The B-52’s and Devo – Mystic Lake Amphitheater – Shakopee MN – September 20th 2026

The B-52’s and Devo live at Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Shakopee MN on September 20th 2026

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

The B-52s brought their unmistakable blend of new wave, rock and dance music to Mystic Lake Amphitheater on Sunday, Sept. 20, delivering an energetic evening that gave longtime fans plenty of reasons to celebrate.

The veteran band, known for its eccentric style and infectious party anthems, wasted little time getting the crowd moving. Songs such as “Planet Claire,” “52 Girls” and “Give Me Back My Man” showcased the distinctive sound that helped make the group one of the most recognizable acts to emerge from the late-1970s new wave scene.

The performance balanced familiar hits with selections that rewarded longtime followers. “Mesopotamia,” “Lava” and “Dance This Mess Around” kept the momentum high, while “Roam” prompted one of the evening’s most enthusiastic sing-alongs.

The atmosphere reached another level with “Private Idaho,” followed by the band’s signature anthem, “Love Shack.” The crowd responded with dancing, clapping and plenty of voices joining in on the chorus.

At the center of the performance were Cindy Wilson, Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider, whose contrasting vocal styles remain an essential part of the B-52s’ identity. Schneider’s distinctive delivery provided its usual dose of humor and personality, while Wilson and Pierson brought the harmonies and energy that have long defined the band’s sound.

The evening concluded with “Rock Lobster,” an appropriately exuberant finale. Nearly five decades after the song first introduced audiences to the band’s wonderfully unconventional musical world, it still proved capable of turning an amphitheater into a giant dance floor.

For a band whose music has always embraced individuality, celebration and a little bit of the unexpected, the B-52s’ Mystic Lake performance was a fitting reminder of their enduring appeal.

On a cool September night in Shakopee, the B-52s did what they have done for generations of fans: they brought the party — and the crowd was more than happy to join in.

DEVO brought its distinctive brand of new wave and art-rock to Mystic Lake Amphitheater , delivering a lively performance that mixed nearly five decades of music with the band’s unmistakable visual style.

Performing as part of the Cosmic De-Evolution tour with the B-52s, DEVO opened with “Don’t Shoot (I’m a Man)” and quickly established the evening’s pace. The band’s crisp rhythms and tightly arranged songs sounded right at home in the outdoor amphitheater.

The set moved through several eras of the group’s catalog, including “Peek-A-Boo!,” “Going Under,” “Girl U Want” and “Whip It.” The latter produced one of the night’s biggest audience reactions, with fans immediately recognizing the opening notes of DEVO’s best-known song.

But the performance was about considerably more than one hit. “Uncontrollable Urge,” “Mongoloid” and “Jocko Homo” highlighted the band’s more experimental side, while “Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA” and “Gates of Steel” demonstrated the musicianship and rhythmic precision that have remained hallmarks of DEVO’s sound.

Mark Mothersbaugh commanded the stage with his familiar combination of humor and intensity. The band’s trademark Energy Dome hats and distinctive costumes added to the visual spectacle, but the music remained the focus. The performance was energetic without feeling like a simple exercise in nostalgia.

The audience responded enthusiastically throughout the set, particularly during the closing stretch. “Freedom of Choice” provided a fitting finale, sending the crowd out on a high note.

DEVO’s music has always occupied an unusual place in rock history, combining punk’s attitude with electronic sounds, sharp satire and an interest in performance art. At Mystic Lake, those elements remained intact.

Nearly 50 years after the band’s emergence from Akron, Ohio, DEVO demonstrated that its music can still sound fresh, unusual and, most importantly, fun.

For an audience gathered to see one of new wave’s most distinctive bands, Sunday night’s performance offered a welcome reminder that DEVO’s particular brand of de-evolution still has plenty of energy.