New-wave band Devo will return to Connecticut in 2026 for a special concert, marking the group’s first show in the state in more than 40 years. The performance is planned for June 13 at the Premier Theatre at Foxwoods Resort Casino. The event is part of the band’s extended 2026 touring schedule and follows recent anniversary shows that celebrated Devo’s long history in music.
Devo last played in Connecticut in 1982 at the Agora Ballroom in West Hartford. After that period, the band stopped touring for some years and officially broke up in 1991. The group later reunited in 1996 and has remained active on stage and in recording projects. Several original members still perform with the band today, including Mark Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, and Bob Mothersbaugh. Their continued presence connects current concerts to the band’s early new-wave era.
Devo formed in Akron, Ohio, in the early 1970s and became known for a unique sound that mixed rock, electronic music, and sharp social ideas. The group gained wide attention in the late 1970s and early 1980s with songs that used simple rhythms, strong visual style, and unusual lyrics. Their music videos, costumes, and stage design helped define the new-wave movement and influenced many later artists.
The band’s most famous song, “Whip It,” remains a key part of its legacy. The track became a major hit and continues to appear in films, television programs, and streaming playlists. Mark Mothersbaugh once explained how lasting media use can support older music. He said the placement of a theme connected to the song brought him about $1 million each year, showing how classic recordings can still earn strong income long after their first release. This type of steady royalty flow is common for well-known catalog songs that stay visible in popular culture.
Devo’s current tour continues the group’s message of change and creative thinking. The tour name, “Mutate, Don’t Stagnate,” reflects ideas the band has shared for decades about social behavior, technology, and culture. Even as music styles shift, the group keeps the same visual symbols and performance energy that fans recognize. This balance between old and new helps attract both longtime listeners and younger audiences who discover the band through streaming services or online video.
Mark Mothersbaugh has described Devo’s artistic approach as thoughtful rather than direct protest. “We weren’t doing the very most obvious kind of in-your-face protesting,” he said in an interview. The comment explains how the band often used humor, design, and unusual storytelling instead of clear political slogans. This method allowed listeners to form their own meanings while still engaging with social themes.
The upcoming Connecticut concert highlights the strong role of legacy touring in today’s music industry. Many artists from past decades now rely on live performance as a major source of revenue. While streaming provides global reach, payments from digital listening are often smaller than income from ticket sales, merchandise, and special events. As a result, established bands continue to travel and perform in cities they may not have visited for many years.
Catalog streaming also introduces classic music to new generations. Younger listeners often hear older songs through recommendation systems, social media clips, or television soundtracks. When these listeners attend concerts, they create fresh demand that supports touring artists. Devo’s continued popularity shows how cultural visibility can last across decades when music remains easy to access.
Industry analysts note that anniversary tours and rare location stops can increase ticket interest. Fans may see these shows as once-in-a-lifetime chances, especially when a band has not performed in a region for many years. The return to Connecticut after four decades fits this pattern and may draw both local residents and traveling fans.
At the same time, legacy acts face challenges such as changing audience habits, rising travel costs, and the physical demands of touring. Bands must balance performance schedules with health and production needs. Devo’s decision to extend its 2026 tour suggests confidence in continued fan support and careful planning around these factors.
The group’s long career also reflects broader changes in the music business. When Devo first released records, sales depended on physical formats such as vinyl and cassette. Today, discovery often begins online, and artists measure success through streams, views, and live engagement. Despite these shifts, recognizable songs and strong visual identity still provide lasting value.
For Connecticut audiences, the 2026 concert represents both a nostalgic return and a reminder of music history that continues in the present. Fans who saw Devo in the early 1980s will have a chance to reconnect with familiar sounds, while first-time listeners can experience a band that helped shape modern pop and alternative music.
More than forty years after its last local show, Devo’s return demonstrates how enduring songs, active original members, and renewed cultural interest can keep a band visible across generations. The rare tour stop is not only a concert date but also an example of how legacy artists maintain relevance in a changing industry.
