Park City, Utah – Devo, the iconic band known for hits like “Whip It,” premiered their documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Chris Smith, the film marks a return to Park City for the band, who closed out the festival in 1996. The documentary, which captures the band’s history and impact, serves as a collection of information before it gets lost over time.
Devo’s documentary stands out among the many music documentaries showcased at the festival this year. The film not only explores the band’s journey but also reflects on their previous performance at Sundance in 1996, which was immortalized in the movie “Butch Devo and the Sundance Gig.”
In addition to the premiere, Devo also had a live show scheduled at the newly opened Main Street venue The Marquis. The band members, including Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, and Gerald Casale, along with director Chris Smith, sat down to discuss the film, their experiences at Sundance in 1996, and the past, present, and future of Devo.
Returning to the scene of their past performance, Mark Mothersbaugh mentioned how nice it was to come back and reminisced about their prison outfits from the performance. Recounting their experience in 1999, Chris Smith recalled how Devo’s performance coincided with their second screening, resulting in a meager turnout.
Looking ahead to their upcoming gig, Gerald Casale highlighted the better conditions this time around since the venue would be heated. Chris Smith, known for his work on the Wham! film, shared that he took on this project because of his admiration for Devo and the influence they had on him growing up in Michigan.
Reflecting on their longevity as a band, Mark Mothersbaugh emphasized the importance of capturing their story on film before crucial individuals are lost. Gerald Casale added that the documentary serves as a commemoration, a marker of their journey toward oblivion.
The members of Devo shared their vision for the future, with Mark Mothersbaugh expressing optimism about the next 50 years. He described a shift in focus from discussing man’s disconnection from nature to finding solutions and positive mutations to change the world. Chris Smith spoke about his personal connection to Devo, how they opened his mind, and the impact they had on his college experience.
The documentary also reveals lesser-known aspects of Devo’s history, such as their unsuccessful attempt in LA before finding their home at CBGBs and Max’s. The film delves into their connection with David Bowie and their collaboration with Brian Eno.
Overall, Devo’s documentary at Sundance offers a comprehensive look at their influential career, preserving their legacy for generations to come.
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