By Carron Stacey, A Humdrum Mum

WHEN?: Saturday 20 June, tour runs through 31 October 2026

Not being a fan of The O2 at dizzying heights, we managed to get arena floor seats and after some argy-bargy with the security (removing high-up signs), we managed to get fantastic views, despite being a seated gig. I think the special early bar helped with that, to be honest. 

• Read on for reasons including how love rules at the Love Shack

We saw The B-52s back in 2019 at the London Eventim on their Farewell European Tour – so we had to come to see them on their actual (possibly?) last tour here. We are just slightly too young to have experienced DEVO and only knew Whip It, but a Netflix docu we watched made us understand their ethos and the theory of de-evolution. We knew they’d be special to see.

Lene Lovich was completely amazing, just being herself, even playing saxophone. The crowd loved 1979’s Lucky Number and to be honest, Mr Humdrum is doing a dive into her back catalogue. 

The Rezillos went all meta and showed their Top of the Pops show singing Top of the Pops from 1978. Fun fact: original guitarist Jo Callis left and joined Human League, co-writing Don’t you want me! Still loud and still punky, The Rezillos owned that stage. 

DEVO – A spoken introduction brought energy and anticipation. DEVO delivered: costume changes (boiler suits, flowerpot hats), attitude and satirical post-punk art LOUD rock. DEVO ripped The O2 a new roof in a new wave frenzy not really expected from a group in their 70s. Highlights for us: Don’t shoot (I’m a man); Girl U Want; Jocko homo and Whip it (sadly hoping for Satisfaction too). 

If our emotions were riled up into wanting to change not just the world but the whole universe, we then careered into cosmic harmonic ecstasy with The B-52s. As with DEVO, the B-52s delivered: costume changes (just love Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson, hairstyles and outfits but also Fred Schneider and his sparkly suit), überperfect harmonies from Kate and Cindy, simultaneously heart-warming and sinister; surfpunk party riffs; kitsch otherworldliness and the knowledge that they will love and accept everyone who doesn’t quite fit in. There’s something really special about this group; special enough to do two finale tours. There was a lot of love for them. 

Highlights: Topaz, Roam, Private Idaho, Dance this mess around, Planet Claire and Rock lobster (hoping for Strobe light and Hot Pants Explosion too). Remember, love rules at the Love Shack.

• Pictures via Facebook courtesy The B-52s and A Humdrum Mum. Tickets
• Read more from Carron at her blog A Humdrum Mum
• Have you seen any of these shows? Let us know what you thought in the comments below
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