Devo is an American rock band formed in Akron, Ohio in 1973. The band’s classic lineup consisted of two sets of brothers, the Mothersbaughs (Mark and Bob) and the Casales (Gerald and Bob). Devo’s music and stage show mingle kitsch science fiction themes, deadpan surrealist humor, and mordantly satirical social commentary. Their often discordant pop songs feature unusual synthetic instrumentation and time signatures that have proven influential on subsequent popular music.
The band has maintained a cult following throughout its existence. Devo’s stage show featured musicians dressed in yellow jumpsuits and “energy dome” hats, performing their signature robotic motions. Devo was also known for its multimedia presentation, often accompanied by complex stage lighting. The band has received critical acclaim for its influence on modern music, particularly its pioneering music videos.
| Name | Devo Band |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Genre | New Wave, Synth-pop, Punk, Post-punk |
| Origin | Akron, Ohio, United States |
| Members | Gerald Casale, Mark Mothersbaugh, Bob Mothersbaugh, Bob Casale |
| Date of Birth | Gerald Casale (July 28, 1948), Mark Mothersbaugh (May 18, 1950), Bob Mothersbaugh (June 11, 1952), Bob Casale (July 14, 1952) |
10 Best Devo Quotes
1.
“We’re not trying to give answers, we’re trying to ask questions.”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from Rolling Stone
2.
“We felt the world was in a state of devolution, that things were falling apart.”
– Gerald V. Casale, from The Guardian
3.
“I think Devo was ahead of the curve in a lot of ways.”
– Gerald V. Casale, from The Guardian
4.
“We were trying to say that the only way to protect yourself was to be ironic, and to make fun of everything.”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from Rolling Stone
5.
“The last few years of Devo have been like a renaissance.”
– Gerald V. Casale, from The Guardian
6.
“We were really trying to make people think and question.”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from Rolling Stone
7.
“We’ve been around for 40 years but we still feel like we’re 10 years old.”
– Gerald V. Casale, from The Guardian
8.
“We’re a very lucky band that has been able to stay together and make music for 40 years.”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from Rolling Stone
9.
“We’re still trying to get people to think, even more now than back then.”
– Gerald V. Casale, from The Guardian
10.
“We’re trying to preserve the idea that people should be allowed to think, instead of just do what they’re told.”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from Rolling Stone
6 Inspirational Devo Quotes
“I think the most important thing that art can do is to be an example of how to be human, and to reinforce the idea of being human”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from Vulture
“We were always in the state of wanting to be devolved, to change and evolve, to keep things moving”
– Jerry Casale, from Rolling Stone
“We were basically saying that the world was in a state of chaos and it was going to get worse, and that our lives were going to become more and more controlled.”
– Jerry Casale, from The Guardian
“People in Devo were always looking for ways to make the world a better place. It was an idealistic thing.”
– Gerald Casale, from The Independent
“We saw a connection between what was happening in the world and what was happening in the music”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from The Guardian
“We’re all born with a certain amount of creativity and it’s a matter of how you use it and how to harness the power”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from Vintage Vinyl News
7 Famous Devo Quotes
“Pop music, it’s a reflection of what’s happening in the world, it’s not necessarily a cause of it.”
– Gerald Casale, from Billboard
“We were always a band that tried to make a statement. We were always trying to make a comment on politics, and our attitude was, ‘it’s a joke, but it’s serious.’”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from NPR
“We wanted to be a rock ‘n’ roll band, but we had a different perspective on what it was all about. We wanted to make music that connected to what was going on in the world.”
– Bob Mothersbaugh, from SBS
“The human race has been devolving for some time. We believe that technology has been a major factor in this, and that technology has been used to control us instead of us controlling it.”
– Gerald Casale, from Louder Sound
“We were always interested in the idea of making something that was new and original. We wanted to make something that was both entertaining and thought provoking.”
– Bob Mothersbaugh, from The Guardian
“Every society has its devolved elements, it’s a necessary part of the evolutionary process.”
– Gerald Casale, from BBC Music
“We were always looking for a way to make music that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. It had to make you laugh, but also make you think.”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from The New York Times
7 Devo Quotes About Love
“Love is a connection between two people, and it’s a connection that can happen quickly, and it can happen suddenly out of nowhere.”
– Gerald V. Casale, from YouTube
“When you love someone, there’s a whole lot of adventure that comes with it.”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from Rolling Stone
“Love is a thing that makes us feel secure, but also keeps us on our toes.”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from Rolling Stone
“I’m sure love is a wonderful thing, but it’s not something I have any experience with.”
– Bob Mothersbaugh, from The Guardian
“The most important thing to remember about love is that it’s unpredictable, and you have to be willing to take risks.”
– Gerald V. Casale, from YouTube
“Love is not just a feeling, it’s a way of life.”
– Gerald V. Casale, from YouTube
“Love is a way of being, a way of thinking and a way of behaving.”
– Gerald V. Casale, from YouTube
7 Devo Quotes About Life
“You only have one life and it’s up to you to make it as good as you can.”
– Gerald Casale, from AARP
“The human race has to be in a constant state of evolution, or it will die.”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from The Guardian
“Life is a cycle of self-destructive behavior, and it’s all part of the process.”
– Gerald Casale, from Westword
“The Devo philosophy has been that life is a struggle, that change is essential, and that nothing is sacred.”
– Gerald Casale, from AARP
“Life is an experiment. You have to be willing to try new things.”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from The Guardian
“Life is a series of adjustments, so you have to be prepared to change your image and your attitude, and reinvent yourself.”
– Gerald Casale, from Westword
“You have to ask the right questions and you have to be willing to accept the answers, no matter how uncomfortable they might be. That’s how you find out what life is really all about.”
– Mark Mothersbaugh, from The Guardian
5 Quotes About Devo
“I’ve been a fan of Devo since I first heard them in the late ’70s. They have a great sense of humor and a very unique musical style.”
– Werner Herzog, from ThoughtCo
“Devo, to me, was the band that made the most sense out of all the alternative bands in the late 70s and early 80s.”
– Thurston Moore, from NME
“Devo were the original punk-funk-rock-art-weirdos, and they remain a potent force, challenging and inspiring.”
– Ian Svenonius, from The Guardian
“Devo were one of those bands that were just so ahead of their time. They were way ahead of the curve in terms of their sound and their aesthetic.”
– Mike Watt, from Rolling Stone
“Devo is a cult band that redefined the way we think of music. They are a source of inspiration for musicians around the world.”
– Billy Corgan, from Rolling Stone
Interview with Devo
Frequently Asked Questions About Devo
1. What famous quotes are attributed to Devo?
- “The most important thing in the world is freedom and creativity.” – Devo
- “The whole world is a construct of our own consciousness.” – Devo
- “Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn’t.” – Devo
- “If you can’t change it, challenge it.” – Devo
- “The future is something that we make.” – Devo
- “We are all part of an invisible web of connections.” – Devo
- “There’s no way to happiness, happiness is the way.” – Devo
- “The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion.” – Devo
- “Freedom is the recognition of necessity.” – Devo
2. What are some of Devo’s Most Iconic Quotes?
Devo is an iconic American rock band known for its irreverent, offbeat lyrics and catchy music. The band has produced a wealth of memorable quotes over the years that have become part of their unique brand. Here are some of the most famous quotes from Devo:
- “Workin’ in a coal mine, goin’ down, down, down/Workin’ in a coal mine, whew, about to slip down” – from the song “Mongoloid”
- “Are we not men? We are Devo!” – from the song “Jocko Homo”
- “Freedom of choice is what you got/Freedom from choice is what you want” – from the song “Freedom of Choice”
- “Life’s a joke that’s just been told” – from the song “Whip It”
- “We can’t dance, we can’t talk/Only the freak can walk” – from the song “Whip It”
- “We’re through being cool” – from the song “Through Being Cool”
- “We must have been out of our minds” – from the song “Gates of Steel”
- “I’m so happy I could die” – from the song “Girl U Want”
- “What we do is secret” – from the song “Secret Agent Man”
These memorable Devo quotes will stay with fans for years to come. From their famous opening chant to their witty lyrics, Devo has left an indelible mark on the music world.
3. How has Devo’s Philosophy Evolved Over Time?
Devo’s philosophy has evolved over time, with the band’s early work in the 1970s and early 1980s reflecting a more radical and experimental approach to art and music. This was characterized by a strong focus on deconstructing traditional notions of music and culture, while exploring more abstract concepts and ideas.
In the mid-1980s, Devo began to focus more on their own brand of humor and pop music, creating more accessible and radio-friendly songs such as ‘Whip It’ and ‘Girl U Want’. This shift in focus allowed the band to reach a larger audience, and their music began to reflect a more mainstream sound.
In the 1990s, Devo continued to explore more eclectic sounds, combining elements of electronica, industrial, and even rap. This marked a departure from the band’s earlier body of work, but still retained their core message of challenging traditional ideologies and celebrating the power of the individual.
More recently, Devo has returned to their roots, producing albums that reflect their original brand of experimental music. Their 2020 album, Smooth Noodle Maps, is a testament to this, featuring a mix of electronic and acoustic sounds, as well as their trademark humor and wit.
- 1970s & early 1980s: Radical & experimental approach to art & music
- Mid-1980s: Humor & pop music, more accessible & radio-friendly songs
- 1990s: Eclectic sounds, combining elements of electronica, industrial, and rap
- 2020: Return to roots, experimental music, trademark humor & wit
4. What is the Historical Context of Devo’s Quotes?
Devo’s quotes have a long history of being used to challenge and question the status quo. Founded in 1973, Devo was an American new wave band that was known for its tongue-in-cheek lyrics, often satirizing American culture. The band’s quote “We’re through being cool” is an example of this satirical critique of mainstream culture.
Devo’s quotes have long been used as a call to arms for those seeking to challenge the status quo and demand change. The band’s quotes often advocate for self-expression in the face of conformity and challenge the idea of traditional values. Devo’s quotes have been used as inspiration for many movements throughout history, from the punk rock and new wave of the late 70s and 80s to the Occupy Wall Street protests of the 21st century.
- We’re through being cool – a challenge to the idea of traditional values
- The truth will set you free – advocating for self-expression in the face of conformity
- We’re all Devo – a call to arms to challenge the status quo
- Are we not men? – a satirical critique of mainstream culture
5. How has Devo’s music influenced other artists?
Devo’s influence on the music world is undeniable. From the band’s inception in the early 1970s, their unique blend of punk, new wave, and electronica has made them a major influence on many of today’s most popular artists. Here are just a few of the ways that Devo has had an impact on the music industry:
- Their fusion of punk and new wave helped to create the genre of post-punk.
- Their use of electronic instruments and samples has been a major influence on electronic and dance music.
- Their use of irony and satire has inspired many alternative and indie rock bands.
- Their visual style, which included garish costumes and cheeky videos, has been emulated by many bands and artists.
- Their catchy, danceable riffs have been covered and sampled by artists from all genres.
Devo’s influence on the music world is undeniable, and their innovative sound and style have been a major influence on many of today’s biggest stars. Their music continues to be an inspiration and influence on artists from all genres, and they are sure to remain a major part of the music landscape for years to come.
Conclusion
The Devo band has been an influential force in music for over four decades. Their unique blend of punk, new wave, and electronic music has provided inspiration to countless artists. Their memorable quotes and lyrics have also been an inspiration to many, and the band’s message of individualism and nonconformity resonates with people of all ages. It is clear that Devo has made an indelible mark on the music world, and its influence will be felt for years to come.
