DEVO - Photo: Robert Matheu, copyright 1981
I will never forget the first time I saw DEVO. It was much like the first time I saw The Cramps' Lux Interior "Tear This Damn Place Up" in 1981 on Urgh! A Music War! With jaws agape, my sister and I were speechless, intrigued, shocked and energized all at the same time. They just don't make bands like these anymore!
Lux Interior almost loses his pants and has a very special relationship with the microphone
Maybe DEVO wasn't quite as raunchy, but cracking a whip to eliminate articles of clothing from a woman, piece by piece, was seriously pushing the envelope back in 1980. Who were these strange guys in black Bermudas and sleeveless turtlenecks with red flower pots -- as I used to refer to them before I found out that "energy dome" was the proper term -- on their heads? Were they not men? Not exactly. They were (and still are) DEVO. And they were (and still are) COOL.
It's almost impossible to find the original video, but this is just as good (even without the babe!)
Sadly, drummer Alan Myers died from brain cancer on June 24th at the young age of 58. Alan joined the band in 1976 and eventually left in 1986 due to the increased use of electronic drums. Like a true artist, Myers was not fulfilled creatively so he had to seek it out elsewhere. Apparently, bandmate Gerald Casale pleaded with Myers, who he referred to as the 'human metronome' not to leave, but to no avail.
Myers' time with DEVO was the most creative portion of the band's career -- in my opinion! He was a huge part of what made that DEVO sound so distinctive and innovative. He contributed to many memorable tunes like: Uncontrollable Urge, Gut Feeling, Freedom of Choice, Gates of Steel, Beautiful World and, of course, Whip It!
Myers' time with DEVO was the most creative portion of the band's career -- in my opinion! He was a huge part of what made that DEVO sound so distinctive and innovative. He contributed to many memorable tunes like: Uncontrollable Urge, Gut Feeling, Freedom of Choice, Gates of Steel, Beautiful World and, of course, Whip It!
One of my all-time favs. And Alan helped make this a Beautiful World!
R.I.P. Alan, you will be missed. I'm going to wear my old DEVO tee shirt this weekend to honor you!
The Cramps & Devo in one post -- you sure know how to make an old punk feel good! So sad, so young! I wish I could remember the first time I saw them, it was some crazy triple bill with all amazing bands (I think the B52s were one of them), had to be around 78-80. Love that tee! XXX
ReplyDeletePS Lux did frequently lose his pants during a show. One time he came out wearing just briefs (I think they were gold lame) and off they went flying into the crowd. My friend caught them & still has them! RIP Lux too ):
I'll see if I can find a photo I took of my apartment mate and her friend C. wearing a DEVO suits for a Halloween party. If I find it I'll post it for you on FB.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you when I saw this news!
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