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I met the Devil (Dave) on Second and Central

He dances like a one-man rave up and down the sidewalks in a manner that is anything but pedestrian. I know you’ve seen him along Central, moving about like an imp casting spells to devilish music. I mean no offense with this description because I’m sure this unique man would likely embrace it.

He says his name is Devil Dave.

I stopped Devil Dave in mid dance while I was on the corner of Second and Central. Here was my chance to meet this man who is becoming a fixture in Albuquerque’s street scene. Another Don Schrader? I’m sure they’ve crossed paths.

Devil Dave was eager to share his personality with me.

Turns out he’s a Satanist. I never met a Satanist before. When Devil Dave proudly proclaimed he’s a sympathizer of Beelzebub, I expected a negative personality and a cynical, evil disposition the Devil himself would be proud of.

Actually, Devil Dave is a damn nice guy. He’s articulate, smart and personable and down to earth. I enjoyed our ten minute conversation. For being a devil worshiper, Devil Dave was friendlier than a lot of Christians I know. I’m not sure if there’s a darker past behind Devil Dave, but if there is, he didn’t show it.

Devil Dave is from New York and is “retired” but won’t say what he’s retired from. He carries the stick because there are a lot of “crazies” on Central, he said. I doubt he’s relying on a guardian angel for protection.

His body is tattooed with satanic symbols. There’s an Ouija board on his chest along with “666” and the words “Anti Christ.”

Our conversation ended with Devil Dave shaking my hand and giving me a friendly smile like a neighborhood mailman. He danced off back into Albuquerque’s street life with his stick and headphones. By the looks of things, Devil Dave seems to be in heaven.

Tags: albuquerque, dave, devil

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Comment by Benny the Icepick on February 17, 2011 at 3:34pm: Thanks for the scoop, Jeremy! I always see him rocking out. Glad to put a name and a backstory to him. Now I have to wonder what kind of music he listens to to make him move like he does.

Comment by Jeremy Jojola on February 17, 2011 at 4:17pm: Benny....I asked him about his music..he said "everything" except for religious music.

Comment by Sun Ray on February 17, 2011 at 5:11pm: Met him the other day. My dogs weren't too sure about him. He said: I ain't scared of a dog bite! lol Interesting Character! Thanks for the bio.

Comment by Adelita on February 17, 2011 at 5:18pm: Thanks Jeremy. I like the interesting characters that make up our community!

Comment by Ben Moffett on February 17, 2011 at 8:01pm: What sinister force is behind not using an apostrophe for POWs, but using one for MIA'S. Or are my eyes going bad?

Comment by hettie on February 17, 2011 at 9:04pm: I've seen this guy around many times, usually while I'm waiting for the bus, and I have to admit that I find him sort of intimidating. maybe the combination of tattoos, big stick and really high energy dancing (of the sort that makes it seem like maybe he's on something). good on you for striking up a conversation. it reminds me that frequently our perceptions of people don't line up with reality. I still don't know if I'll chat him up next time I see him. :)

and ben, I think there is an apostrophe there, it's just not reading very well in the photo.

Comment by Ben Moffett on February 18, 2011 at 8:10am: Thanks, Hettie, fellow Burque Bulldog. Fresh eyes are always appreciated.

Comment by Phil_0 on February 18, 2011 at 9:24am: I've run into Dave on the bus several times and Hettie's right, the dancing is pretty intense. He's also big on intense eye contact with strangers, which can be sort of disconcerting. Good to learn more about him and put him in better context...thanks for appreciating our local characters.

Comment by Dee Cohen on February 18, 2011 at 10:38am: I've been stared down by him a couple of times. Thanks for the info but I'll stay two stick lengths away. Dee

Comment by ABQSkippy on February 20, 2011 at 9:16pm: I was wondering about this guy. He kinda creeps me out. Glad to hear that he is friendly. I'll just take your word for it, Jeremy, and keep my distance.