The band released their first album in 20 years, Something for Everybody on June 15, 2010.
Their style has been variously classified as punk, industrial and rock, but are most often considered to be the 70s/early 80s New Wave band that ushered in the synth pop of the 1980s, along with other acts such as Gary Numan and The B-52s.
Devo's music and stage show mingle kitsch science fiction themes, deadpan surrealist humor, and mordantly satirical social commentary, often dealing with the concept of De-Evolution, in sometimes-discordant pop songs that often feature unusual synthetic instrumentation and time signatures.
Their work has proved hugely influential on subsequent popular music, particularly New Wave, alternative and grunge music, they created some memorable music videos popular in the early days of MTV.
The name "Devo" comes from the concept of Devolution (also referred to by the band as de-evolution). This idea was developed as a joke by Kent State University art students Gerald Casale and Bob Lewis as early as the late 1960s. Casale and Lewis created a number of art pieces in the vein of Devolution. At this time, Casale had also performed with the local band 15-60-75. They met Mark Mothersbaugh around 1970, who introduced them to the pamphlet Jocko Homo Heavenbound, which would later inspire the song Jocko Homo
The pivotal moment for the formation of Devo was the Kent State shootings of May 4, 1970. Casale knew two of the murdered students, and even saw one student, Allison Krause, with exit wounds from the M1 Garand rifle. At this moment, Casale claims he changed the idea of Devolution into a serious concept.
The first form of Devo was the Sextet Devo which performed at the 1973 Kent State performing arts festival. It included Casale, Lewis and Mothersbaugh, as well as Gerald's brother Bob Casale on guitar, and friends Rod Reisman and Fred Weber on drums and vocals, respectively. This performance was filmed and a part was included on the home video The Complete Truth About De-evolution. This lineup only performed once. Devo returned to perform in the Student Governance Center (featured prominently in the film) at the 1974 Creative Arts Festival with a line-up including the Casale brothers, Bob Lewis, Mark Mothersbaugh, and Jim Mothersbaugh on drums.
Devo later formed as a quartet focusing around Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale. They recruited Mark's brothers Bob Mothersbaugh and Jim Mothersbaugh. Bob played electric guitar, and Jim provided percussion using a set of homemade electronic drums. This lineup of Devo lasted until 1976 when Jim left the band. The lineup was occasionally fluid, and Bob Lewis would sometimes play guitar during this period. In concert, Devo would often perform in the guise of theatrical characters, such as Booji Boy, and The Chinaman. Live concerts from this period were often confrontational, and would remain so until 1977. A recording of an early Devo performance from 1975 with the quartet lineup appears on DEVO Live: The Mongoloid Years, ending with the promoters unplugging Devo's equipment.
Following Jim Motherbaugh's departure, Bob Mothersbaugh found a new drummer in Alan Myers, who played a conventional, acoustic drum set with mechanical precision. Casale re-recruited his brother Bob Casale, and the popular line-up of Devo was formed. It would endure for nearly ten years.
Devo embarked on a Euro-Tour 2007 on June 16th in Barcelona. They also performed concerts in Brighton, London, Manchester and Glasgow. More information about it can be found here.
In May 2020 Devo re-opened their online store where face masks with logo designs and an infamous Energy Dome with the attacheable protective shield can be pre-ordered to help their fans protect themselves from Covid-19.
Explosions
Devo Lyrics
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We like ideas that change the world for good
There's nothing past the stop 'n' go
There's nothing but the ebb and flow
There's nothing like some in and out
There's nothing more than what you know
We do like music when it does what it should do
Yes oh yeah
Yes oh yeah
Yes (we like) oh yeah (explosions)
Yes (we like) oh yeah (explosions)
We like explosions it's only right we should
We like ideas we thought you understood
We like new places until they're overrun
We do like music, loud shots from the big spudgun
The lyrics to Devo's song "Explosions" express a love for explosive events and big ideas that make a positive impact on the world. The first two lines set the tone for the rest of the song, emphasizing the band's affection for experiences that are thrilling and uplifting. The next few lines contrast the excitement of these experiences with the monotony and predictability of everyday life. The lyrics suggest that there is nothing beyond the routine of "stop 'n' go" and the cyclical nature of existence, leaving room only for what is known and the occasional burst of excitement that comes with it.
The second verse continues to contrast the mundane with the extraordinary, with the band expressing a preference for new and exotic locations over the familiar destinations serviced by commercial airlines. They also express an appreciation for music that fulfills its potential, describing it as "loud shots from the big spudgun." This metaphor suggests that the band is looking for music that packs a punch and leaves an impression.
Overall, the song "Explosions" can be interpreted as a call to embrace adventure and creativity, and to seek out experiences that are both thrilling and meaningful.
Line by Line Meaning
We like explosions that leave you feeling good
We enjoy explosive experiences that bring about positive emotional responses.
We like ideas that change the world for good
We appreciate innovative concepts that have a significant impact on improving society.
There's nothing past the stop 'n' go
There is no deeper meaning to the mundane routine of everyday life.
There's nothing but the ebb and flow
Life is just a continuous cycle of ups and downs with no clear purpose.
There's nothing like some in and out
Simple physical pleasure can be enjoyable.
There's nothing more than what you know
One's perspective is limited to their own experiences and knowledge.
We like new places that jets can't take you to
Exploring unique and unconventional destinations can be rewarding.
We do like music when it does what it should do
We appreciate music that fulfills its intended purpose or meaning.
Yes oh yeah
An exclamatory expression of enthusiasm and agreement.
Yes (we like) oh yeah (explosions)
Confirming a strong preference for explosive experiences.
We like explosions it's only right we should
As humans, we have a natural attraction to explosive displays and experiences.
We like ideas we thought you understood
We appreciate creative and innovative ideas that we assumed others would also appreciate.
We like new places until they're overrun
Unconventional locations lose their appeal once they become too popular and mainstream.
We do like music, loud shots from the big spudgun
We enjoy music that is loud and energetic, like the sound of a large potato gun firing.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GERALD CASALE, MARK ALLEN MOTHERSBAUGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind