Devo

Devo is an American new wave band from Akron, Ohio, formed in 1973. The group develops from informal collaborations in the early 1970s between Gerald Casale, Bob Lewis and Mark Mothersbaugh, with the concept of “de-evolution” emerging among Kent State University art students Casale and Lewis in the late 1960s. That idea, which argues that humanity is regressing rather than progressing, becomes central to the band’s identity and is reflected in its satirical, science-fiction-inflected visual style and experimental art punk approach.

Early line-up and first releases

The best-known early line-up includes Mark Mothersbaugh on vocals, Bob Mothersbaugh on guitar, Gerald Casale on bass, Bob Casale on guitar and Alan Myers on drums. Early performances feature changing personnel, theatrical characters and visual satire, including appearances at a Kent State arts festival in 1973 and again in 1974. The band’s early recordings include the singles “Mongoloid” and a cover of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”, both released in 1977.

The short film The Truth About De-Evolution wins an award at the Ann Arbor Film Festival in 1976 and helps draw wider attention to the group. In 1978, after support from David Bowie and Iggy Pop, Devo signs to Warner Bros. Records. Their debut album, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!, is produced by Brian Eno and includes re-recorded versions of earlier material. The band also gains national attention after appearing on Saturday Night Live in 1978.

1980s recordings and commercial peak

Devo’s second album, Duty Now for the Future (1979), expands their use of electronic instruments. Freedom of Choice follows in 1980 and contains “Whip It”, the group’s best-known single and its only Top 40 entry on the Billboard Hot 100. The album also includes “Girl U Want” and “Gates of Steel”. During this period, the band becomes associated with energy dome hats and with multimedia performances that combine music and synchronised video.

Later albums continue the shift toward electronic and synthesised production. New Traditionalists appears in 1981 and includes “Through Being Cool”. Oh, No! It’s Devo follows in 1982 with “Peek-A-Boo!”. Shout arrives in 1984 and uses digital sampling technology, but the band is dropped by Warner Bros. afterwards. Alan Myers leaves the group in 1984.

Breakups, reunions and later activity

Devo reforms in 1987 with drummer David Kendrick and releases Total Devo in 1988 and Smooth Noodle Maps in 1990. Those albums have limited commercial success, and touring for the latter is cancelled because of financial issues and the closure of the record label. The group plays its final show of that period in 1991 and then disbands.

After the split, Mark Mothersbaugh founds Mutato Muzika and works on music for television, film and video games. Gerald Casale directs music videos and commercials, while Bob Mothersbaugh continues with musical projects. Devo later contributes to film soundtracks and compilations, including a new version of “Girl U Want” for Tank Girl in 1995 and a cover of “Head Like a Hole” for Supercop in 1996. The band reunites in 1996 for the Sundance Film Festival and later takes part in tours such as Lollapalooza.

In the 2000s, Devo continues touring, issues re-recorded versions of earlier songs for commercial use, and works with Disney on Devo 2.0, a project in which child performers re-record Devo songs with altered lyrics. Gerald Casale releases the side project Jihad Jerry & the Evildoers in 2006. Devo tours Europe for the first time since 1990 in 2007 and releases “Watch Us Work It” the same year. Something for Everybody appears in 2010, their first studio album in 20 years, and the band receives the Moog Innovator Award that same year.

After leaving Warner Bros. in 2012, Devo releases independent material and continues touring. Alan Myers dies in 2013 and Bob Casale dies in 2014. The band then tours early material under the title Hardcore Devo Tour, with Josh Hager later joining for live performances. From 2017 onward, Devo continues to appear at festivals and special events, and it remains active in various touring formats, including anniversary performances and co-headlining shows. A documentary about the group premieres at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024.

Style and influence

Devo’s work combines science fiction imagery, surreal humour and satire about modern society. The band begins with experimental art punk and electronic elements, then moves in the 1980s toward synth-pop and more accessible song structures while keeping its satirical focus. It is associated with the development of new wave, industrial and alternative rock, and it also plays a role in the early development of the music video format.