Ohio’s own Devo will return to perform at the Akron Civic Theatre tomorrow after not performing there for almost 30 years.

The concert, “Duty Now For The Future,” is in support of the Summit County Democratic party. It will also feature a performance from The Black Keys.

Devo is known for its powerful lyrics and music based on mankind’s “devolution,” or de-evolution. The band continues to spread messages through national concerts and by supporting political campaigns.

“I really think this is an important election,” Devo member Mark Mothersbaugh said. “Maybe the most important one during my lifetime.”

Mothersbaugh said he hopes the concert will encourage people to vote, democrat or not. Mothersbaugh said many Ohio counties were won by only a few votes last election.

“Who knows? Maybe 500 students slept in that day,” Mothersbaugh said. “They might have registered. They might have made a difference in the presidential election.”

Mothersbaugh said Devo also wants people to vote so they can have more of a say on the issues that affect them.

“If people go out and vote, then they feel like they have a vested interest when their candidate does things,” Mothersbaugh said. “They can say, ‘Well, wait a minute, I elected that guy.'”

Mothersbaugh and fellow member Gerald Casale started Devo in 1974 while attending Kent State for fine arts. Mothersbaugh said Kent State had a very big impact on both his life and his music.

“Kent State gave me the tools and the ability to become a thinking person,” Mothersbaugh said. “It allowed me to find the joy in knowledge.”

Devo even had its first performance ever on Kent State’s campus.

Mothersbaugh said the performance brought in few audience members, most of whom didn’t even know about the now famous band. All the same, Mothersbaugh wouldn’t hesitate to return to his alma mater.

“I would love to come back and play Kent State again,” Mothersbaugh said. “I would love to do a concert there.”

Contact all correspondent Pamela Crimbchin at [email protected].