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(Photo of Bob2 circa 1980 by Jules Bates/Artrouble)The world has lost Bob Casale, aka Bob2, the guitarist and keyboardist from Devo. These guys have a special place in my heart, as they do in a lot of yours, so I wanted to pay tribute by celebrating some of the great things they have done over the years.Devo is so much more than plastic hats (they’re called energy domes!) and “Whip It!” although I love that tune… and the domes. ..and everything else about them! |
In the Beginning:
The world was not beautiful for original Devo guys ( Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh, Gerald and Bob Casale, Alan Myers, and a few other friends and family members). They were attending Kent State when the massacre of protesting students took place there in 1970[1]. The unavoidable social issues of the time, combined with their interest in a radical religious pamphlet[a] motivated them to create visual art and music that would illustrate their feelings.
In 1976 came a short film, In the Beginning: Truth About De-Evolution, featuring “Secret Agent Man” and “Jocko Homo” (the title of that religious pamphlet!). Fed up with the violence they had seen at Kent State, the Vietnam War and the political atmosphere, they saw mankind as going backwards in its development. It was de-evolving into primal violence. They called attention to it with vivid imagery and lyrics designed to to infuriate[2].
In 1976 came a short film, In the Beginning: Truth About De-Evolution, featuring “Secret Agent Man” and “Jocko Homo” (the title of that religious pamphlet!). Fed up with the violence they had seen at Kent State, the Vietnam War and the political atmosphere, they saw mankind as going backwards in its development. It was de-evolving into primal violence. They called attention to it with vivid imagery and lyrics designed to to infuriate[2].
Devo put out demos and singles that caught the of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Robert Fripp, as well as Brian Eno. He ended up taking the job as producer for Q: Are We Not Men? We are Devo! It was then, in 1978, that they appeared on SNL and blew everyone away with their cover of “Satisfaction.” The Rolling Stones were there the previous week! I read countless stories[3] of people remembering this moment. I wish I had been around for it!
(watch the clip on photobucket , or catch the full episode on Hulu)
A Decade of Devo
The world was not ready for what they had seen on SNL! it was a whole “New Wave” of entertainment...Booji boy? General Boy? What?! Their satirical antics continued, producing six albums 1979-1984. A lot of my favorites come from Are We Not Men? I have an “uncontrollable urge“ to listen right now. That one went gold, but their biggest commercial success was with Freedom of Choice. That sucker went Platinum!
“Whip It” was all over MTV, back when MTV was the coolest thing anyone had ever seen. “Girl U Want” is my favorite track from that one.
After a four year break to work on other projects, they came back in 1988 (with a new drummer David Kendrick of Sparks) for Total Devo. In 1990, after Smooth Noodle Maps, Devo took a LONG hiatus. Most people thought they were done for good. Those were the dark times... sad spuds, we were.
Something For Everybody:
Something For Everybody:
It had been ages since Devo were at the height of “Whip It” popularity. They guys had been working on solo projects (Mark is all over children’s television and soundtracks). Then, out of nowhere, they returned in 2009 with the most innovative marketing strategy I've ever seen. It was really the only thing they could have done. They broke the mold. They let the fans choose every aspect of the album….and I helped!
They released “Something Else for Everybody,” in 2013.
They released “Something Else for Everybody,” in 2013.
“Bob II”
Bob Casale had a successful sound engineer career when he wasn't working with the band. He handled all the post '80 Devo albums except for "Oh No! It's Devo!" As the story goes, he did not set out to be a part of Devo in the beginning. His brother recruited him to fill out Devo’s sound. Bob2 became such a beloved element of the group! He played keyboard and rhythm guitar.
I don’t know for sure what will happen to Devo now that “Bob2” has passed. It is too soon for them to say, but I have a gut feeling we'll be talking about him (and Devo) for a long time to come. I know I’m “through being cool” about my love for them. The world must know what a “beautiful world” they created for us! Despite these difficult times, Michael Pilmer was a great help in putting this article together. He sent this, in memory:
“Bob2 Casale was the person who introduced me to Mark & Jerry of DEVO way back in the 1990’s, which eventually led to me officially working for the band starting in the late 90’s/early 2K’s. Definitely changed my life. He was a very warm & friendly guy, and every DEVO fan who has ever met him will tell you that. Did I mention he was a FANTASTIC cook? Bob’s grilling was magic.”
Michael Pilmer
DEVO-OBSESSO!
Archiving The Truth About Devolution
Visit: http://www.clubdevo.com/
Sources:
Thank you for the input!
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