Releases by devo

Devo is an American new wave band from Akron, Ohio, formed in 1973. The group's early and best-known lineup included vocalist Mark Mothersbaugh, guitarist Bob Mothersbaugh, bassist Gerald Casale, guitarist Bob Casale, and drummer Alan Myers. They are best known for the 1980 single "Whip It", which became their only Top 40 entry on the Billboard Hot 100, although they maintained a long-term cult following. Devo's music and visual presentation combine science fiction themes, surreal humor, and satirical commentary on modern society. The band's concept of "de-evolution", the idea that humanity is regressing rather than progressing, originated during the late 1960s among Kent State University art students Gerald Casale and Bob Lewis. This concept became central to the band's early identity and was reflected in experimental art punk music that incorporated electronic elements. In the 1980s, their sound shifted toward synth-pop and more accessible song structures, while retaining satirical themes. Their work influenced later developments in new wave, industrial, and alternative rock, as well as internet-based music subgenres sometimes associated with their style. The group also played a role in the early development of the music video format. The band began as informal collaborations between Casale, Lewis, and Mark Mothersbaugh around the early 1970s. Early performances included changing lineups and experimental stage presentations. One early version of the group performed at a Kent State arts festival in 1973 and included the Casale brothers, the Mothersbaugh brothers, and other local musicians. A later 1974 lineup performed again at the same festival. These early performances helped establish the group's performance style, which often involved theatrical characters and visual satire. After several lineup changes, the group stabilized in the mid-1970s with Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, Bob Casale, and drummer Alan Myers. Early recordings included the singles "Mongoloid" and a cover of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction", both released in 1977 and associated with the band's independent releases and early film work. Their short film "The Truth About De-Evolution" gained attention after winning an award at the Ann Arbor Film Festival in 1976, helping bring the band wider recognition and industry interest. In 1978, Devo signed with Warner Bros. Records after support from David Bowie and Iggy Pop. Their debut album "Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!" was produced by Brian Eno and included re-recorded versions of earlier material. The band gained national attention after performing on Saturday Night Live in 1978. Their second album, "Duty Now for the Future" (1979), expanded their use of electronic instruments. During this period, they also toured internationally and appeared on various television programs. In 1980, Devo released "Freedom of Choice", which included "Whip It", their most commercially successful single. The album marked a stronger shift toward electronic production and produced several additional well-known songs, including "Girl U Want" and "Gates of Steel". The band supported the album with an international tour and became associated with distinctive stage costumes, including energy dome hats. Around this time, they also produced fan club recordings later compiled into "E-Z Listening Disc". Their 1981 album "New Traditionalists" followed, featuring a more stylized visual concept and songs such as "Through Being Cool". Devo also contributed material to film soundtracks and collaborated with other artists. The 1982 album "Oh, No! It's Devo" continued their synth-driven style and included tracks such as "Peek-A-Boo!". The group also produced multimedia performances that combined music and synchronized video. The 1984 album "Shout" incorporated digital sampling technology but received less favorable reception, and the band was subsequently dropped by Warner Bros. guitarist Alan Myers left the group in 1984. Mark Mothersbaugh pursued other projects, including television and solo music work. Devo re-formed in 1987 with drummer David Kendrick. They released "Total Devo" in 1988 and "Smooth Noodle Maps" in 1990. Both albums had limited commercial success, and touring for the latter was cancelled due to financial issues and record label closure. The group performed their final show of this period in 1991 and subsequently disbanded. Following the breakup, members pursued individual careers. Mark Mothersbaugh founded Mutato Muzika and composed music for television, film, and video games. Gerald Casale worked as a director for music videos and commercials. Bob Mothersbaugh also pursued musical projects. The band occasionally contributed to film soundtracks and compilations during this period, including a re-recording of "Girl U Want" for the 1995 film "Tank Girl" and a cover of "Head Like a Hole" for "Supercop" in 1996. Devo reunited in 1996 for a performance at the Sundance Film Festival and subsequently participated in tours such as Lollapalooza. Their live sets typically focused on material from the late 1970s and early 1980s. They also released a multimedia computer game titled "Adventures of the Smart Patrol". From the late 1990s onward, the band performed intermittently and participated in fan conventions. In the 2000s, Devo continued touring and released re-recorded versions of earlier songs for commercial use. Gerald Casale also released a side project under the name Jihad Jerry & the Evildoers in 2006. The band collaborated with Disney on "Devo 2.0", a project featuring child performers re-recording Devo songs with altered lyrics. In 2007, Devo toured Europe for the first time since 1990 and released the single "Watch Us Work It" in 2007, which was used in a commercial campaign. In 2010, they released the album "Something for Everybody", their first studio album in 20 years. The band received the Moog Innovator Award the same year. After leaving Warner Bros. in 2012, Devo released independent material and continued touring. Drummer Alan Myers died in 2013. Bob Casale died in 2014, after which the band toured material from their early catalog under the title Hardcore Devo Tour. Guitarist Josh Hager later joined the group for live performances. From 2017 onward, Devo continued performing at festivals and special events. A documentary about the band premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024. The group has continued touring in various formats, including anniversary performances and co-headlining tours with other acts. In 2026, Devo launched a tour titled "Mutate Don't Stagnate". Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devo Studio albums Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! (1978) Duty Now for the Future (1979) Freedom of Choice (1980) New Traditionalists (1981) Oh, No! It's Devo (1982) Shout (1984) Total Devo (1988) Smooth Noodle Maps (1990) Something for Everybody (2010) Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.