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.
Through Being Cool
Devo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Eliminate the ninnies and the twits
Going to bang some heads
Going to beat some butts
Time to show those evil spuds what's what
If you live in a small town
You might meet a dozen or two
Young alien types who step out
Spank the pank who try to drive you nuts
Time to clean some house
Be a man or a mouse
Waste those who make it tough to get around
If you live in a big place
Many factions underground
Chase down mister hinky dink
So no trace can be found
Put the tape on erase
Rearrange a face
We always liked Picasso anyway
Mash 'em
“Through Being Cool” is a song by American rock band Devo. The lyrics are a call to action to get rid of the “ninnies and the twits” and to stand up for oneself. The song encourages listeners to be brave and take control by “banging some heads” and “beating some butts”. The lyrics are a statement against conformity and oppression, telling listeners to “spank the pank who try to drive you nuts” and take control of their lives.
The song is split into two sections – one for those living in small towns and one for those living in big cities. For those in small towns, the song encourages them to stand up against those who try to hold them back and to “clean some house”. For those in big cities, the song speaks to the power of underground factions and the need to chase down those trying to hold the city back. The song encourages listeners to take control and make changes that they want to see in the world.
Overall, the song is a call to arms for those who feel oppressed or undervalued. The lyrics encourage listeners to be bold and take control of their lives. The song is a classic anthem of rebellion that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
We're through being cool
We are now done with trying to be cool and will no longer conform to societal norms.
Eliminate the ninnies and the twits
Remove those who lack intelligence and common sense from our lives.
Going to bang some heads
We will physically confront those who disrespect or oppress us.
Going to beat some butts
We will physically fight back against our oppressors and defend ourselves.
Time to show those evil spuds what's what
It is time to demonstrate our power and make sure our adversaries know who is in control.
If you live in a small town
If you reside in a rural area with a small population.
You might meet a dozen or two
You may come across some individuals who think and act differently from the norm.
Young alien types who step out
Individuals who defy societal expectations and are seen as outcasts.
And dare to declare
They boldly express themselves and their beliefs without fear of judgment or punishment.
Spank the pank who try to drive you nuts
Punish those who attempt to make your life miserable or stress you out.
Time to clean some house
It is time to rid ourselves of negative influences and toxic people in our lives.
Be a man or a mouse
You can choose to either stand up for yourself or cower in fear and submission.
Waste those who make it tough to get around
Remove those who make it difficult for you to navigate and maneuver through life.
If you live in a big place
If you reside in a large metropolitan area with diverse communities.
Many factions underground
There are various subcultures and groups existing out of sight from mainstream society.
Chase down mister hinky dink
Seek out individuals who engage in shady and suspicious activities.
So no trace can be found
Remove all evidence and make sure there is no trail leading back to them.
Put the tape on erase
Erase all evidence of their involvement in suspicious activities.
Rearrange a face
Physically harm or disfigure someone to send a message or enact revenge.
We always liked Picasso anyway
We appreciate abstract and unconventional forms of artistic expression.
Mash 'em
Physically attack or defeat someone.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GERALD V. CASALE, MARK MOTHERSBAUGH, ROBERT MOTHERSBAUGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bananasplitlady3045
In declaring "We're though being cool," these guys became some of the coolest people ever.
@peggyfranzen6159
📞😮😎
@larryfine9685
@@peggyfranzen6159 Vote for DEVO For the class of 2023 Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Thank you
@k.avilla8061
Oh yeah. Walking around in plastic flowerpot hats is really cool - if you live in a lunatic asylum.
@randblackwell8675
@@k.avilla8061- 😂😂 You are living in the world of De-Evolution! Shrivel up!
@xxczerxx
Devo is proof that being yourself will always shine through in the long run. Maybe people went along with the narrative of them being dorks/uncool back then, but all the trendy bands of that time look kinda lame now, whereas Devo will always be timeless
@manuelcamilohormazabalcuri8385
Buen tema
@stxx1982
🤣 🤣🤣🤣🤣. This is beyond true in every form of entertainment
@kevinknight9950
Like the song says"though being cool".why keep up with the idiots that think they rule the world?until one of us "geeks"gives them a ride awakening.
@ThotsAndPrayers
🤓