Devo, one of new wave’s most innovative bands, emerged from the Midwestern underground scene of the 1970s with a uniquely abstract and self-designed approach. The band’s name stems from their philosophy of ‘de-evolution,’ blending dark social satire and quirky humor with striking visuals. Their breakthrough came with the hit single ‘Whip It’ from the album ‘Freedom of Choice’ in 1980, propelling them briefly into the mainstream spotlight alongside the rise of MTV. Despite facing criticism for their campy elements, Devo’s influence grew over the years, solidifying their status as a revered cult band with a dedicated following.
The core members, Gerald Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh, initially met as art school students at Kent State University in the early ’70s. Together with friend Bob Lewis, they crafted the concept of ‘de-evolution,’ challenging the notion of human progress and societal norms. Devo’s early days saw experimentation with unique visuals, costumes, and musical instruments, culminating in their breakthrough with the album ‘Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!’ produced by Brian Eno. Despite facing criticism and controversies, Devo continued to evolve creatively, releasing albums, scoring films, and venturing into commercial collaborations, leaving an enduring mark on the music industry.