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mplsmusichistory.bsky.social
Mpls Music History
@mplsmusichistory.bsky.social
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The people, places, and sounds of music in Minneapolis, generally prior to 2000.
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Soul Asylum’s “While You Were Out” LP was released on this date in 1986. It’s nice that whoever runs the band’s social media is on top of this stuff, and they posted the photo below among several others.
“While You Were Out” album cover and album (on a turntable) by Soul Asylum.
November 26, 2025 at 2:02 AM
mplsmusichistory.bsky.social
The Phones (continued)
On May 25, 1989, the group played what would become its legendary farewell, hometown show. On the last song of the night, Cerise was determined to leave it all on the stage. He climbed up on a bass amp about four feet off the ground and jumped, but when he landed, he broke right through the stage and fell 13 feet to the concert floor of the orchestra pit below. "I went right through it like it was paper," he said. He doesn't remember landing, just being strapped to a back board and carried out by paramedics. "I was very lucky not to land on one of the music stands. I could have been impaled," he said. He was treated at nearby St. Luke's Hospital (what is now Sanford Broadway Medical Center) and released that night. The doctors gave him the go-ahead to perform the group's final shows the next week in Minneapolis, which he did. But months later, he was still having complications breathing. The Phones have a star painted on the legendary rock club First Avenue in Minneapolis. Contributed "It took me a long time to get over that," he said. Cerise switched gears after the breakup, moving from music to marketing, but the band got back together a decade later to record the album "Echo Return" and performed occasionally since then. At Friday's show he'll play the music he wrote for "Echo Return" as well as some earlier Phones and Stickman tunes and some choice covers. "Everybody loves the Phones when they reunite. There's so much buzz," said Dan Altenbernd, who is promoting the show. "They were the band. It was like a holiday when they came to town. It was a major event." Altenbernd hosts the Full Frontal Nerdity podcast and will record an episode with Cerise on stage before the singer starts his set, opening it up to questions from the audience. The two will talk about Cerise's experience in bands as well as his main job now, running Switchel Fizz, a non-alcoholic microbiotic canned beverage, something he learned how to make growing up from his mom. He used it when he was on tour to help his voice. "It literally kept me alive in my rock 'n roll days," he said. He runs the company with his wife, Gio Antell Cerise. In 2023, when the Julia Childs Gala came to Minneapolis to honor Sean Sherman and his Indigenous restaurant Owamni, Cerise was asked to create a signature cocktail with Switchel Fizz, which is featured in the establishment. Cerise got to rub shoulders with celebrity chefs like Andrew Zimmern at the event. Switching gears back to his music for this show, Cerise went back to the songs he wrote years ago to rearrange them for his first ever solo set and to fit his voice. "It's been fun," he said. "This is a full-circle moment for me to come back. This is my new side hustle." If you go What: Jeff cerise When: 7 p.m., Friday Where: The Aquarium Info: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. tickets.holdmyticket.com.
November 25, 2025 at 4:37 PM
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The Phones (continued)
"I dropped out of college and hit the road full time. I never looked back," Cerise said. "We didn't even have a home those first two years of the Phones. We just stayed in hotel rooms. We were consumed with music non-stop." The band relocated to Minneapolis where there were more clubs to play, but also hit the road throughout the Midwest, going into Canada and down to Texas and then out to New York. The Phones released its debut album, "Changing Mind" in 1983 and followed that with "Blind Impulse" in 1984, which received a rave review in the New York Times and a cover story in the Minneapolis weekly publication City Pages. In addition to singing, Cerise started playing percussion, saxophone and rhythm guitar. "We were riding high for a while," the singer said. "We opened for all kinds of cool bands like The Psychedelic Furs, Iggy Pop and The Romantics at Concordia College. It was a really fun time in the mid-8os for us." A highlight for him was a July 4 at Soo Pass Ranch in Detroit Lakes when The Phones were playing as the fireworks went off. By 1986 Brantseg was no longer in the band, but the other four carried on with the EP "Stick Man." "The title fit our paired down, very raw, bare-bones sound," Cerise coid Photo of Stick Man. Stick Man in 1989 included (left to right) Jeff Cerise, Paul Herstein, Jim Riley and Brad Mattson Contributed / Sheryl Marquardt / Taves left later that year, prompting Riley to move to lead guitar, Cerise to play rhythm guitar with Paul Herstein joining on bass. With the new lineup and sound, the group changed its name to Stick Man. While other Twin Cities indie rock acts like The Replacements, Soul Asylum, The Suburbs and more were getting interest from major labels, the call never came for the Phones or Stick Man. In 1989, the group decided to pack it in with a grand farewell tour of their favorite cities, including a penultimate stop at the Fargo Theatre. "That was our swan song," Cerise said. Oddly enough, three days after deciding to break up, band members got their first royalty check for the song "Crawl, Walk, Run," which had been in regular rotation on what was then the Fargo-Moorhead rock station Q-98.
November 25, 2025 at 4:37 PM
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The Phones (continued)
FARGO - When Jeff Cerise comes home for Thanksgiving, he's bringing his guitar. The former frontman for The Phones and Stickman will play a solo acoustic show Friday night at the Aquarium. The show is a homecoming in a number of ways. A native of Moorhead and a 1978 graduate from Moorhead High School, Cer first stepped on a stage here; in 1989, it was at the Fargo Theatre where his showmanship nearly cost him his life. Cerise grew up in sports as he and his three brothers all played hockey. "Go Spuds," he said last week from his home in Minneapolis. He still follows his alma mater, attending last Friday's championship football game, and he was there when the Spuds boys hockey team won the state championship earlier this year. "We were right up against the glass. It was great," he said. In a way, sports led him to music. Recovering from hip surgery, he started jamming with friends as the singer. In 1976 he formed the classic rock cover band Flint with drummer Brad Mattson and others. They started out playing a few local gigs, but soon found more opportunities on the road, touring when school allowed. Jeff Cerise is the founder of Switchel Fizz, a canned microbiotic beverage That year, while attending what is now Minnesota State Universi of Moorhead, the two met bassist Jim Riley, guitarists Rick Taves and Steve Brantseg and founded The Phones. Things took off in a hurry. Gigs started getting booked and they never stopped. Photo of the Phones. The Phones in 1983 included (left to right) Eick Taves, Jeff Cerise, Jim Riley, Brad Mattson and Steve Brantseg Contributed / Robert Whitman
November 25, 2025 at 4:37 PM
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A really fun story with about The Phones in the Fargo-Moorhead newspaper in advance of the singer’s upcoming acoustic show there this Friday. Includes a wild story about a 1989 mishap. Story published yesterday.
LIFESTYLE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT 36 years after nearly dying at Fargo show, Phones singer Jeff Cerise returns The Moorhead native formed popular 1980s bands the Phones and Stickman. Photo of the Phones. In 1984, The Phones included (left to right) Jim Riley, Jeff Cerise, Brad Mattson and Rick Taves. Contributed / Twin Tone Records
November 25, 2025 at 4:37 PM
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Twin Cities Reader piece about the “final” shows by the Commandos, November 17, 1978.
In this region, anyway, the (Suicide) Commandos were asking whether or not we were men long before anyone else even considered it a question. Nov. 24 at the Longhorn is their last performance together. Those close to the band attribute the split to a number of things, all having to do with creative and business matters as opposed to personal conflicts. Rumors of their individual plans vary. The fourth Comman-do, Mark Goldstein, has joined Nip and Tuck as a keyboardist and songwriter. A long-time fan summed it up the best: "Any band in this area playing an innovative type of rock 'n' roll owes something to the Commandos." They will be sorely missed by a whole lot of people. It wasn't just rock 'n' roll.
November 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
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Longhorn shows, including recording of live Commandos record.. Twin Cities Reader, November 17, 1978.
Longhorn, 14 S. 5th St., (612) 333-8000 11/16-17: Nikki Corvette and The Convertibles 11/18: Flint 11/20: Eddie Henderson, jazz 11/21: Willie Alexander and The Boom Boom Band 11/22-24: Commandos 11/25-26: Flamingo 11/27: Jazz 11/28: Suburbs 11/30: Yipes 12/3: Pat Matheny
November 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
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Ad from the Twin Cities Reader on November 24, 1978.
the Longhorn off the mall ROCK AT THE LONGHORN Nov. 22-23-24 The COMMANDOS Commit SUICAUG The last three appearances of The Commandos. We ore going to miss this truly great band. De sure to see them. Nov. 25-27 FLAMINGO Nov. 30-Dec. 2 YIPES Wisconsin's donation to Living Rock X-MAS SPECIAL ½ Price Drinks 9-10 p.m. 14 South 5th Street 333-8000 Minneapolis
November 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
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On this date: November 24, 1978. The Suicide Commandos final night of a three-night run at Jay’s Longhorn. The 24th is billed as their final show, calling it “Commandos Commit Suicide” and the recording is released by Twin Tone Records. Only 1,000 copies were pressed on vinyl.
Record label on LP: twin tone RECORDS The Commandos Commit Suicide Dance Concert TTR 7906a Side One Recorded live at the Longhorn, Minneapolis 24 November 1978 Twin Tone Records 445 Oliver Avenue South Minneapolis Minnesota
November 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
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Arrived this morning.
#replacements
Front cover of 2025 deluxe reissue of Replacements “Let It Be” album. Promo sticker of 2025 deluxe reissue of Replacements “Let It Be” album: Deluxe Version of the 1984 Indie Classic LP 1: Original Album Remastered LP 2: Previously Unreleased and Rare Demos, Outtakes, and B-Sides LPs 3 & 4: Previously Unreleased Complete Live Show From the Let It Be Era Featuring: I WILL DARE UNSATISFIED ANDROGYNOUS & More...
November 24, 2025 at 4:49 PM
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RIP Jimmy Cliff. His first Twin Cities performance was at the Orpheum on Dec. 3, 1980. Ad from Twin Cities Reader.
I AM THE LIVING - Jimmy Cliff LP & IN CONCERT. Dec 3 8 pm at the Orpheum MMY CLIE Give the gift of music. $5.29 ЛАМ TY CLE TAMITNING the new Jimmy Cliff album on MCA Now $2.00 off our everyday low prices heck out our $3.99 line of albums, & tapes by toy artists and our new jazz line at HOT LICKS HENNEPIN/DOWNTOWN. on • St. Pauf; Hillcrest 1666 White Bear Bloomington: Oxboro Shop 8W. 98ths • Hopkins: 910 West Excettor • Browers: 4806 High ILARPOP Records a gtuff
November 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM
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Demo tapes from Minneapolis band Dropkick, from 1991 & 1993. The cover of the ‘93 demo comes with a “fingerprint of authenticity!”
From cover of demo tape from Minneapolis band Dropkick. Beach cover of drum tape: Together since June 191, Dropkick formed to play aggressive huge groove rock: Drawing ideas from three, we combine the abrasive, upside-down guitar play.of Jeff Robertson The incredibly indecisive thunderbombing of young Nate Cutlan esquire, and smacking the bass and creating distinct vocal parts, Scott Durgin (formerly.of "Superfriends"), Speaks for all when he say's "Have Van, Will Travel." Dropkick is made audible by one Bryan Hanna! Booking/ Information Contact Dropkick at: 2529 Bryant Ave. S. (upstairs) Mpls., MN 55405 All songs ©1991 Dropkick Front cover of demo tape by band Dropkick. With fingerprint of authenticity. Back cover of Dropkick demo tape: Photo By Karen King Jerraunar dary Drums SLEEP IT OFF Recorded/Mixed Jan.'93 by Chris Nord and DROPKICK at "Electric Man Studio Bloomington, MN All songs/Lyrics @ 1993 DROPMUCK MUSIC Booking/Info. P.O. Box 300172 Mpis, MN. 55403
November 24, 2025 at 1:05 AM
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“Raise Hell” First Avenue poster. Photo taken in a Minneapolis basement studio. An online source suggests the poster is from 1988. In the lower right corner, the poster says “Fridays and Saturdays.” This copy looks like it has actually been through hell.
Wrinkled poster with an image of First Avenue nightclub and the words “RAISE HELL” at the top. A guitar in the foreground partly blocks the view of the poster.
November 23, 2025 at 3:10 PM
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Twin/Tone Records ad for three of their releases. City Pages, December 1984.
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS THE REPLACEMENTS LET IT BE Who woulda thought? Five years on, only Tommy still in his teens, Bob wearing a dress, and Let it Be the album even they probably never thought they'd make. Rock-n-roll, yeah, but there's a whole lot more to their brand these days. Piano, lap steel, mandolin, and 12-string in places, ballads and subtlety, pop songs damnit, not to mention straight metal and their first LP cover version. Includes the single "I Will Dare". Album or cassette. (TTR 8441--$8) SOUL ASYLUM SAY WHAT YOU WILL First vinyl release from these Minneapolis blasters, formerly known by the name of Loud Fast Rules. They're still loud, still fast; it just ain't the rule anymore. They can still beat it down, but can also slow it down. Chaotic, alive, and noisy, yet deceptive. There's a whole lot more going on here than a stack of amps can indicate. (TTR 8439-$6.50) THE PHONES BLIND IMPULSE The Phones take a darker, more ambitious, and English-influenced approach to the straightahead pop of their first album, with saxophone, some synthesized percussion, added effects, and more complex arrangements. Now a four-piece, these regional bar circuit veterans are expected to tour heavily in support of the album. (TTR 8438—$8) TWIN/TONE RECORDS • 2541 NICOLLET AVE SO • MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55404 • 612-872-0646 AVAILABLE AT BETTER STORES EVERYWHERE, OR BY MAIL.... PRICES INCLUDE +TH CLASS POSTAGE FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER COOL RECORDS SEND FOR FREE CATALOG
November 21, 2025 at 11:14 PM
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Attending Purple Rain The Musical tonight.
State Theater Marquee in Minneapolis with Purple Rain the Musical.
November 20, 2025 at 1:07 AM
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November 1988 at First Avenue & 7th Street Entry. From the Minnesota Music Archive.
Note Jane’s Addiction in the 7th Street Entry on the 26th & 27th.
Music calendar, November 1988 at First Avenue & 7th Street Entry. Includes touring shows such as Butthole Surfers, Sonic Youth, and Jane’s Addiction.
November 19, 2025 at 5:02 PM
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Mould, Hart, and Norton attended the Civic Center show together. I think they enjoyed the opener. Bob had recently moved here to start his first semester of college.
numerogroup.com/blogs/storie...
Shortly after they met it was announced that TheRamones would open for Foreigner at the St. Paul Arena on November 18, 1978. Hart and Mould decided to go together and on the way they stopped by to pick up Greg Norton. After introductions and pleasantries, Norton's mom inquired about Mould's Thanksgiving plans. She promptly invited him to dinner after he explained that he didn't have any.
November 18, 2025 at 5:34 PM
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Ramones apparently didn’t get a warm welcome from some who were there exclusively to hear tunes like“Hot Blooded” and “Feels Like the First Time” off the two records Foreigner had released at this point. Headline from the Tribune on 11-20-78:
St. Paul audience can't take punk rock band By Michael Anthony Staff Writer Who says the rock audience will take anything they're given, provided it's hyped up properly? The crowd some 17,000 at the St. Paul Civic Center Saturday night didn't like the Ramones - the nation's premiere punk rock group, mind you - and let them know it.
November 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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On this date: November 18, 1978. Ramones opened for Foreigner at what we usually refer to as the St. Paul Civic Center.
Newspaper ad: ANNOUNCES FOREIGNER Special Guest Ramones SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18/8 P.M. St. Paul Arena Tickets: $6.50/$7.50 reserved available at Dayton's (375-2987) and St. Paul Civic Center (224-7403).
November 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM
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Front and back covers of the box set.
LEFT OF THE DIAL DISPATCHES FROM THE 80s UNDERGROUND with splatter art of part of animated face. и ду 2 3 RADIO FREE EUROPE - REX (Atbens) GOING UNDERGROUND - The Jam (Woking) A FOREST - The Cure (Crasiey) HOLIDAY IN CAMBODIA - Dead Kennedys (San Franciso) TK IN LOVE MITH A GERMAN FILM STAR - Passions (Londen) I MILL DARE - The Replacements (Minnespolis) THAT'S WHEN 1 REACH FOR NY REVOLVER - Kission Of Burma (Buston) JOHNY HIT AND RUN PAULENE - X (Los Angeles) JUST LIKE HONEY - The Jesus And Mary Chain (Glargos) BLACK CELEBRATION - Depeche Kode (Bavildon) TELL NE WHEN IT'S OVER - The Dream Syndicate (Los Angeles) HOLLYWOOD (AFRICA) - The Red Hot Chilt Peppers (Los Angeles) TEMPTATION - New Order (Manchester) GHOSTS - Japan (London) A SONG FRON UNDER THE FLOORBOARDS - Magazine (Manibester) OBLIVIOUS - Aztec Camera (Glasgot) DONT WANT TO KNOM IF YOU ARE LONELY - Hüsker D0 (Minneapolir-St. Pasi) RISE ABOVE - Black Flag (Herwosa Beacb) BACK IN FLESH - Kall Of Voodoo (Los Angeles) CATTLE AND CANE - The Go-Betweens (Bristane) MESSAGE OF LOVE - The Pretenders (Londow) VIENNA - Ultravox (London) FREAK SCENE • Dinosaur Jr. (Amberst) THIS CHARMING MAN - The Smiths (Mancbester) STIGMATA - Ministry (Cbicago) SOCK20 • Lome Justice (Los Aingcies) WARDANCE - Killing Joke (Notting Hill) ENOLA GAY - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (Liverpos) NIRROR IN THE BATHROOM - The English Beat (Birwinghaw) FAIRYTALE IN THE SUPERMARKET - The Raincoats (London) BEHIND THE MALL OF SLEEP - The Soithereens (Carteret) POLITICAL SONG FOR MICHAEL JACKSON TO SING - Minutemen (San Pedro) PUNK ROCK GIRL - The Dead Milkmen (Philadelpbia) STILL IN HOLLYWOOD - Concrete Blonde (Los Angeles) LOVE MILL TEAR US APART - Joy Division (Mancbester) BLISTER IN THE SUN - Violent Femmes (Milewankse) LAKE OF FIRE - Meat Puppets (Tucon) AMPLIFIER - The dB's (Winston-Salem) WHEN LOVE BREAKS DOMN - Prefab Sprout (Neacante) G00 GOO MUCK - The Cramps (New Tork) THIS CORROSION - Sisters Of Mercy (Leedo) SENSES NORKING OVERTINE - XTC (Strindon) THE CUTTER - Echo & The Bunnymen (Lioerpoa) PAY TO CUMI - Bad Brains (Wasbi…
November 18, 2025 at 2:05 AM
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Q&A with Peter Jesperson.
Q&A WITH PETER JESPERSON COFOUNDER OF TWIN/TONE RECORDS Does it bum you out that Twin/Tone is known mostly for The Replacements? Not at all. I think that they were unquestionably the crown jewel of what we did; I think it's justified. Yet there were lots of other things that I thought were super-high quality— from The Suburbs to Soul Asylum to The Jayhawks. The label focused mainly on Minneapolis artists .. • We branched out a little bit, especially later on, but it was really a Minneapolis-based label. It was almost like Twin/Tone was forced into existence by the sheer number of great people playing. It was outrageous — every time you turned around there was another fucking incredible band, and my perspective on all of this just couldn't have been better. I ran the local record store [Oar tolkjokeopus), and I also deejayed and helped book the first local underground rock chub, led The Longhorn. So I got to really see g5 percent of what was going on, and it was just overwhelming.... What we felt like we were doing was documenting the scene that happened at The Longhorn. What's your business philosophy? I think the key from the get-go was "Follow the music and be fair." That's the way I've always tried to abide by things. Did you fold your own sleeves or sell records out of the trunk of your car or anything like that? Never sold records out of the trunk, but we did fold our own sleeves on our initial EPs, due to a mistake.... Fortunately, I don't think we did anything else like that, except for The Replacements' Stink record. I had to hand-stamp a few thousand jackets because I made a deal with my Twin/Tone partners. The Replacements basically weren't due to make another record. We had just put out Sorry Ma, and Westerberg wrote this song called "Kids Don't Follow." I went to my partners and said, "I will do anything I have to do to get this recorded. I'll fucking hand-stamp jackets if I have to." And damn if they didn't take me up on it. Did you ever think the label wasn't going to make it? ri hass I don't know if the label did make it. We didn't take paychecks for most of the years of Twin/Tone. I didn't start drawing a regular paycheck until 1992. I think we did some great stuff that I'm really proud of, but I don't know if, as an enterprise, we were really what you would call successful. What's most misunderstood about The Replacements? That they were really a band, and not Paul Westerberg and some other schmoes. I hate the way history looks back at The Replacements as Paul Westerberg's band, 'cause I know there were as many people who came to isce The Replacements just to see what Bob Stinson was wearing. Or to watch Tommy, 'cause he was a major part of the show. —John Srebalus
November 18, 2025 at 2:05 AM
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Excerpts with a #localangle from the booklet to the 2004 cd box set “Left of the Dial: Dispatches from the 80s Underground.” Such a great compilation.
V6. I WILL DARE - The Replacements The Replacements' beautifully messy masterpiece, 1984's Let It Be, makes every stop between pure silliness and stark poignancy. Is a Jeckyll-and-Hyde ride that at last finds principal songwriter Paul Westerberg comfortable wedging sensitive songs like "Unsatisfied" and "Sixteen Blue" among such cheeky bashers as "Tommy Gets His Tonsils Our and "Gary's Got A Boner." Uncorking the 1 1-song bender is the single " Wil Dare," a bouncing popabilly number buffed up with dabs of mandolin and o guitar solo by R.E.M.'s Peter Buck. Given his inquiry, "How young on. you?/How old am I?" Westerberg's dare appears to have statutory implications. VI7 DON'T WANT TO KNOW IF YOU ARE LONELY - Hüsker Dü With 1983's pivotal Metol Te himps Circus EP, Minneapolis trio Hüsker Dü revealed an intro spective side previously obscured by record amounts of speed and distortion. By 1986's Candy Apple Grey, 1|1! their major label debut, they weren't hiding anything. Guitars would slash if neces-sary, but if they wanted a ballad to sound like a ballad, they weren't going to apologize for it. While "Sorry Somehow" and "Hardly Getting Over It" are as nice as Hüsker Dü ever got, this cranked single wouldn't have been out of place on one of their SST albums. Written by drummer Grant Hart, it's a breakup song that's still mad.
November 18, 2025 at 2:05 AM
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November 1980 music calendar at Duffy’s.
From “Duffy’s Rock & Roll Alternative - 26th & 26th” FB page.
ROCK AROLL ALTER! Duffy's 26th & 26th Ave.So., Minneapolis NOVEMBER CONCERTS Saturday, Nov. Ist Virgin Recording Artists Saturday, Nov. 15th Twintone Recording Artists Fingerprintz ten Laaسل The Pistons w/The Replacements w/KYX 6./The Suits Music start at 700 PM Free Admission, 2 in 1 bar drinks 7-530 PM Sunday, Nov. 16th Cover anly $3.00 Charlie Lawson Presents Sunday, Nov. 2nd More Experimental Blues Chrysalis Recording Artists Ultra Vox w/Benday Dots Tuesday, Nov. 4th Dareforce Wednesday, Nov. Sth Virgin Recording Artists • Martha and the Muffins w/ Fine Art Thursday, Nov. 6th Fat City Recording Artists Flamin Oh's w/ КУХ Friday & Saturday, Nov. 76 8 Fat City Recording Artists Flamin Ob's Res ending Artiste Nihai & the Corvette Sunday, Nov. 9th Charlie Lauson presents an Offnite Music Showcase w/Crazy Legs-Milwaukee Slim John Beach - and friends Monday, Nov. 10ch A & M Recording Artists Split Enz ~/The Keplacements Music starts at $.00 PM Tuesday, Nov. 15th Arista Recording Artists The Busboys Thie in a minimum wage concert only $3.10 Wednesday, Nov. 19th Tacoma Recording Artists The Fabulous Thunderbirds w/special gueste Thursday, Nov. 20th KFAI Presents a 3rd World Festival Friday, Nov. 21st A & M Recording Artists The Stranglers w/special guests Saturday, Nov. 22nd RCA Recording Artists Yipes Sunday, Nov, 23 Virgin Recording Artists Captain Beetheart w/special guests Tuesday, Nov. 11th Regency Recording Artists Sussman Lawrence w/The Suits Music starts at 8.00 PM Wednesday, Nov. 12th KFAI Presents Tuesday, Nov. 25th The Trogs, Dully» 2nd annual wild turkey orgy Wednesday, Nov. 26th Fat City Recording Artists The Flamin Oh's Thurs., Fri, Sat.-Nov, 27.28,29 Regency Recording Artists Sussman Lawrence The Original Ft. McCoy Cuban Sunday, Nov. 30th Refugee Salsa Band Charlie Lawson Presents Music atarts at 8.00 More Experimental Blues Al and the Mudsharks. Thursday & Friday, Nov, 13 € 14 Larry Hayes and the Tonearms Shangoya and special guests •No drink specials on…
November 16, 2025 at 4:56 PM
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And a brief review November 6, 1978.
Review in Brief Devo at Walker If punk was a return to rudimentary rock, then it seems fitting that the most important post-punk band, Devo, takes us one more step backwards as it deals with the "de-evolution" of the human race. Devo's music has one foot in the past (its rock beat and Ventures-like staccato rhythms) and one in the future (its space-age synthesizer and guitar sounds). The band calls its music the "sounds of things falling apart." In its first of two concerts Friday at Walker Art Center, the quintet from Akron, Ohio, recalled the Ramones, America's leading punk band. Like the Ramones, Devo has a consistent artistic vision (which is uncommon for punk bands) and a real sense of humor. However, Devo is more a group of conceptual artists using music as a medium than a band with a message. Not surprisingly then, its performance seemed more choreographed than spontaneous. The and members, dressed in factory coveralls and googles, moved and jumped jerkily like rock-robots on top of a black plastic tarp. Lead singer Mark Mothersbaugh occasionally ventured into the sellout crowd and then somersaulted down the steps to the stage. Reviewed by Jon Bream
November 16, 2025 at 12:59 AM
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Preview from the Minneapolis Star, November 3, 1978.
The Minneapolis Star Friday, November 3, 1978 The post-punk band Devo Rock-robot image of Devo fits its vision Previewed by JON BREAM Minneapolis Star Stall Writer HERE IS a scene in the horror film "The Island of Dr. Mo-reau" in which a mad scientist programs the legions of half-men, all-beast creatures he has created. He shouts at them and they respond in unison: "We are not meat scene, among other things. inspired some Kent State University students to form Devo, the post-punk band that everybody is talking about. Mick Jagger and David Bowie have saluted Devo. Neil Young is so enamored with the band that he not only featured it in his upcoming film,. "The Human Highway, but he also lined up Devo with his manager. Devo, which will perform to- night at Walker Art Center, has been described as a meeting of Roxy Music (a British art-rock band) and the Rolling Stones at a space station. The Village Voice, the New York magazine for cultur. al taste-makers, called Devo "Kiss for college kids. There certainly is a cartoon aspect to the five musicians from Ak-ron, Ohio, who dress up onstage in factory coveralls and goggles and move jerkily in unison like rock ro-bots. The image definitely fits the band's artistic vision. Devo is short for the "de-evolu-tion band." The musicians, who are in their 20s believe the human race is falling down the evolution-try ladder. They sing quirky songs about a mongoloid businessman ("Mongoloid"), our fast-food cul ture ("Too Much Paranoias"), girl killed by debris falling from outer space ("Space Junk" and our evolution into pinheads ("Jocko Homo"). Devo's repertoire also includes distinctive renditions of the Rolling Stones' "Satisfac- tion" and Johnny Rivers' "Secret Agent Man.' Devo's music is intense, herky-jerky rock hybridized with bizarre synthesizer sounds. You can dance to it, but it is not easy to digest Devo's debut album, "Q. Are We Not Men? A. We Are Devo," in one sitting. Perhaps the band is most attractive in the live context. Two films of the erforming-"Satis- faction and The Truth about De-Evolution" —will be shown before the band's two performances, which are sold out. The brief films are absolutely hilarious and even quite poignant. if you bother to think about them. The movies were made by Chuck Statler, who was a classmate of the band members at Kent State and is affiliated with the Minge-apolis College of Art and Design.. Those films and two other Deyo movies will be shown at 8 p.m. Saturday at Walker Art Center auditorium as part of a punk-rock film festival. Other offerings on the program include "Burn.It Down" (1977)-a funny flick fen-turing Minnetonka's Suicide Commandos performing in front their condemned house as it is be ing burned the ment-and fire depart- "Scorpio Rising (1964). Kenneth Anger's prototyp-al punk film that is considered an underground classic. It is the story of the head trips of a motorcycle biker set to mid-1960s rock songs. including the inevitable "Wipe Out."
November 16, 2025 at 12:59 AM