Devo Bring Generations Together at Project Pabst 2025

There are few bands that can claim the kind of cultural footprint Devo has left over the last five decades, and even fewer who can still channel that energy with such precision and vitality in a live setting. At Project Pabst in Portland, Oregon, the art-rock pioneers proved why they remain one of the most unique and enduring acts to ever grace a stage. Their headlining performance was nothing short of legendary, an unforgettable display of humor, musicianship, and sheer eccentricity that had the entire crowd—from teenagers discovering them for the first time to fans who grew up with their vinyl in the late ’70s—moving as one.

From the moment Devo appeared, clad in their unmistakable stage attire and backed by a striking visual setup, the tone was set for something special. Their stage design was a spectacle in itself—sharp lighting, bold graphics, and a futuristic aesthetic that amplified the surreal brilliance of their music. The band leaned heavily into their catalog of hits, a setlist that felt like a nonstop ride through some of the most recognizable and influential songs in alternative music history. Whether it was a quirky new wave anthem or one of their instantly recognizable radio staples, there was a sense that everyone in the crowd already knew the words and had been waiting for this moment.

What truly astounded was the energy. For a band that’s been playing for decades, Devo hit the stage with an intensity that could rival musicians half their age. Their movements, their precision, their chemistry—it all carried a vibrant electricity that made the performance feel not like a nostalgia act, but a vital, urgent moment in the present. It was punk, it was art, it was humor and critique rolled into one, a reminder that Devo’s DNA runs deep in the foundation of modern music.

The crowd itself mirrored the band’s diverse legacy. Families danced alongside longtime devotees in Devo hats, younger fans moshed in bursts of excitement, and festivalgoers who may have stumbled upon the set out of curiosity left as true believers. There was a unity in the audience that’s rare at festivals, a communal joy that spoke to the timelessness of Devo’s catalog and the singular space they occupy in the music world.

By the time the set reached its peak, it felt less like a concert and more like a shared cultural event—one where the past, present, and future of music collided in perfect sync. It was fun, it was bizarre, it was everything Devo has always promised to be, and more.

As the lights dimmed and the final notes echoed across the festival grounds, there was little doubt: Devo delivered one of Project Pabst’s defining moments. Legendary is not hyperbole here—it’s simply fact. This was a can’t-miss performance, the kind of show that lingers long after the amps go silent. For anyone lucky enough to be there, it was a reminder that Devo aren’t just a band to see—they’re an experience that etches itself into your memory.