Devo are a band that keep on giving, it's rare to discover a body of work of such depth and diversity that is also refreshingly 'intelligent'. It gives one hope in a devolved world.
I wish I "got" this back when I was hearing your music as a kiddo. DEVO, the truest, most real punks, total culture jammers, which is exactly what we need, although it seems clear that none of it will help. At least it helps me. I'm glad I finally made it! Thanks Gerry and Gerald.
What a great interview! I’ve been a Devo fan for 43 years now and I’m very proud of it. Gerald is always a pleasure to listen to no matter what he talks about. His verbalized ideas, music, and art give a voice to how I see and feel my life. We need you Gerald, now more than ever!
Far more a philosopher than a politician, (and a much more credible camp to occupy,) warrior, artist, philosopher, courageous, honest and co author of some of the most creative material ever to grace this madhouse. One of planet Earth's brilliant human treasures.
Chicago Aragon Ballroom, 10/16/81, New Traditionalists Tour, I had the time of my life jumping up and down on a folding chair while Devo worked their asses off on treadmills, then the 2nd half I remember Bob1 almost falling from on top of a stack of amps. One of The Great Nights of my life. Thank you G.V.C. and Devo. DE-EVOLUTION is REAL!
I just began exploring your catalogue in 2021. I was seven years old when "Whip It" was released, and thanks to Midwestern Radio (Missouri), I never heard them again. Fast forward to May, 2021, and a video with the interesting title of "Jocko Homo" appeared via RU-vid's algorithm. I don't know if it was Mr. Mothersbaugh's dancing, or the odd timing of the song, but I was curious, and sought out more songs thay evening. At 47 years old, I didn't expect to have my entire viewpoint on music upended by, of all bands, DEVO. Kraftwerk in 2019 was wild enough, but this band? As I listened to "Freedom Of Choice" for the first time, I looked at a Sex Pistols tapestry hanging on the wall, and wondered how I adored THAT lot after all these years, but was just hearing "Gates Of Steel" for the first time. Paradigm shifts don't come often for a middle-aged man, and I am grateful for this one. On the off chance this is read by Mr. Casale, thank you for helping to bring a great thing to this beautiful World.
We've miles to go before we sleep, Gerald! Continue with me to rage against the dying of the light! After all, "What we do is what we do!" - Some member of some smart patrol from a while back. 😉 Spuds of the world untie and unite! 😎
It's so painful because journalists still will be asking all these same questions you have answered/asked for years. You are so creative. Let us purchase Jihad Jerry & the Evildoers somehow. That record is more relevant than ever.
I rented Freedom of Choice and The New Traditionalists from the Library in 1982 ?at the library. I was 7? Neighbor baby sitters had earlier albums. I loved the keyboard 80 sounds when younger. Now I love the punk guitars sound now of the early stuff. Went down a worm hole the last few weeks. And realized your music shaped me .
G, anything you guys do has the most unique edge on it. This interview is outstanding, autobiographical lol. How better to deliver a clinical insight into ones philosophy by being both interviewer and interviewee. By the way, you guys have awoken the zest for life I lost in a bad divorce 2 years ago, I feel like I’ve devolved 20 years back to who I was before I married. And for that, I thank you. Wish you best of luck with the tour coming up. You must be pumped! 👍🇦🇺🇺🇸🇦🇺
My God what a thought-provoking video. It ended with a laugh too! I am a piano student/synth-player/songwriter and this man has been inspiring me my whole life. Songs like "Big Mess," "Jerkin' Back and Forth" and "Beautiful World" (and soo many others) still rock me so much to this moment. Thank you, Mr. Casale!
I've only learned about Devo in the last 30 minutes (I'd heard Whip it n knew the band name for ages,but have only now looked into it) and I really loved this video. It's rare I authentically like anything immediatelly these days (lol, so jaded) but I liked this, and this guy....I liked the background ambience, the subject matter. I think EVOLUTION is meeting the world's needs. Unfortunately, we don't start doing that from where we'd wish.....but from where the world actually is. As someone who's always felt he thought a bit ahead of things.......it really means jackshit if you can't make it feasible for people....and marry it with where we are. As cheesy as it sounds the great balance is love.........I think it's the greatest unmet need we have as a collective and the one required to make sure corruption, distortion and deevoltuon doesn't happen in the culture.
4:50. Jerry and Jerry: I assure you, you did change the world….the world absolutely changed in Fall 1978. You definitely changed the world at that moment. Enjoying the video although there is a somber feeling to it. Inevitably de-evolution is somber. But please know you achieved your goal of changing the world as it was known at that time. -DEVOGRL
I never 'got the money' and created music that reflected this, got nowhere with it outside, remaining credible to oneself and carving a successful path creating from the heart is a tough trick to pull off, that you guys pulled it off so well is surely a barometer for true greatness, hard to put into words, a great work, great interview, great channel, thanks again buddy!! :)
Gerald: I like the cut of your jib. Gerry: Not as enthusiastic about yours. Talk about creative, did anyone else notice his Energy Dome collection was being displayed as ceiling fixtures? Awesome AF.
True dat. Creative output has multiplied since the 70's, but the best of it is fragmented into impotent, isolated little packets by the Babylonian nature of the internet and its dastardly algorithms. If Devo came about today I think it would get a few hundred "likes" and be done.
It is naive to believe one person or band could change the world but I believe its influence will have a ripple effect, and help to balance the scales of duality. The world can, and will change because it has to. Nothing stays the same. But in what direction will change occur? I think this depends on the minds, and hearts of all people. This was a very interesting interview. Thank you Gerald, and Jerrry!
I sincerely wish i had paid more attention when these guys came around in late 70s early 80s. I purchased Freedom of Choice. I wish i had looked more closely. I feel the whole think of de evolution is so relevant now when i see my days dominated by my cell phone. Keep on keeping on Gerald/Gerry! You try not to kill each other, okay?
Humm… I feel like I’ve had similar conversations in my own head. LOVE the creativity of this. Understanding deepens appreciation. Devo seems to be getting better all the time; or is it me?🤔
I first heard DEVO via WXRT playing Satisfaction, I did not hear the intro, at first I thought Joan Armatrading had covered Satisfaction. To my ear Marks voice on Satisfaction is a dead ringer for Joan Armatrading. We are all Devo !
Watching this again Gerald . How about patent & sell a osha construction grade 1980 energy dome to keep our spuds safe & sane & in the right direction while on the clock . P.s. I remember when whip it was big on radio i was at a cub scouts meeting & my friends mom was hosting it she had a big ol smile laughing about whip it she loved it she thought it was hysterical , she was a black woman who enjoyed life . Mrs. Law , Thank you ♡
This is great and I love it. It feels a bit strange to see double Casales.I love the philosophy of Devo and wonder how to carry the message to newer generations. Also, I got paid to stop playing once. It was ummmm… I didn’t know how to feel about it.
You seem a little sad that you didn't "change the world", almost like you are having an argument with your own cynicism. As far as I'm concerned you are a hero for just trying. Also you guys put out a lot of really original music. Populating the world with beautiful unique things is probably the best you can do.
Long time fan inspired to make music all my life messaging in from London here 🇬🇧 I am astounded how you found a look a like G man. U Amooricans say we Brits are suspicious and cynical but I beg to differ… 🙏🇺🇸
Devo playing any presidential inauguration is total Devo or a petite morte….but at Trump’s… that would be the ultimate Devo death….the period at the end of the sentence at the end of the book. Interesting to listen to a calm Jerry/GVC that seems less interested in impressing or dominating and more focused on just laying down the history of the band. (I do wish he had gone into why the Art Deco light fixture was personally important to him….).
It's a test. Some people like Roger Waters, in their massive arrogance and egomania, will get all pissed and argue when they perceive an insult. Jerry OTOH handles it with grace and good humor. That's called passing the test.
I wonder why Gerry never flipped the strings on his bass? I'm a lefty bass player too and I learned on a flipped-over righty with the strings upside down. As soon as I bought my first left handed bass though, I forced myself to relearn it with the strings in the normal position. Anyways, the man is definitely a legend.
