Fireside Chat

Devo

De-evolution, Devonia

Taking their name from the concept of de-evolution - the idea that mankind has regressed rather than evolved - Devo was formed in 1972 by art-school buddies Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerry Cassale. Preceding the provocative nature of punk and without the long-haired hippie gesture, their wittiness was also a taste of things to come from bands like Talking Heads and the New York no wave posse. As such Devo went on to become one of the most influential new wave and synth pop acts to have emerged from the USA. A continuous inspiration for many contemporary bands and best known for their US top 20 hit 'Whip It', Devo's combination of surrealist comedy and satirical social commentary have delighted a dedicated cult fan-base for several decades and no-doubt enraged a fair few Major label execs. They have also reached a new, young and no doubt baffled audience through Disney's 'Devo 2.0' animations – the creation of which tested the boundaries of the band's left-of-centre politics. We hear about this and more in this very special Fireside Chat with founding member Gerald Casale... whip it!