Everyone’s favourite Donny Soldier hasn’t hung up the Burberry cap just yet… Before influencers, TikTok and ring lights, there was a heavily pixelated Devvo riding around in shopping trolleys and causing mayhem. Twenty years after becoming an unlikely internet phenomenon, the Doncaster delinquent is back on the road. Hamish Yewdall spoke with him about growing older, getting nostalgic and why Uncle Devvo still has unfinished business.
Devvo! Where have you been?
Ey up! I’ve had an 8-year hiatus. I was up in the loft, waiting until the world needed me most.
The biq question: what’s made you come back?
It’s been 20 years! I shouldn’t have had one year, never mind twenty! I got big on the internet before it was a thing! There’s still a warmth out there for Uncle Devvo.
And why do you think that is?
I’ve made people laugh and brought friends together. In 2006, they were little schneckbags, riding bikes and doing paper rounds. They’ve grown up now. It’s all got a bit real and they need some nostalgia – a reminder of life before the worries. And I’m 69 years old now and have a thirst for live crowds.
How’s the tour going?
It’s accidental, really. Over the years, I’ve ignored offers. This year, I bit. We booked a show in Mexborough. It sold out. We booked another. Sold out. A Doncaster show. Sold out, MATE! Before I knew it, a 50-plus-date tour of the finest towns and cities had begun.
I’ve had some scrapes. The majority of promoters are amazing, but I got ripped off by one. For up-and-coming acts, this is their world. I’m just borrowing a quick go on their timeline. Support those local acts, bosses.
What can people expect from an MC Devvo gig?
A solid 10/10 nostalgic evening. I greet people as the doors open. Quite rightly, people want a picture and a chat – and I’m not charging for that either. Grab a drink and join the queue.
The show is a nod to the past. Expect plenty of stories with classic Devvo tunes mixed in.
Tune-wise, what’s going down well?
‘Yorkshire ’til I Die’ is the anthem of the tour. But the highlight is hearing people’s stories. Two lads hadn’t met up in 18 years, saw I was touring and are now chatting again. Another fella had never been to anything live before. I’ve had people saying I’ve helped them through tough times. It’s mad. I’m here for it. The impressions, the stories… all of it. I’m promoting the arts and filling your hearts.
When can people see you in Sheffield?
Corporation on Saturday 19 December – it’s the final stop on the tour and a proper full stop on Devvo touring. You could say the year is building to these gigs. I’m genuinely looking forward to drawing a line under it all with those two shows.
I’ve got a sold-out evening show and a matinee performance. If you haven’t already, get tickets for that matinee. I’ll be on stage 4.30ish, so you’ll be home for teatime.
The day after Mad Friday seems a fitting date. What does a Devvo Christmas look like?
Everyone’s getting new Burberry gear. Advent calendars for days. I’m coming round yours for my Christmas dinner. Then we’re out getting secret trolley pounds from the supermarkets while everyone sleeps in front of the telly.
I’ve been thinking… did Devvo help create the modern-day influencer?
I was definitely part of the first wave of internet people. Back then, if you wanted to do something, you needed TV connections. Doors were locked.
These days, it’s great. Someone can have an idea and share it with everyone in 10 minutes. But it can be problematic – some people pop up and just piss people off to promote themselves.
I hear ya. Finally, any words of wisdom?
If it makes sense and feels fun, go for it. One day, you’ll be too old and there won’t be another chance. Be alright with each other. The boomers are on their way out, so one day soon, you’ll be the boss. What’s your legacy going to be?
Remember, your Uncle Devvo is always watching…
And on that rather disturbing thought, we’ll just reaffirm that MC Devvo is playing Corp on Sat 19 December. Tickets and more info can be found at corporation.org.uk.
