DEVOlution

In June, DEVO's drummer, Alan Myers, who played with the band from 1976 - 1986 (perhaps their most progressive decade), passed away from brain cancer at 58 years old.  I was distraught.  I wrote a blog post about him.  In recent months, I haven't been writing as often as I used to, but I have not abandoned my blog, I've just taken a short hiatus.  Until now...

I felt compelled to find some time to write today when I heard the news regarding another member of the band DEVO.  Bob Casale died of heart failure on Monday at the young age of 61.  In the early seventies, Bob and his brother, Gerald, along with band mate Alan Myers and brothers, Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh formed a band that had a sound and style like no other.  DEVO has continued to progress and stay relevant over four decades.  Impressive.  

One of my favs.

According to co-founder Gerald Casale, the name "Devo" comes from the concept of 'de-evolution' - the idea that mankind has actually begun to regress rather than to evolve.  For a longtime DEVO devotee (my pal WendyB and I even wore costumes for Halloween), the tragic losses of the DEVO members definitely feels like regression -- in a sense.  And even though DEVO is not what it once was, the band is not "Through Being Cool."  R.I.P. Bob. 

Are We Not Men? We Are DEVO!

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!

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!