Mark Mothersbaugh and “Whip It” engineer/co-producer Bob Margouleff crack open the original 1980 Record Plant session in Los Angeles. Early synth experiments, tape tricks, and the band chemistry that locked in that iconic DEVO snap. Moderated by Mr. Bonzai (David Goggin, “Buzz Me In” co-author). Catch it live: Jan 22, 2026 | 4–5 PM | Hilton, California Ballroom C
Jerry Casale for DEVO here. My friend and colleague Jeff Winner reminds me that December 29th is Alan Myers’ birthday. If Alan was still with us here pumping out DEVO rhythms he would be 71 years old. As with my brother Bob, the loss only hurts more as time marches on.
I really can’t imagine how DEVO would have succeeded as well without Alan Myers. When you see and/or hear Alan perform live in DEVO performance videos or on our records from our heyday it’s somewhat mind-boggling to think that Alan drummed the way he did, when he did. I have flippantly referred to him in interviews as “the human metronome.” It was a comment meant to bequeath giant praise. Clearly his precision and power eclipsed whatever advantages that soulless drum machines can ever offer.
Like another master of minimalism, Charlie Watts, Alan came from the discipline of a jazz drumming background. Rather than flail away with corny rock n’ roll flash dissipating his strength, Alan channeled his energy straight from the brain, through his body and onto the skins via tireless hands and feet. An hour and 20 minutes into a DEVO performance, he could muster his overdrive gear to a power through Smart Patrol, Gates of Steel, Gut Feeling, and Come Back Jonee, that took the manic audience over the top. He credited his serious, daily devotion to practicing Tai Chi as the source for his other-worldly energy reserve.
Alan’s drug of choice was meditation. He avoided silly distractions of backstage chaos and celebrity indulgences. DEVO meant business and Alan was the driving force that provided the proof of concept. There was no drummer like him then in the 1970s and ‘80s. There are imitators now, but there was only one Alan Myers. Make no mistake about that.
Mark Mothersbaugh recently joined Bob Lefsetz for a podcast conversation. The discussion covers the documentary, touring with The B-52s, Mark’s childhood, early career and more. Listen now, link in bio.
Episode 9 of Devolutionary Times drops tomorrow. We’re diving into the Something for Everybody era and the stories behind the videos for Fresh and What We Do. New decade, new tech, same de-evolution.
DEVOvision
DEVOvision
Mark Mothersbaugh and “Whip It” engineer/co-producer Bob Margouleff crack open the original 1980 Record Plant session in Los Angeles. Early synth experiments, tape tricks, and the band chemistry that locked in that iconic DEVO snap. Moderated by Mr. Bonzai (David Goggin, “Buzz Me In” co-author).
Catch it live: Jan 22, 2026 | 4–5 PM | Hilton, California Ballroom C
2 days ago | [YT] | 1,074
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DEVOvision
Attn. Arizona Devotees, we’re coming back with a second show.
Tickets go on sale Friday, Jan 16 at 10AM MT.
Presale goes live on Thu, Jan 15.
Grab your energy domes and get ready to mutate.
1 week ago | [YT] | 749
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DEVOvision
Born in 1954: Alan Myers👇
Jerry Casale for DEVO here. My friend and colleague Jeff Winner reminds me that December 29th is Alan Myers’ birthday. If Alan was still with us here pumping out DEVO rhythms he would be 71 years old. As with my brother Bob, the loss only hurts more as time marches on.
I really can’t imagine how DEVO would have succeeded as well without Alan Myers. When you see and/or hear Alan perform live in DEVO performance videos or on our records from our heyday it’s somewhat mind-boggling to think that Alan drummed the way he did, when he did. I have flippantly referred to him in interviews as “the human metronome.” It was a comment meant to bequeath giant praise. Clearly his precision and power eclipsed whatever advantages that soulless drum machines can ever offer.
Like another master of minimalism, Charlie Watts, Alan came from the discipline of a jazz drumming background. Rather than flail away with corny rock n’ roll flash dissipating his strength, Alan channeled his energy straight from the brain, through his body and onto the skins via tireless hands and feet. An hour and 20 minutes into a DEVO performance, he could muster his overdrive gear to a power through Smart Patrol, Gates of Steel, Gut Feeling, and Come Back Jonee, that took the manic audience over the top. He credited his serious, daily devotion to practicing Tai Chi as the source for his other-worldly energy reserve.
Alan’s drug of choice was meditation. He avoided silly distractions of backstage chaos and celebrity indulgences. DEVO meant business and Alan was the driving force that provided the proof of concept. There was no drummer like him then in the 1970s and ‘80s. There are imitators now, but there was only one Alan Myers. Make no mistake about that.
Duty Now,
—GVC
📷: Jules Bates / Artrouble
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2,868
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Mark Mothersbaugh recently joined Bob Lefsetz for a podcast conversation. The discussion covers the documentary, touring with The B-52s, Mark’s childhood, early career and more. Listen now, link in bio.
1 month ago | [YT] | 266
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DEVOvision
Attn. Spuds, Black Friday is live.
Take 5 percent off all merch in the store from 11/28 through 12/1. Music excluded.
It’s the only sale we run.
Hit the shop while it’s up. Link in bio.
1 month ago | [YT] | 317
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DEVOvision
DEVO is heading back to the UK in 2025.
London on June 20. Manchester on June 21.
Presale sign-up is open now. Get on the list and you’ll get first access before the rush.
General tickets go on sale Friday 5 Dec 2025 at 10am local
1 month ago | [YT] | 428
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DEVOvision
In the year 2025👇
on📍Planet Earth.
📷: @savoiaphotographylive
2 months ago | [YT] | 1,071
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DEVOvision
New DEVO merch from the Cosmic Devolution run just landed.
Signed Lobster posters and new tour shirts in blue and black.
Limited stock — once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Available now in the shop. Link in bio.
2 months ago | [YT] | 552
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DEVOvision
Episode 9 of Devolutionary Times is out now.
We cover the Something for Everybody era and the making of the videos for Fresh and What We Do.
A key chapter in DEVO history.
Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel.
https://youtu.be/LzRk-JD3JRA
2 months ago | [YT] | 67
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DEVOvision
Episode 9 of Devolutionary Times drops tomorrow.
We’re diving into the Something for Everybody era and the stories behind the videos for Fresh and What We Do.
New decade, new tech, same de-evolution.
https://youtu.be/LzRk-JD3JRA.
2 months ago | [YT] | 103
View 2 replies
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