London is set to host the biggest New Wave night of the year this weekend as The B-52s and Devo co-headline at the O2 Arena on Saturday, June 20, with support from The Rezillos and Lene Lovich.
It may feel like a 1980s fever dream, but these chart-topping bands still draw thousands of fans with soaring vocals, frenetic keyboards, deep bass lines, and psychedelic lyrics. Tickets remain available for what promises to be London's premier post-punk event of the year. Here's everything you need to know about Saturday's concert.
Who Are The B-52s?
Formed in Athens, Georgia, in 1976, The B-52s originated from a jam session between siblings Ricky and Cindy Wilson, friends Kate Pierson, Keith Strickland, and Fred Schneider after sharing a flaming volcano drink at a Chinese restaurant. Named after the 1960s beehive wigs, the band was eccentric, off-the-wall, and unapologetically camp from the start. Ricky Wilson on guitar and Strickland on drums crafted their sound, while Pierson on keyboard bass brought irrepressible energy alongside vocalists Cindy Wilson and frontman Schneider. Their first single, "Rock Lobster" (1978), encapsulated their zany image, followed by the pulp sci-fi single "Planet Claire." Their second album, Wild Planet (1982), produced classics like "Private Idaho," "Give Me Back My Man," and "Quiche Lorraine." The third album, Whammy! (1983), featured hits "Legal Tender" and "Songs For A Future Generation." Tragically, Ricky Wilson died of AIDS in 1985 at age 32, devastating the band. After a hiatus, their 1990 comeback track "Love Shack" became a global party anthem, hitting number one in multiple countries, followed by the chart-topping "Roam."
Who Are Devo?
Devo formed in Akron, Ohio, in 1973, founded by art students Gerald Casale and Bob Lewis, with vocalist Mark Mothersbaugh. The name refers to "devolution," hinting at the band's evolution into psychedelic rock. They gained attention when their 1976 short film The Truth About De-Evolution won the Ann Arbor Film Festival, catching David Bowie's eye, who secured them a record deal with Warner Brothers. Their first single, "Mongoloid" (1977), was followed by a cover of The Rolling Stones' "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." However, it was their third album, Freedom of Choice (1980), that brought mainstream success with the New Wave classic "Whip It" and its iconic keyboard intro. Other hits from the album include "Girl U Want," "Freedom of Choice," and "Gates of Steel." Music critics were divided, with some labeling Devo as "clowns" or "fascists," an image the band spoofed in their 1982 album Oh no! It's Devo! with the lead single "Theme from Doctor Detroit." Their sixth album, Shout (1984), was poorly received due to heavy synthesizer use, leading to a breakup. They reunited three years later, returning to artistic roots with concept albums and indie movie soundtracks that earned a new generation of fans.
Set List
According to setlist.fm, the set list for The B-52s and Devo's De-Evolution Tour is as follows. It is unclear which band will perform first.
- Planet Claire (The B-52s)
- Mesopotamia (The B-52s)
- Give Me Back My Man (The B-52s)
- Lava (The B-52s)
- Topaz (The B-52s)
- Dirty Back Road (The B-52s)
- Roam (The B-52s)
- Party Out of Bounds (The B-52s)
- Dance This Mess Around (The B-52s)
- Good Stuff (The B-52s)
- Private Idaho (The B-52s)
- Love Shack (The B-52s)
- Rock Lobster (The B-52s)
- Don't Shoot (I'm a Man) (Devo)
- Peek-A-Boo! (Devo)
- Going Under (Devo)
- That's Good (Devo)
- Girl U Want (Devo)
- Whip It (Devo)
- Planet Earth (Devo)
- Uncontrollable Urge (Devo)
- Blockhead (Devo)
- Mongoloid (Devo)
- Jocko Homo (Devo)
- Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA (Devo)
- Gates of Steel (Devo)
- Freedom of Choice (Devo)
Support Acts
The B-52s and Devo will be supported by The Rezillos and Lene Lovich at the O2 Arena. The Rezillos, formed in Edinburgh in 1976, are a post-punk band with similarities to The Cramps and The B-52s. Their biggest UK hit was "Top Of the Pops" (1978), while internationally they are best known for their cover of "Somebody's Gonna Get Their Head Kicked In Tonight," featured in the soundtrack to Jackass: The Movie (2002). Lene Lovich, born in Chicago and raised in Hull, is a New Wave original. She shot to number 3 on the UK singles chart in 1979 with her biggest hit "Lucky Number," followed by the classic "Little Bird" and a highly praised cover of Tommy James and the Shondells' "I Think We're Alone Now."
Last-Minute Tickets
Tickets for The B-52s and Devo's De-Evolution Tour at the O2 Arena are still available, with resale tickets offered by vendors such as AXS Official Resale and Ticketmaster. Tickets are often resold on the day of the concert, so fans should watch for sudden offers. Prices start from £66, and resales are selling out quickly. For VIP and hospitality packages, Seat Unique offers premium views, early access, and food and drink packages.
The B-52s and Devo co-headline at the O2 Arena on Saturday, June 20. Stay up to date with London's hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals by signing up for the Going Out Out newsletter.
