Bullseye with Jesse Thorn Devo
Mar 24, 2026
Mark Mothersbaugh, co-founder of Devo and pioneering composer/visual artist. He recalls the band’s origin in Akron and the Kent State influence. They discuss experimental early performances, their machine-like visual style and uniforms. Conversation covers breakthrough New York shows, theatrical marketing, and surprising commercial uses of their music.
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Kent State Shock Sparked Devo
- Gerald Casale witnessed the Kent State shootings and it directly changed his outlook and art direction.
- He describes being in the protest, seeing four people dead and watching an exit wound in the noonday sun, which spurred the Devo concept of de-evolution.
Early Devo Was Performance Art With Homemade Gear
- Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald started as performance artists using homemade electronics and masks before becoming a band.
- They used a mini Moog, early homemade electronic drums built from practice pads and pickups through wah pedals, creating noisy experimental rhythms.
Akron Crowds Reacted With Hostility
- Devo's early shows in Akron provoked hostile crowds of unemployed rubber workers and veterans.
- Gerald recalls Foghat fans throwing beer bottles and the band becoming a focal point for local frustration as factories closed and jobs disappeared.