BECK, DEVO, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL HELP SAN DIEGO CONTINUE STREET SCENE LEGACY

San Diego brought Steet Scene back downtown in 2008 and Beck, Cat Power and Devo helped continue their successful legacy

The 24th Annual San Diego Street Scene went back to its roots and relocated the festival back to downtown San Diego on September 19th and 20th, 2008. After a few years trying to find a vibe in the parking lot at Qualcom Stadium and one year in Chula Vista, fan attendance steadily declined, but looking to build on their rich tradition which began in 1984, San Diego Street Scene went back downtown. Organizers brought together an Indie heavy lineup which featured Beck, Cat Power, Spoon, Eagles of Death Metal, Tegan and Sara, The Hives, and others.

We caught up with Jesse Hughes of Eagles of Death Metal who are currently touring in support of their upcoming new album ‘Heart On’ to get his thoughts on performing at San Diego Street Scene and why it’s a big deal for the band.

“This is a big deal, you know. There’s events and there’s certain iconic festivities sort of speak and you want to be included and it makes you feel more valid. I hate to be immediately honest and corny right off the bat but I just want to be cool too and you don’t feel like you’re totally cool unless you get to play the street scene. Devo is playing today. I mean, hello…did I wait, Devo is playing today and that’s pretty rad. You know what I mean?”

Originally The Black Crowes were scheduled to headline the festival on Saturday but due to reported illness in the band, they were forced to cancel a few dates on their tour through California and no doubt disappoint a few fans in attendance. With only a few days until show time, Devo were announced as a last minute special guest headliner. A few other bands who performed at Street Scene in 2008 were X, The New Pornographers, GZA, Devotchka, Spiritualized, Does it Offend You, Yeah?, TV on the Radio, The National and Tokyo Police Club.