In the 80s, Devo was one of the most misunderstood bands. Everything they did butted up against the established industry. This is the story of Devo and their art.
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!
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.
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 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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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!
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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
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!
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.
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 🩷
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.
" Time out for fun "👍....................is their greatest album................just my humble opinion..................thanks for a very nice video Mate...............
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.
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.....😂😂
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!
Very nice summary of DEVO! I think they are an underrated band by the public, but are almost universally respected by musicians who seem to appreciate their artistry. While they are my favorite all time band, I actually don't like the majority of their music. It's often corny and somewhat lazy in terms of musicianship or even sound design. I wonder if they would make the argument that they are Devolving as musicians, which would fit right into their philosophy. I know they claim that it was all an art show and that it was never about the music, but I don't fully buy that argument. They made some truly great songs in their earlier days. They showed it was possible to make really cool original music and also have a subversive message. They lost that vision IMO. Also, it's a travesty that Alan Myers got wasted. That guy was way too talented to be replaced by drum machines, even though the drum machine sound was an essential part of a lot of the DEVO sound. I don't have any evidence for this, but I get the impression that Mark was a bit of a control freak and just liked to be able to do all the sound and drum programming himself and not have to translate it through Alan. I could be completely wrong on that. I've seen them a few times live, with the best on being in Chicago in 2003. That was the best live show I've ever seen and they didn't even have any of the visuals going. It was just an old fashioned techno punk show with the perfect song list of older songs from their best era. I've seen some videos of more recent performances and it's kind of sad how they look old and weathered, with no energy, almost slumped over the keyboards. I hope they go out with a bang. They deserve it. Love them or hate them, there's no denying that DEVO was an original band that truly had a message and delivered some fresh, innovative tracks.
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. 😊
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.
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......😅😅😅😅😅
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.
Hey my friend, as a 64yr old and a huge fan of music since my brother gave me the insert cut-outs of the 4 Beatles inside Srg. Peppers Loanly Hearts album The last thing you guys want to hear is some old guy telling you the concerts he'd been to, from Stones '75 tour w/ the 5 pointed stage at ChicagoStadium, to Talking Heads (see Stop Making Sence) exactly 40yrs ago this Oct 21st in Dallas to 311 and so on. BUT. One band I loved and would love to know more about is the infamous The Clash. Sadly, they are known for 2 worst tunes "Should I Stay or should I Go" and "Rocking the Casba" Thanks
Wow I am happy to see how many Devoids are still around.Whip it was a low point they needed a commercial cut course only pix in N.Y. would play any punk or "new wave" but their best cover after Satisfaction was Workin in a coal mine.They built a 2 level Ala Elvis jailhouse rock set started miming coal miners great.I am oblivious to the presence Eno intervention it was more important than you reported.Thier label put out so much promo stuff to push them it was incredible. Mothersbaugh has done a boat load of soundtrack work.second to oigo bongos main guy name escapes me at this min.but please don't underestimate MothersB.talent. Gerald is also very innovative
Ya, you said you would like more ideas for your show..I have many of them! Here's one just for now that I would like to see. The story of Ray Davies (from The Kinks) and Chrissy Hinds (from The pretenders) and their relationship, I'm pretty sure they had a child together too. Musically, I really like those 2 a lot!!
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.
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!
YOU ARE DEVO!!!
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.
"Freedom of choice is what you've got, freedom from choice is what you want". Prophetic.
Freedom from choice is great. Our Woke overlords make sure that you will conform to our ideas and not your nazi ideology
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.
This is true and very scary indeed 😝
I couldn't agree more!👍
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.
Devolution
One time devo opened up for themselves as dove it took awhile for people to get it some never did until devo came back on no shit
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!
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
That's awesome!
@@soundofhistory_ So are you
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.🤘🏴
Ironic that Devo’s music has held up better than most music from that time.
You’re the one laughing now
Yea highschool smoking area, freshman year
Same, I’m a younger guy and had to take that shit in 2017 instead of 1979. Still listening strong with no shame 👍
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'm going with my dad to see them perform live in November. I'm so excited!!
I've been a huge DEVO fan since 1977! It was the Fall Semester of my Freshman year at College!
I regret never seeing them live!
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.
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.
That’s really cool! I hope the video was helpful for you to understand them better
Thank you, just when I thought I knew EVERYTHING about Devo, your documentary shed new insights. THANK YOU!
It's heartbreaking that they have no idea how good they are!
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.
Love that! Thanks for checking out the video
This is awesome. As a life long DEVO fan, there are new things I learned from this! Great research and storytelling
Thank you! They were a great band to research for sure.
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.
"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!
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.
This was a really well put-together short history. Very thoughtful, respectful, and informative. An old DEVO fan thanks you...
Thank you!
DEVO was the first ones to make me THINK about society devolving/regressing.
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
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.
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 saw Devo dozens of times since then in Southern California
1980 freshman year of highschool in the smoking area, been a fan ever since. Great band!!!
Some say DEVO was "PunK' ...but seriously "Devo" is it's own style.
Definitely agree with that
Totally different head. Totally.
Devo double D valleys & mountains...things grow then fade away,and something builds on that...
Then it repeats itself
Devo Double D!
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!
Smooth Noodle Maps is an excellent album
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
That's awesome that they can still put on a good show! I'll add em to the list
Yes! Cardiacs! We shoved them on stage at Farnham Art Colledge in early 1986. A memorable, crazy gig. One of the best.
Thank you! Great video!🔥
Just saw them live in norway and was totally mind blown by them! Just started to get into/nerd them and loving it so far!❤️🔥
I'm sure they still put on an incredible show!
Devo was an EXTREMELY successful band because they made art.
@@IanFindly-iv1nl Congratulations! You completely missed my point! What planet do YOU live on?!?!?
Thank you so very much for making this video!! Awesome!!
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!
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 had all the DEVO movies when I was young. Are we not men? Is still one of my favorites.
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!
Hey, I'm from Nashville! Wanted to go to that show, but I was unfortunately busy that night. Thanks for watching!
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 🩷
New traditionalists was one of my first ever cassette tapes as a small child. I'm formatted by listening to Devo.😂❤
I saw them live at Hammersmith Odeon in 1978 - they were awesome. Still one of my favourite bands of all time ❤
Huh. Learned some new stuff about DEVO. Thanks!
REALLY dug this! Devo was one of the first bands I was into. I knew some of this stuff but learned a bunch. Thoroughly enjoyed the watch! I’m a fan.
Thank you!
Thx great video! Lots of info I didn’t know! Especially the KSU thing
One of my childhood favorites was "Oh No! It's Devo!"
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.
That’s awesome! You’ll have to let me know how the show is
This is exactly what I needed to get the gist of the whole process of Devo. Excellent!
Thank you. Well done.
" Time out for fun "👍....................is their greatest album................just my humble opinion..................thanks for a very nice video Mate...............
The early Devo material was just very well disguised Punk Rock. No doubt about it.
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.
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,
Sounds interesting! I’ll add em to the list. And thanks!
Great post! Unbelievable live shows, I hope to see them again someday
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.
Thank you, very well done.
Yes enjoyed this exposé , freedom of choice , the very first album I brought as a teenager back in the early 80s.
not kidding, I think I just found my favorite yt channel
Thank you!
nice work
Thanks!
Duty now for the future
Devo!!! Have you seen any of the ruby ray photos of Devo ? They are insanely incredible! Awesome video , how about the dead boys ?
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.....😂😂
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!
I got to enjoy seeing DEVO in Long Beach in 79, Mark threw his energy dome into the crowd, I hoped to catch it, but it struck Bob in the head.
Thanks for this. Very articulate, cognizant and well done.
Awesome!
Very nice summary of DEVO! I think they are an underrated band by the public, but are almost universally respected by musicians who seem to appreciate their artistry.
While they are my favorite all time band, I actually don't like the majority of their music. It's often corny and somewhat lazy in terms of musicianship or even sound design. I wonder if they would make the argument that they are Devolving as musicians, which would fit right into their philosophy. I know they claim that it was all an art show and that it was never about the music, but I don't fully buy that argument. They made some truly great songs in their earlier days. They showed it was possible to make really cool original music and also have a subversive message. They lost that vision IMO.
Also, it's a travesty that Alan Myers got wasted. That guy was way too talented to be replaced by drum machines, even though the drum machine sound was an essential part of a lot of the DEVO sound. I don't have any evidence for this, but I get the impression that Mark was a bit of a control freak and just liked to be able to do all the sound and drum programming himself and not have to translate it through Alan. I could be completely wrong on that.
I've seen them a few times live, with the best on being in Chicago in 2003. That was the best live show I've ever seen and they didn't even have any of the visuals going. It was just an old fashioned techno punk show with the perfect song list of older songs from their best era. I've seen some videos of more recent performances and it's kind of sad how they look old and weathered, with no energy, almost slumped over the keyboards. I hope they go out with a bang. They deserve it.
Love them or hate them, there's no denying that DEVO was an original band that truly had a message and delivered some fresh, innovative tracks.
Thanks for the history lesson.
Thanks for this
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. 😊
I saw Devo c. 2008 in Manchester UK. Great band. Whip it good! ❤
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.
Saw Devo live in the late 70s
Many thanks for this from 🇩🇰⭐️😀
Nice, i am great Devo fan, and you revealed a lot of stuff i didn't know, keep up the good work, well done !
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......😅😅😅😅😅
Great video dude! I enjoyed this.
Thanks!
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.
Hey thanks!
Thanks for the recommendation! They are a super interesting band to dig into.
Great channel brotha - keeps getting better and better (imho)
Thank you!
Great job
"Now It Can Be Told" great live album, they evolve in it, acoustic to full blown DEV-O at the end.
Devo are great. Nice Job. You should look into a band called The Fall
Really good video. Side note: You must hear this all the time, You look like Seth Rogan
I like it,I like it a lot
Thank you for this
Thanks for watching!
Hey my friend, as a 64yr old and a huge fan of music since my brother gave me the insert cut-outs of the 4 Beatles inside Srg. Peppers Loanly Hearts album The last thing you guys want to hear is some old guy telling you the concerts he'd been to, from Stones '75 tour w/ the 5 pointed stage at ChicagoStadium, to Talking Heads (see Stop Making Sence) exactly 40yrs ago this Oct 21st in Dallas to 311 and so on.
BUT. One band I loved and would love to know more about is the infamous The Clash. Sadly, they are known for 2 worst tunes "Should I Stay or should I Go" and "Rocking the Casba" Thanks
I like your work..keep it up.
Thank you!
Wow I am happy to see how many Devoids are still around.Whip it was a low point they needed a commercial cut course only pix in N.Y. would play any punk or "new wave" but their best cover after Satisfaction was Workin in a coal mine.They built a 2 level Ala Elvis jailhouse rock set started miming coal miners great.I am oblivious to the presence Eno intervention it was more important than you reported.Thier label put out so much promo stuff to push them it was incredible. Mothersbaugh has done a boat load of soundtrack work.second to oigo bongos main guy name escapes me at this min.but please don't underestimate MothersB.talent. Gerald is also very innovative
nice video - duty now for the future...
Ya, you said you would like more ideas for your show..I have many of them! Here's one just for now that I would like to see. The story of Ray Davies (from The Kinks) and Chrissy Hinds (from The pretenders) and their relationship, I'm pretty sure they had a child together too. Musically, I really like those 2 a lot!!
I think the Kinks would be a great episode. I'll add those to the list. Thanks!
What an incredibly well-done job. I don't think there's anything you could have added to make it better. A tip o' the hat to ya.
Thank you!
Great vid!
My recommendation for seeking music knowledge is Brad Gillis taking over for Randy Rhoads after his untimely death in Ozzy.
Thank you! I definitely want to do an Ozzy episode, so maybe I can make it a chapter in that
Most ppl aren't aware that we are living in Devolution right now .
Chrissie Hynde was at Kent State Uni at the time too.
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.
Great video just found you and subscribed
Look into Patrick Cowley solo or with Sylvester or Mike Mareen italo disco. Hehe
First DEVO exposure was Something for Everybody
Excellent! Do one on the Weezer album 'Pinkerton'.
I had no idea mark made the music for rugrats thats blowing my mind
Cool 😎
You forgot their album they did as another group. They did surf music as the Wipeouters.
Devo - nice summary. Future: Dr. Feelgood, Toe Fat.