Devo | Artist

Devo is an American new-wave band formed 1973 in Akron, Ohio, by Gerald V. Casale (bass, vocals), Bob Casale (guitar, keyboards), Mark Mothersbaugh (vocals, keyboards), Bob Lewis (guitar), Fred Weber (vocals) and Rob Reisman (drums). The band had a Billboard chart hit in 1980 with the single "Whip It", which gave the band mainstream popularity, along with their classic debut album. Their first performance was as a six piece at Kent State University Arts Festival, were they came together as a satirical review themed on the dysfunction and herd mentality of American society, in the wake of the Kent State shootings. The band name "Devo" was thus coined from the concept of "De-Evolution". The band's core members stayed together and attracted the attention of David Bowie and Iggy Pop, who helped get them a recording contract with Warner Music Group. Their first album, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! was produced by Brian Eno and featured re-recordings of their previous singles "Mongoloid" and "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". On October 14, 1978, Devo gained international exposure with an appearance on the late-night show Saturday Night Live, a week after the Rolling Stones, performing "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "Jocko Homo". The band went on to release 13 studio albums and still play occasionally to the present day. Standout releases include Be Stiff (EP), Q; Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!, Duty Now For The Future, Freedom of Choice and New Traditionalists. The compilations Hardcore Vol 1 & 2 are also highly recommended. Devo actively embraced the parody religion Church of the SubGenius. In concert, the band sometimes performed as their own opening act, pretending to be a Christian soft rock band called "Dove (the Band of Love)", which is an anagram of "Devo".

Artist Website: clubdevo.com

Featured Albums: Devo

Related Artists: Mark Mothersbaugh, Brian Eno