Biography
Devo is an American new wave band formed in Akron, Ohio, in 1973 by art students Gerald Casale and Bob Lewis, later joined by Mark Mothersbaugh. The band's classic lineup featured two sets of brothers—Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald and Bob Casale—and drummer Alan Myers. Devo's origins are closely tied to the political unrest and tragedy of the Kent State shootings in 1970, which deeply influenced their satirical concept of 'de-evolution': the idea that instead of progressing, society was regressing, a theme that became central to their music and visual identity.
Devo quickly became known for their fusion of punk, rock, and electronic music, as well as their eccentric stage personas and science fiction-inspired costumes. Their debut album, 'Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!' (1978), produced by Brian Eno with input from David Bowie, established them as pioneers of the new wave movement. The band achieved mainstream success with the 1980 single 'Whip It' from their album 'Freedom of Choice,' which became a double-platinum hit and cemented their place in pop culture. Throughout the 1980s, Devo continued to experiment with synthpop and electronic sounds while maintaining their signature satirical edge.
Devo's innovative approach to music videos, performance art, and social commentary has left a lasting legacy, influencing genres from alternative rock to industrial music and even inspiring the internet microgenre 'devo-core.' Their work has been recognized for its prophetic critique of conformity and consumerism, and they remain celebrated as one of the most original and influential acts to emerge from the American post-punk and new wave scenes.
Fun Facts
- Devo's name comes from their satirical theory of 'de-evolution,' the idea that humanity is regressing rather than progressing.
- Their iconic energy dome hats, first worn during the 'Freedom of Choice' era, were designed to be both visually striking and to allegedly 'focus the wearer's energy.'
- Devo was one of the first bands to fully embrace music videos as an art form, producing surreal and innovative videos before the rise of MTV.
- The band appeared as 'nuclear garbagepersons' in Neil Young's cult film 'Human Highway,' writing their own parts and contributing to the soundtrack.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Brian Eno - Produced Devo's debut album and provided creative guidance during their early major-label years. (Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!) [1978]
- David Bowie - Early champion of the band, helped secure their first record deal and contributed to their debut album's production process. (Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! (advisory role)) [1977-1978]
Key Collaborators
- Mark Mothersbaugh - Co-founder, lead vocalist, and keyboardist; central songwriter and creative force. (All Devo albums and projects) [1973–present]
- Gerald Casale - Co-founder, bassist, vocalist, and conceptual leader; key lyricist and visual designer. (All Devo albums and projects) [1973–present]
- Bob Mothersbaugh - Lead guitarist and vocalist; contributed to the band's signature sound. (All Devo albums and projects) [1973–present]
- Bob Casale - Rhythm guitarist and keyboardist; contributed to arrangements and production. (All Devo albums and projects) [1973–2014]
- Alan Myers - Drummer known for his precise, mechanical style; key member during Devo's classic period. (Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!, Duty Now for the Future, Freedom of Choice) [1976–1986]
- Neil Young - Collaborated with Devo in his film 'Human Highway,' where the band performed and contributed to the soundtrack. (Human Highway (film and soundtrack)) [1982]
Artists Influenced
- Nine Inch Nails (Trent Reznor) - Cited Devo as a major influence on his approach to electronic and industrial music. (Pretty Hate Machine, The Downward Spiral) [1989–present]
- Beck - Acknowledged Devo's impact on his eclectic style and use of irony. (Odelay, Midnite Vultures) [1990s–present]
- The Flaming Lips - Inspired by Devo's experimentalism and visual artistry. (Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots) [2000s]
- Gorillaz (Damon Albarn) - Cited Devo's multimedia approach and genre-blending as an influence. (Plastic Beach) [2010]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom of Choice | 1980 | Album |
| Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! | 1978 | Album |
| Shout | 1984 | Album |
| Freedom of Choice (2009 Remaster; Deluxe Edition) | 1980 | Album |
| Oh No! It's Devo | 1982 | Album |
| Yo Gabba Gabba! Hey! | 2009 | Album |
| New Traditionalists | 1981 | Album |
| Yo Gabba Gabba! Hey! (Deluxe Edition) | 2025-04-04 | Album |
| Duty Now for the Future | 1979 | Album |
| 50 Years of De-Evolution 1973–2023 | 2023-10-20 | Album |
| New Traditionalists (2010 Remaster; Deluxe Edition) | 1981-08-26 | Album |
| Something for Everybody (Deluxe) | 2010-06-11 | Album |
| Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! (2009 Remaster; Deluxe Edition) | 1978 | Album |
| Hardcore Devo, Vol. 1 (Vol. 1 1974-1977) | 1990-08-17 | Album |
| Duty Now for the Future (2010 Remaster; Deluxe Edition) | 1979 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Whip It (Freedom of Choice)
- Puppet Boy (Shout)
- Uncontrollable Urge (Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!)
- Whip It
- Girl U Want - 2009 Remaster (Freedom of Choice (2009 Remaster; Deluxe Edition))
- (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction (Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!)
- Gut Feeling / (Slap Your Mammy) (Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!)
- Mongoloid (Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!)
- That's Good (Oh No! It's Devo)
- Beautiful World (New Traditionalists)
External Links
Tags: #american, #art-punk, #classic-pop-and-rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
DEVO has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2, 2025 | 00:12 | Poisonfrom Poison | Adjacentw/ Benny Poppins | |
| Oct 18, 2025 | 18:44 | Working In A Coal Minefrom 45 Soundtrack Heavy Metal | Block Partyw/ Brice Nice | |
| Sep 15, 2025 | 00:41 | Political Poemfrom Wild Poppies | The Dean's Listw/ Dean Ellis |