Watch Elliott Smith Perform in a Devo Tribute Band in 1994

Back in 1994, Portland, OR venue the X-Ray Cafe put on a talent show for the city’s independent music scene. One member of that scene was Elliott Smith, then still a Heatmiser member, having just released his debut solo LP, Roman Candle. Never one to miss a chance to goof around, Smith joined a makeshift group—including Sam Coomes of Quasi, Sprinkler’s Nate Slusarenko, Sean Croghan of Crackerbash, and future Guided by Voices member Chris Slusarenko—to enter the competition as a Devo tribute act. (The show ultimately took place at La Luna, as a benefit concert the night after X-Ray Cafe closed down.) Now, Slusarenko’s new band, Eyelids, have come into possession of lost footage from the concert, as A.V. Club points out. Check out their 21-minute set below. According to the YouTube description, Smith takes the role of Bob 1 (he’s recognizable by his dark, center-parted hair). 

Read “The Darkness and Light of Elliott Smith,” our piece on the Heaven Adores You documentary.

Comments are closed.