Devo and The B-52s on Their Epic Joint Tour and Influence on Nirvana: “Both Bands Are Totally Unique”

Devo and The B-52s join forces for a 2026 UK tour, sharing stories of their quirky beginnings and surprising impact on rock legends like Nirvana.

A New Wave Alliance: Devo and The B-52s Hit the Road Together

When two of new wave’s most imaginative and unconventional bands team up, you know it’s going to be something special. Devo and The B-52s are hitting the UK in summer 2026 with their Cosmic De-Evolution Tour, bringing decades of boundary-pushing music and eccentric stage antics to venues like London’s O2 Arena and Manchester’s AO Arena.

More than just two groups sharing a bill, this tour feels like a real meeting of creative minds. Kate Pierson of The B-52s described their partnership as “a real meeting of like-minds,” and Devo’s Mark Mothersbaugh adds with a grin, “Devo’s a bunch of grumpy, old critical guys and The B-52s have a lot of ‘up’ energy, so they offset us.”

Devo and The B-52s celebrating their unique styles on the 2026 tour. Credit: Mary Ellen Matthews

From Ohio to Athens: Origins of the Oddballs

Devo first sparked to life as art students at Ohio’s Kent State University in the early 1970s. Their worldview was shaped by a tragic event: the 1970 shooting of antiwar protesters by the National Guard. This harrowing experience inspired the band’s central concept of “de-evolution,” a satirical critique of society’s backward slide.

“We thought maybe we’d start a venue and play for 30 hardcore fans every weekend,” Mothersbaugh recalls. Instead, they blossomed into one of the most innovative bands in rock history, now co-headlining massive arenas.

Meanwhile, The B-52s emerged from Athens, Georgia, in a town that initially had “no scene,” according to Pierson. Their beginnings were humble: house parties where friends danced so hard the floor shook. From those parties in 1977 to blasting “Planet Claire” from frat houses in 1979, they quickly carved out their own niche with infectious energy and playful oddity.

A Shared Spirit of Quirk and Politics

Both bands embody a quirky, irreverent sense of humor and a willingness to defy mainstream expectations. Pierson and Mothersbaugh agree that beyond their eccentric stage presence, DEVO’s satire was more overtly political, while The B-52s embedded subtler messages within their music.

“We’re similar in many ways,” Pierson said. “We both have great stage presence, looks, and are totally unique.” Mothersbaugh summed it up neatly: “We’re both art bands.”

The bands' uniqueness even led people to assume they hailed from England because of their weirdness, a misconception both found amusing.

Devo rocking the Phoenix Theater in California, August 1980. Credit: Ed Perlstein/Getty Images

Early Performances: Challenging Audiences

Their early gigs were far from easy. Devo played in Ohio’s cultural wasteland, where audiences preferred cover bands to original, challenging music like “Mongoloid” or “Jocko Homo.” “We were paid to quit a lot of times!” Mothersbaugh laughs.

For The B-52s, performing in Athens came with its own challenges. “We got harassed by frat guys who threw things at us, but then the next year, they were blasting our music,” Pierson reminisces. Their persistence paid off, as they became a beacon for those wanting something different.

Prophetic Philosophy: De-Evolution and Modern Times

Devo’s concept of de-evolution feels eerily prophetic today. Mothersbaugh reflects on the cycle of history: “There’s a conflict between evolution and de-evolution, the yin and yang of humans. Humans are defective.”

He sees current times—a mix of rapid technological change, greed, and rising authoritarianism—as part of this ongoing cycle. Yet, he remains hopeful about the future, especially the role young musicians might play.

“It’ll be fascinating to see how kids respond to AI, loss of freedom, and greed in their art. They'll create things that’ll make us say, ‘Wow! I wish I’d thought of that!’”

Pierson adds with a touch of realism, “It’s a shitshow here. But there has to be a backlash. There’s gotta be a pole shift.”

A Cautious Embrace of AI in Music

Both bands are curious yet cautious about AI’s place in the music world. Mothersbaugh compares the conversation to when the Mellotron arrived in the ’60s, sparking fears among musicians about being replaced.

“People aren’t going to only listen to AI-made music—it’s a phase. There's an initial novelty but real human connection stays.”

Pierson jokes, “Let me ask ChatGPT about that and get back to you!” But she admits the technology holds promise as a tool, though it carries risks.

Influence on Nirvana and Other Icons

Devo and The B-52s’ offbeat sounds and attitudes inspired a generation of musicians. Kurt Cobain credited The B-52s’ 1980 Saturday Night Live performance for opening his eyes to “weird” music, while calling Devo the “most challenging and subversive” band to break into the mainstream.

Even John Lennon was a fan. Mothersbaugh recounts Lennon once singing Devo’s “Uncontrollable Urge” to him, and the Beatles’ admiration for The B-52s’ “Rock Lobster” which influenced their 1980 Double Fantasy sessions with Yoko Ono.

Memories and Stories from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Frontlines

The bands share friendly rivalry over who opens the show on tour nights, “because we want to get to the restaurant first,” jokes Mothersbaugh.

They also reminisce about wild moments from their past. For instance, Mothersbaugh recalls a surreal night at New York’s Studio 54 with Michael Jackson and Andy Warhol, involving an unforgettable encounter with angel dust and spinning disco balls.

Pierson shares her own hilariously immobilizing experience with the drug alongside Danny Beard, their first record producer.

Iconic Songs Loved Across the Bands

When asked about favorite tracks from each other’s catalogs, Pierson admits Devo’s “Whip It” is a constant earworm for her. Mothersbaugh praises “Rock Lobster” for its distinctive guitar work and vocal style.

Pierson marvels at Ricky Wilson’s guitar playing, describing it as “like a machine gun” with only four strings on “Rock Lobster.” She also gives major props to Devo’s cover of “Satisfaction,” calling it a “kick-ass version” that matched the original’s power.

“It was 1974 and I thought, it’s been 10 years now, rock ‘n’ roll has to be over. I thought: ‘What’s next?’ We did a deconstructed version of ‘Satisfaction’ because that’s where we thought music would go.” – Mark Mothersbaugh

The B-52s lineup from left to right: Ricky Wilson, Keith Strickland, Kate Pierson, Fred Schneider, Cindy Wilson. Credit: Lynn Goldsmith/Getty Images

Future Sounds and Possible Collaborations

Although both bands have stepped back from full-scale touring, they haven’t entirely closed the door on new music. Kate Pierson is currently working on a solo Christmas album full of quirky tunes, while Mothersbaugh keeps busy composing for films, TV, and games – always hoping to bring Devo back into the studio.

A collaboration? They seem open to the idea.

“I would love to write music with Kate. That would be exciting. We’ll see,” says Mothersbaugh. Pierson teases, “Maybe you really started something with that suggestion!”

Official poster for The B-52s and Devo 2026 joint UK tour. Credit: Press

2026 UK Tour Dates

• June 20 – The O2, London
• June 21 – AO Arena, Manchester

Don’t miss the chance to witness two of the most influential and delightfully offbeat bands of all time sharing the stage.

FAQ

• How did Devo and The B-52s first connect?
  Devo’s youngest brother, Jim, introduced the bands indirectly through his work with Roland and their synths, and they later met at New York’s Mudd Club in 1978.
• What is the concept behind Devo’s music?
  Devo’s music is rooted in the idea of “de-evolution,” satirizing society’s regression and humanity’s disconnect from nature.
• Did these bands influence Nirvana?
  Yes, Kurt Cobain admired both bands, especially The B-52s’ unique style and Devo’s challenging, subversive approach.
• Are Devo and The B-52s planning new music?
  While neither band has immediate plans for new albums, Pierson is working on a solo Christmas record, and Mothersbaugh continues composing for other media.
• What’s the vibe of their 2026 tour?
  It’s a dynamic and energetic celebration of their shared history and quirky artistry, with both bands rotating who headlines each night.

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