Energy dome

Energy dome refers to the red terraced headgear first worn by Devo during their Freedom of Choice years. Other names include "power dome" and "flowerpot" (often used in a derogatory sense). Energy Domes have been a regular part of Devo's stage costumes since 1980, worn in their 1982, 1988, and 1990 tours, as well as most performances since 1997. They are made of vacuum formed plastic, in a distinct round, ziggurat shape.

Variants

Energy Domes sold through Club Devo have come in several forms. The original Club Devo domes were of a smaller size than the stage-worn domes, with raised "DEVO" text on the top and a lip around the edge. This same mold was used again in 2005 for mass-produced Energy Domes sold as Halloween costumes. In 1996, Devo sold new Energy Domes that roughly matched the stage-worn model, though the new stage domes were slightly smaller than the original. The first versions of these Domes were made of white plastic, spray-painted red. These were later replaced with domes made in a solid red plastic in 2004, manufactured by Chaser Shirts.. In 2005, NECA Collectibles began manufacturing Energy domes for Devo out of thin, off-color plastic. These were used until 2008 when a fan began custom manufacturing domes out of thick, red plastic for the band. The new domes revert back to the dimensions of the original stage Energy domes.

2010 Blue Domes

Mythology

It was designed according to ancient ziggurat mound proportions used in votive worship. Like the mounds it collects energy and recirculates it. In this case the Dome collects energy that escapes from the crown of the human head and pushes it back into the Medula Oblongata for increased mental energy. It's very important that you buy a cheap plastic hardhat liner, adjust it to your head size and affix it with duct tape or Super Glue to the inside of the Dome. This allows the Dome to "float" just above the cranium and thus do its job. Unfortunately, without a hard hat liner, the recirculation of energy WILL NOT occur.

In keeping with Devo's love of facetious "truths", several origins of the energy domes exist. According to one story, the band took the design for the hats straight out of a Little Lulu comic book. Another involves inspiration from an old art deco lamp from Jerry Casale's collection. Mark Mothersbaugh also liked to refer them as "ziggurat hats" in interviews. Another inspiration for the headgear were lamps from their old high school.

References