ARE WE NOT MEN? WE ARE DEVO!

In 1973, out of the remnants of late ’60s political activism and the rising post-punk music climate, the seminal band DEVO was born. The formative lineup consisted of two sets of brothers—Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, and Gerald and Bob Casale—along with drummer Alan Myers, all hailing from Akron, Ohio.

The band’s prophetic message of “Devolution” and their strikingly original fusion of electronics and punk made them a singular influence throughout the ’80s and into the ’90s. DEVO began when Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale met as students at Kent State University and began exchanging ideas about art and music.

Deeply influenced by the Vietnam War, campus protests, and the tragic Kent State shootings of May 1970, the duo started making films and writing songs that would evolve into a wholly unique performance style. Their art-meets-music ethos quickly propelled them into the spotlight as one of the most high-profile acts in the New Wave movement, earning them a fervent cult following that included David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Neil Young.

THE RISE OF DEVO
In 1978, after an impromptu endorsement at Max’s Kansas City where David Bowie declared them “the band of the future,” DEVO was whisked off to Germany. There, Brian Eno—along with Bowie’s collaboration—produced their debut album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO!. The record caught the attention of both critics and the industry, helping the band build a devoted following. It wasn’t until their third album, Freedom of Choice—produced by Bob Margouleff and featuring the double-platinum single Whip It—that DEVO became a worldwide phenomenon.

BEYOND DEVO
The band continued to evolve, releasing influential albums such as New Traditionalists, Oh No! It’s DEVO, and Shout. Their visual and sonic innovations helped define the aesthetic of the early MTV era. In 1990, DEVO went on hiatus to pursue other creative paths. Mark Mothersbaugh received a call from friend Paul Reubens and went on to compose the theme and music for Pee-wee’s Playhouse. This unexpected opportunity launched him into a prolific career in film and television composition.

Mark has since become one of the most in-demand and highest-grossing composers in the industry. 

DEVO RETURNS
Gerald Casale, director of most of DEVO’s music videos, became a notable figure in the MTV revolution, directing videos for bands like Rush, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden, and Silverchair. He also built a successful commercial career, directing for brands including Miller Lite, Diet Coke, Mrs. Butterworth’s, and Tang.

In 1996, DEVO reunited for the first time in six years at the Sundance Film Festival to an exuberant crowd—DEVO was back. With the original lineup intact (except for Alan Myers, who was replaced by drummer Josh Freese), the band reignited their live performance legacy. Freese remained with DEVO for nearly two decades.

Since then, DEVO has continued to perform at festivals and venues around the globe. 

DEVOLUTION CONTINUES
In 2023, DEVO embarked on their 50th Anniversary Tour, featuring three original members—Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, and Gerald Casale. Jeff Friedl now holds the drumsticks, and Josh Hager has taken over for the late Bob Casale on rhythm guitar and synths. Their high-energy performances blend punk, rock, and synth-pop in a way that continues to astonish and delight audiences.

As music critic Bob Lefsetz recently wrote about DEVO’s set at Cruel World:
“It occurs to me that this music is anything but dated… make no mistake, live DEVO ROCKS!”

Mark degli Antoni, Mike Doughty, Yuval Gabay, and Sebastian Steinberg formed Soul Coughing in 1992 after meeting at New York’s Knitting Factory. An eclectic collection of musicians, the band merges drum & bass, trance, rock & roll, and hip-hop to create a truly unique strain of music.  Unlikely reemerging after a twenty-five-year hiatus, the quartet have sold out reunion shows from coast to coast- each one drawing from their legendary catalogue of El Oso, Irresistible Bliss, and their genre-defining debut Ruby Vroom.

New York punk rock/art pop songwriter Shilpa Ray has released her new album Portrait of a Lady via Northern Spy. Listed as an “album of note” for release week by Stereogum, the raging Portrait of a Lady is Ray’s most searing and personal album to date. Written in the wake of the #metoo movement and the weathering years of the Trump Administration, the record finds Ray processing her own experiences with abuse, layering autobiographical detail with ferocious bon mots and surrealistic rock & roll gloss.

Where can I buy tickets for the show? 

The fastest way to purchase tickets is through our website. When you click “Purchase Tickets,” you’ll be redirected to Etix, our authorized third-party ticketing partner, to securely complete your purchase. Ticket on-sale date for the general public is Friday, February 27 at 12 pm EST. 

Buffalo AKG members will have access to an exclusive presale opportunity Wednesday, February 25 at 12 pm EST to Friday, February 27 at 12 pm EST. Information regarding presale will be emailed to members in advance.

Not yet a member? Join today to ensure you get access to the presale! 

Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Town Ballroom box office, located at 681 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203. Box office hours of operation are Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12 to 5 pm. Please note that a confirmation email will be sent upon completion of your ticket purchase. Digital tickets will be emailed to all guests 10 days prior to the show. If you have any concerns regarding tickets, please contact the Town Ballroom box office at 716 852 3900.  

Where is Will Call located? 
Tickets for the event are digital. If you prefer to receive physical tickets, please purchase them from the Town Ballroom box office located at 681 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14203.

Parking and Transportation 
Rideshare and public transportation are highly encouraged. Stay tuned for more details!

Accessibility  
Accessible drop-off and seating will be available. Please continue to check back for updates. If you have a specific accommodation request, please contact Jenn Barton, Manager of Access & Studio Programs, at jbarton@buffaloakg.org

Additional FAQs

What time can I arrive?  
Gates open at 6 pm.

What are the set times? 
Stay tuned for more details!

Will there be food and beverages? 
Yes, concessions will be available on the grounds of the Buffalo AKG for purchase. Outside food and beverage is not permitted.

Can I bring my children? 
Yes, this is an all-ages show. Regardless of age, all concert-goers are required to have a ticket. A parent or guardian must accompany minors under the age of 16.  

Do you allow smoking? 
Smoking and vaping are prohibited on museum grounds.  

Is the museum open?  
No, the museum is closed.

What are your policies regarding photo/video/audio? 
Smartphones for personal use are permitted. Professional, detachable-lens cameras and recording devices are not permitted. All other requests and inquiries can be directed to Andrew Mayer, Manager of Marketing and Media Relations, at amayer@buffaloakg.org or 716 903 2230.

Is Rockin' a rain or shine event?
Yes, Rockin’ will be held rain or shine, please dress for the weather. Reentry is not permitted. In the case of severe weather conditions safe shelter will be available.

What can I bring to the museum? 

PERMITTED 
•    Small purses/handbags (no larger than 4 x 6 x 1.5 inches are permitted) 
•    Diaper bags (no larger than 4 x 6 x 1.5 inches are permitted) 
•    Medically necessary items 
NOT PERMITTED 
•    Duffle Bags, Backpacks, and Luggage 
•    Coolers 
•    Chairs 
•    Umbrellas 
•    Blankets 
•    Illegal Drugs/Drug Paraphernalia 
•    Weapons 
•    Fireworks 
•    Glass Containers 
•    Outside Food or Beverage 
•    Selfie Sticks, Tripods, or Monopods 
•    Laser Pointers 
•    Poster Tubes 
•    Hula Hoops 
•    Air Horns 
•    Animals (except Service Animals) 
•    Bicycles 
•    Items Deemed Dangerous 
•    Drones 
•    Cameras, Video Equipment, and Recording Devices   
•    Recording of the performance on any device is prohibited.

Press Inquiries 
Please contact Andrew Mayer, Manager of Marketing and Media Relations, at amayer@buffaloakg.org or 716 903 2230 for additional information.  

The above information is subject to change and will be updated as necessary.

WARNING: Strobe lights will be used during this performance. Viewer discretion is advised.

Whether you’re coming to dance the night away or looking for a next-level experience, we have a ticket option for you.  

General Admission—$75

• Includes general admission access to Rockin’ at the AKG.

SOLD OUT - GA Premium—$110
Elevate your experience!
Includes:

• Access to an expedited entry line
• Dedicated restroom trailers
• Dedicated cash bar
• Dedicated concert viewing area

DEVO VIP Meet-and-Greet Package—$350
The ultimate fan experience.
Includes:

• One general admission concert ticket
• Pre-show photo meet-and-greet with DEVO
• Opportunity to bring one item to be signed by DEVO*
• Early entry to the venue
• Commemorative VIP laminate
• First access to merchandise shopping

* Only small items will be accepted for autographs. We ask you not to bring large items, like guitars or drumheads.  

Please note that this ticket does not include access to the AKG Solo VIP or GA Premium areas and their associated amenities.

AKG Solo VIP—$500
Rock in style with our most elevated experience.
Includes:

• Premium viewing from the John R. Oishei Foundation Portico
• Complimentary food and beverages
• Parking and shuttle service to and from the Buffalo AKG campus
• Access to indoor restrooms

Please note that this ticket does not include the DEVO VIP Meet and-Greet Package amenities.  

For questions regarding sponsorships and AKG Solo VIP tickets, please contact Kate Brown, Manager of Donor Relations, at kbrown@buffaloakg.org or +1 716 270 8216 or Ashley Misko, Manager of Philanthropy, at amisko@buffaloakg.org or +1 716 270 8385.  

Sponsors receive VIP Experience passes, which include:
• Premium viewing from the John R. Oishei Foundation Portico
• Complimentary food and beverage
• Parking and shuttle service to and from the Buffalo AKG’s campus
• Access to indoor bathrooms

Promoter | $25,000
• 24 VIP Experience passes
• 16 General Admission tickets
• High-visibility recognition at Rockin’ 2026, including: prominent logo placement on digital signage; opportunity to display company-provided banner on Elmwood Avenue; and event page recognition
• Commemorative prints

Virtuoso | $15,000
• 15 VIP Experience passes
• General Admission tickets
• High-visibility recognition at Rockin’ 2026, including: prominent logo placement on digital signage; opportunity to display company-provided banner on Elmwood Avenue; and event page recognition
• Commemorative prints

Audiophile | $10,000
• 10 VIP Experience passes
• 6 General Admission tickets
• Visibility at Rockin’ 2026, including: logo placement on digital signage; opportunity to display company-provided banner on Elmwood Avenue; and event page recognition
• Commemorative prints

Roadie | $5,000
• 6 VIP Experience passes
• 4 General Admission tickets
• Recognition at Rockin’ 2026, including: the opportunity to display company provided banner on Elmwood Avenue and event page recognition
• Commemorative prints

Fanatic | $2,500
• 2 VIP Experience passes
• 2 General Admission tickets
• Recognition at Rockin’ 2026, including: the opportunity to display company provided banner on Elmwood Avenue and event page recognition
• Commemorative prints

Solo | $500
• 1 VIP Experience pass
• Commemorative prints

Purchase VIP Tickets and Sponsorships