Who is Devo?

Devo is an American new wave band formed in 1972 by Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale in Kent, Ohio. The band is most known for their unique musical style and bizarre stage costumes which featured energy domes, yellow jumpsuits, and plastic masks. Devo's songs often feature political satire and social commentary, with topics such as consumerism, conformity, and devolution often explored.

The Origins of Devo

Devo was originally formed in 1972 as a satirical art collective by Mothersbaugh and Casale. The two were heavily influenced by the writings of Kurt Vonnegut, which inspired their name “Devo”, short for “de-evolution”. After experimenting with a variety of sounds and styles, the band settled on a new wave sound that combined elements of punk rock and electronic music.

Devo's Career Highlights

In 1978, Devo released their debut album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We are Devo! The album featured the hit single “Mongoloid” and was met with critical acclaim. Following the success of their first album, Devo went on to release a number of chart-topping albums throughout the 1980s. The band also collaborated with other artists such as David Bowie and Gorillaz.

Legacy of Devo

Devo's influence can still be felt today in the works of modern bands such as Blur and LCD Soundsystem. Their unique blend of punk rock and electronic music has not only inspired countless musicians but has also been sampled by many hip hop artists in recent years. Devo's legacy will continue to live on for many years to come.