Devo started out as an underground band. Gerald Casale told CNN the band’s name was derived from the word “de-evolution” — the idea that humans are regressing into a destructive herd mentality, in an interview back in February 2010. Sadly, Devo guitarist Bob Casale has died of heart failure. Casale was 61. According to CNN News, Bob Casale was known by fans as “Bob 2” since he played alongside guitarist Bob Mothersbaugh, the brother of Devo co-founder Mark Mothersbaugh.
Gerald Casale wrote in his brother’s death announcement, “His sudden death from conditions that led to heart failure came as a total shock to us all.” In a Facebook post Gerald Casale wrote “As an original member of Devo, Bob Casale was there in the trenches with me from the beginning,” then he continued to say about his brother that “He was my level-headed brother, a solid performer and talented audio engineer, always giving more than he got.” Bob Casale was, according to Fox News, instrumental in creating the sound of projects as varied as “Rugrats” and Wes Anderson’s films.
Mark Mothersbaugh released a statement stating that he was “shocked and saddened” by Bob Casale’s death. Devo was formed in 1972, and the band is best known for their mega hit “Whip It.” Reuters reported that the video for the single received wide play in the early days of MTV. Alan Myers, Devo drummer, died of cancer last year.
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