Devo

Genres:	Pop / Rock
Descriptive "tags":	new wave, post-punk, 80s, alternative, rock
Decades Active:	1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s
Links online:	BBC Music, MusicMoz, Official Homepage, Wikipedia

Biography

Formed during 1972 in Akron, Ohio, this US new wave band, who fitted the term better than most, originally comprised Mark Mothersbaugh (18 May 1950, Akron, Ohio, USA; vocals/keyboards), Jerry Casale (b. Gerald V. Casale; vocals/bass), Bob Mothersbaugh (b. Robert Mothersbaugh; guitar), Bob Casale (guitar/keyboards) and Jim Mothersbaugh (drums), although the latter was replaced by Alan Myers in 1976. The philosophical principle on which Devo operated, and from which they took their shortened name, was devolution: the theory that mankind, rather than progressing, has actually embarked on a negative curve. The medium they pioneered to present this was basic, electronic music, with strong robotic and mechanical overtones. The visual representation and marketing exaggerated modern life, with industrial uniforms and neo-military formations alongside potato masks and flowerpot headgear. The band’s 1978 debut album was among their finest achievements; a synthesis of...

Read the Full Biography of Devo