, other fans took pix of me and Devo, got autographs on my ticket. Both Mark and Bob1 commented on FGlasses. Chatted with Bob1 about how I've used DEVO songs in "performance ritual", which he thought was creative. Got hug from Bob1 before he got in the van; how sweet is that?

Went to an after-party at Radio Bar. Everyone there got off on my FlashGlasses, too. (Would you believe I got them at Dollar Store!!?) Not many Devo show people there. Someone, a woman, bought me a drink. Some guy wanted to kiss me (No, dude, I took an oath.). That's the official time-to-go-home signal, me thinks.

One last stop at Starry Plough, with FGlasses, for the end of some rockabilly-swing band then home at about 1:30.

DEVO does not disappoint.

I'm strategizing how I'm getting to their shows in AgouraHills, CA in Jan'06. It'll be my b-day present to me!

Gotta go start the DEVO DVD over again for the gazillionth time...

DEVOtedly,

NAG/Lupa