I've been a Devotee since way back in 1979! I remember actually thinking that Devo were going to be PHENOMENAL - one of the major defining groups of the 1980's - along with others like Talking Heads, B 52's, Blondie, Ultravox, OMD, Split Enz, Gary Numan, X, Black Flag, Bauhaus, Sonic Youth, Concrete Blonde - and THAT had me looking forward with great interest and excitement to the then new oncoming decade! But, sadly, THAT was NOT how it turned out. That decade eventually became dominated by ohhhhh Micheal "King of Pop" Jackson, Madonna, Huey Lewis, U2, Phill Collins, Def Lepard, Kenny Loggins, Bon Jovi whom the masses decided hey preferred to have as their big music icons, and by the end of that decade Devo were forgotten and, worse still, from a historical standpoint got officially relegated to "One Hit Wonder" status thanks to the likes of VH1, MTV, these Watch Mojo jerks and Swiffer & Cool Whip commercials! Yep, what a pathetic and nauseating disappointment THAT decade turned out to be! Oh well, looks like they're being recently rediscovered thanks to You Tube, so then maybe there's still hope for them yet!
I always loved Devo. Basically, it's Kraftwerk on crack. I love the humour and the powerful messages they transmitted. I am a composer, and I often inject humour into my work, as too many musicians take themselves far too seriously.
Jerry has said that the ideas with which DEVO started under are even more relevant today than they were back when the band was at its commercial zenith. He has also noted that he wished that he could have been wrong but with the current political climate in the world today DEVO was more than right.
Leftists are pushing the anarchy (devolution) to the masses. Not to make a better world but to promote a New World Order. Democrats used to be the party of opposition, but now are the party of the military industrial complex, the MSM, the World elites , and Corporate America.
I first got into Devo at high school in '79 most of school was listening to contemporary music of the day , I was ridiculed and teased and even bullied but I wanted to be different and stand out so my music taste became very underground. Everything Devo said,sang and filmed was almost a prophesy of today's World 🌎 so the kid who took the odd beating in his teens has the last laugh ! After all it's all about freedom of choice. Great video.🤘🏴
I've been a Devotee since way back in 1979! I remember actually thinking that Devo were going to be PHENOMENAL - one of the major defining groups of the 1980's - along with others like Talking Heads, B 52's, Blondie, Ultravox, OMD, Split Enz, Gary Numan, X, Black Flag, Bauhaus, Sonic Youth, Concrete Blonde - and THAT had me looking forward with great interest and excitement to the then new oncoming decade! But, sadly, THAT was NOT how it turned out. That decade eventually became dominated by ohhhhh Micheal "King of Pop" Jackson, Madonna, Huey Lewis, U2, Phill Collins, Def Lepard, Kenny Loggins, Bon Jovi whom the masses decided hey preferred to have as their big music icons, and by the end of that decade Devo were forgotten and, worse still, from a historical standpoint got officially relegated to "One Hit Wonder" status thanks to the likes of VH1, MTV, these Watch Mojo jerks and Swiffer & Cool Whip commercials! Yep, what a pathetic and nauseating disappointment THAT decade turned out to be! Oh well, looks like they're being recently rediscovered thanks to You Tube, so then maybe there's still hope for them yet!
I too was big on Devo in high school ‘79-‘83 quoting lyrics with a friend. Just recently discovered “Something for Everyone” and particularly love “Step Up”. It is like a reunion with an old friend.
I saw them last night in SF and I’m glad I went. All the hits and great visuals. Amazing show. It’s their final tour so go see them, I highly recommend seeing Devo live. Plus, they announced a 100 year anniversary for anyone still breathing. 2073 is gonna be great!
Thank you so much for this little documentry. We had Devo play on our stage at the Green Man Festival in Wales on 18th August 2023 ( 3 weeks ago). I'd no idea what to expect.... Great performance! It's so good to learn the background to their unusual presence. Loved it.
I have seen Devo dozens of times, and have met Mark, traded a t-shirt I made for an actual tour shirt he wore in the Total Devo tour after the Ventura Theatre show
Excellent. DEVO got me through my 80's Jr, HS, and Sr. High years, They were truly gifted musicians and even in my 50's, are in the top 2 of my favorite bands.
Devo was the first real "band concert" that I saw.... Toronto in '79 (?). Great show and I listened to their records for years both before and after that show. I still have all their early albums on vinyl. Even as a teenager, their music made me think about issues I had previously been mostly oblivious to. They were a great bookend on the music that was the soundscape of my youth... When I was recently in the Rock and Roll Hall of fame (also in Ohio) I was really disappointed in how little information / focus was given to the band.. Perhaps that lack of recognition from the "industry" in itself could be viewed as a compliment to their long time push against the music industry norms.
They were also my first concert in '79! On the UCSB campus in Santa Barbara. My 14 year old mind was blown, and definitely altered in the best way possible! Just saw them on their 50th 'farewell' tour, they did not disappoint, and the the experience was certainly enhanced by the perspective of time and gratitude of being able to see again, 44 years later.
Brilliant summary. Wished I knew the philosophy underpinning devo 30yrs ago. Loved their music as a kid. On refection maybe I took on board a lot more of their views than I realised. Nice work. Now I have the privilege to listen/watch to their back catalogue in a different light … starting now.
Been a huge Devo fan since 1980. First Devo record was the LP displayed behind you, “Freedom of Choice.” My appreciation for your excellent summary of the band’s history here. Great job. Subscribed to your channel. We are D-E-V-O!
You do nice work! I was in my mid teens when "Whip It!" hit the airwaves. Been a fan ever since then. Although I heard of the de-evolution idea, your video showed me that Jerry Casale was affected by what he saw during the Kent State shooting. Devo is like an onion with interesting layers.
Thanks so much! I didn’t know most of this when I started researching. There’s so much more I didn’t have time to cover. They’re a super interesting band
I first listened to Devo at 16 in 1981. Are we not men? album showed me a way to make anything different no matter if you become famous and/or rich. If you feel different and not safe then you have to listen to some kind of Devo. I saw them in Dijon, France, in the 90s. Fantastic souvenir! What they achieved? Being themselves, give people something different and energy-making and some great Rock&DEVO!
Devolution for the masses. When I first heard their cover of Satisfaction I didnt know what to make of it. Now I think its one of the best covers of a song I have heard.
I did ask Mark Mothersbaugh if in his theory of Devolution are things as bad or worse than you thought they would be. He replied “worse”. This was in 2009.
Recently saw DEVO at Darker Waves Festival. I loved their set and I love learning the history of music. Thank you so much! I never thought I’d appreciate the “Whip it” band like this
Took my mate to see them last night at Hammersmith London he's half my age 35 I'm 64 we go to gigs together and he wasn't really into Devo but last night he was totally blown away by the show so was I thanks for the info your doing a good job may I suggest to you The Cardiacs , and The Fall
Really good video. When I was a kid I lived with my aunt, uncle and older cousin (who was my hero) in Santa Cruz, California. He was big into Devo. Never saw them live but just found out they are playing next week at Amager Bio. Less than half a mile from where I live. Your video is part of my proper introduction.
My favorite DEVO song is "Through being cool". Partially because it's from one of my favorite movies Heavy Metal, which apparently they recorded a special version for the movie because they liked the concept so much. Also because I just like the message of being weird, different and willing to accept and embrace being a social outcast.
"Shout" is easily my favorite Devo album, I still listen to it almost everyday especially at work. I probably like it a lot because it reminds me of being a kid and going to the record store and actually buying that record. But to me, those tracks totally encapsulate what Devo is all about. Thanks for the cool history lesson!
Great video and excellent timing as their 50th anniversary compilation boxset is about to be released next month. DEVO true artistic visionaries, most notably the combined genius of Jerry Casale and Mark Mothersbaugh! Any fans of DEVO should check out another band they highly influenced in early 80's, Suburban Lawns!
Devo is my favorite band, and you did a phenomenal job of chronicling them and understanding them. Thank you for putting the time and effort into this excellent piece. I'm going to post my Devo Top 25 songs on my channel and make them the first inductee into my personal music hall of fame. I'll reference this piece when I do it for anyone who wants to know their history, put forth in a succinct, factually accurate and well written way. I especially liked the personal way in which you delivered the material. Thanks again and keep up the good work! I'm going to check out more on your channel, and I'm glad the algorithm led me your way!
In 2002, i was 11 years old at my local library. They had records you could buy for literally cents. I was intrigued by the “are we not men?” Cover art. Completely changed the way i thought about music.
My brother turned me on to DEVO 40 years ago and I am forever grateful. Mark is still touring with the current version of the band in 2024 at the age of 74! THAT is success.
Saw them in the early 80s in Brisbane Australia! Opener was a string quartet playing devo covers then a bunch of music videos most of which never aired down here. Then a loooong break before they came on and did a mind blowing show on moving walkways. And I still play the "Are we not men?" album - LOUD! Now get off my lawn, I have a cloud to yell at!
DEVO's one of my most loved bands. I think they were very creative, energetic and just fun. This brief history of DEVO was interesting and well executed by keeping it short. DEVO is one of these bands, that stayed unique. The B-52's and Wall of Voodoo are the only Bands where I feel a similar energy. Looking at society today, one must conclude that devolution of most societies definately happened, me included.
Thanks. Long time DEVO fan and finally gonna see them in Nashville. You did a good job of pulling together this report and I learned alot. Keep up the good work!
Ive been a big fan of Devo since I saw them on MTV as a little kid. My aunt was a fan and when she'd watch us we'd always listen to them and The Go-Gos and that type of stuff. Devo was my first favorite band 🩷
I totally think their music has withstood the test of time. Their music is just as relevant today as it was four plus decades ago when I first laid ears on them. I love their whole de-evolution concept -- again, a concept that is relevant today.
Devo were so important and ahead of their time most of us are only now "getting" it. You skipped 81-82 and those 2 albums which were "New Traditionalists" and "Oh No It's Devo" which makes it seem like they went from the great F.O.C. to failure.
Those 2 albums had some good songs and despite the fact they were put on wax quite quickly they did so in order to get outta the trap from record deal they needed something to avoid being dragged further into the abyss and manipulated by the music industry..
I'm very interested in the Canadian band The box, There hey day was in the 80s but I've never seen any sort of documentary devoted to them. Just giving you food for thought, I love your work, keep it up, thanks,
I enjoyed your history as I went to college back east at the same time as the band and built my first synth in school at Penn State. one glaring omission, which I know of, because I got the record. it was a Compilation by the English label, Stiff records in 1978 called "B Stiff" which featured the Devo song "Be Stiff" which also appeared on their first Live release. I think this might have been the first time I had heard of Devo but it was a long time ago.
here is more. Devo's inclusion on the "B Stiff" compilation in 1978 was a result of their connection with Stiff Records founder Jake Riviera. Riviera had seen Devo perform in the US and was impressed by their unique sound and stage presence. He offered to release a single by the band in the UK, resulting in "Be Stiff" being included on the compilation alongside other Stiff Records artists. At the same time, Devo was working with Brian Eno in Germany on their debut album, "Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!" This album was released in 1978, making it roughly contemporaneous with the "B Stiff" compilation. Therefore, Devo's work on "B Stiff" and their album with Eno were happening around the same time, showcasing the band's early exposure in both the UK and the US.
By the way......Great video.....i never really knew about the history of the band ....Glad to see this video ....i have been a big fan of them since 1980 when i was in 10th grade.....Too bad my city area didnt get cable TV until 1985 ....More kids would have seen a few of thier videos on MTV.....especially Peek a Boo.....😂😂
I bought Freedom of Choice at a flea market in the early 80s as a teenager,just because I thought it looked cool. Devo has been one of my favorite bands ever since.
I remember reading an article in Playboy magazine (yeah, yeah, I know great "articles"). Anyway, it was about unique gift ideas (think really expensive) and one of them was, you could have Devo play a private party for only $25K plus expenses. What a deal! This was early 1978
Great video. Being a misfit teen, Devo was a staple band for me. As far as suggestions for another band history video, I think a history of Beastie Boys would be awesome.
It was 23th June 2007 Manc Apollo .The only time I saw them.They played 4 shows in England.Brighton,Birmingham,Manchester and London.I've still got the flyer for the tour on my wall.
We LOVED DEVO here in Australia! I used to think back then that those guys were from the future... And looking at most of their videos today, it seems that was right. 'Jocko Homo' could have been about life in the 2020s!
DEVO where titled new wave in Australia, however due to Aussie youth understanding the bands philosophy, punk, skate, surf, music and art youth sub cultures embraced the band. Kids would enjoy how parents had no idea of what devolution is. Jagger endorsed Satisfaction by the band. Freedom of Choice Tour was the best. Punk 4eva 🤘✌️🎸🥁🏴⚖️🇦🇺
I first heard Devo some time in 1980. Their version of Satisfaction is better than the original (and I love the early Stones) and the best cover song ever by any band. I first saw them live in 81, then again in 82 and just recently at Punk Rock Bowling. They're one of my long time favorites. I remember so many people misunderstood the video for Whip It.
I have been a Devo Fan since 1980 . When i was in 10th grade......If you were a true Devo fan you never considered them a one hit wonder band and you bought thier records and cassettes ....Sure they came out with Whip it and that was thier best hit...but if you were a true fan and listened to thier albums you know they had other great songs that should have gotten more airplay like Gates of steel, turn around , jerking back and forth, and Peek a boo......I REALLY think those songs could have gotten bigger if they had MORE radio airplay and MTV were bigger at the time .....Anyone agree?.....I had a small group of buddies in high school that also listened to B 52s too....some rock and roll kids thought Devo and B 52s were kind of weird butt they didnt really make fun of us for listening to these groups ,they just werent into them......😅😅😅😅😅
I was drunk and high at a very raucous birthday party when they made that first appearance on SNL. We had SNL on at the party because it was actually awesome back in the day. So out trots these strange dudes in yellow plastic-looking suits and they start jamming and gyrataing and we ALL freaked the fuck out, it was awesome! Also.. Mick Jagger allegedly commented that Devo's version of Satisfaction was the best he'd ever heard.
" Time out for fun "👍....................is their greatest album................just my humble opinion..................thanks for a very nice video Mate...............
They're still rocking - DEVO: Tiny Desk Concert ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VKvYRDhPt_0.html SET LIST “It Takes a Worried Man” “Blockhead” “Praying Hands” “Come Back Jonee”
Now that YOUVE MENTIONED HIM… Brian Eno would be an excellent artist to cover as he’s a road less travelled by “content creators” for some strange reason, given there’s a lot of interesting angles to his career and a tonne of collaborative offshoots. In a similar vein Mick Ronson would be another interesting journey, as it’s now widely acknowledged that this “Gardener from Hull” was the real composer and arranger on many of Bowies early albums and uncredited to the point Bowie later felt guilty and reached out to correct how he’d snaked him. Ronno was self taught and did some really stunning orchestral arrangements on early Bowie recordings and later produced a Smiths album. 😊
Oh-La.!.!. Great Insight into DEVO & their History, my Ninja!! Appreciate your approach and certain style of narrative... For potential ideas on future ep.s: (Drum roll, plz)((😂)) The Cows, The Mentors, Death!( A Band Called Death[doc.]) Bad Brains The Vandals G.G. Allin sic. The GeniTorturors The Reverend Horton Heat Mötörhead -All righty, then: That should keep you busy for a stretch 🤘, yeah? Continue on this delving-into-origin-story path, Mr. Nick (& Mika?).!.!. Plunder boldly, Stay Strong, Be Bold, Drive Fast & Take Chances!i!i!i! Hope these were/are helpful, insightful and intriguing as suggestions... Deuces
devo was a thinking group. they had so much to offer. of course they would be misunderstood in this society. Gerald and Mark are still alive. go talk to them and ask questions
