About this Artist

DEVO emerged from Akron, Ohio, in 1973, born from the intersection of performance art, experimental music, and the social upheaval of the Vietnam era. Founded by Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale, who met as students at Kent State University, the band developed its groundbreaking philosophy of “Devolution”—the idea that society was regressing rather than progressing. Deeply influenced by the events surrounding the Kent State shootings of 1970, the group transformed those experiences into one of the most distinctive artistic statements in modern music. Joined by Bob Mothersbaugh, Bob Casale, and drummer Alan Myers, DEVO combined punk energy, electronic experimentation, satire, and striking visual imagery into a sound and aesthetic unlike anything that had come before. Their prophetic message of “Devolution” and strikingly original fusion of electronics and punk made them one of the most singular and influential acts of their generation. Their originality quickly attracted admirers including David Bowie, who famously called them “the band of the future.” Produced by Brian Eno, DEVO’s 1978 debut album, Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are DEVO!, established them as pioneers of the emerging New Wave movement. Their breakthrough arrived with 1980’s Freedom of Choice, featuring the iconic hit “Whip It.” Through influential albums including New Traditionalists, Oh No! It’s DEVO, and Shout, the band continued to push creative boundaries while helping define the visual and sonic language of the MTV era. More than five decades after their formation, DEVO’s influence remains profound. Artists ranging from Nirvana and Rage Against the Machine to LCD Soundsystem and Santigold have cited the band as an inspiration. Kurt Cobain famously called DEVO “the most challenging and subversive” of the underground bands that crossed into the mainstream. Today, DEVO continues to bring its uniquely energetic live performances to audiences around the world, proving that its message—and its music—remain as relevant, provocative, and entertaining as ever.