
Feature Photo: C Michael Stewart, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Devo was formed in 1973 in Akron, Ohio. The band is known for its art rock and new wave music, characterized by its use of synthesizers, unconventional rhythms, and satirical lyrics about modern society, technology, and politics. Devo released their debut album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! in 1978, gaining fame for their innovative sound and style. Over the years, the band released nine studio albums, with Something for Everybody arriving in 2010 as their ninth studio album. They are most famous for their hit “Whip It” from their 1980 album Freedom of Choice. Devo’s influence extends beyond music into the realms of film, video, and visual art. The band remained active in 2026 with a current live lineup of Mark Mothersbaugh, Gerald Casale, Bob Mothersbaugh, Josh Hager, and Jeff Friedl.
Mark Mothersbaugh
Mark Mothersbaugh co-founded Devo while he was a student at Kent State University. He has been the band’s lead singer and keyboardist since its inception. Mothersbaugh’s musical talents and distinctive voice have been central to Devo’s sound, contributing significantly to all their albums. Notably, he helped write and produce the hit “Whip It.” Outside Devo, Mothersbaugh is a highly successful composer for film and television, having worked on scores for popular films like The Lego Movie and TV shows such as Rugrats. He is also an accomplished visual artist.
Gerald Casale
Gerald Casale, another co-founder, has played bass guitar and provided vocals for Devo throughout its history. His involvement was crucial in the development of the band’s theory of de-evolution, which became a central theme in their music and performances. Casale directed most of Devo’s music videos, making significant contributions to their distinctive visual style. Outside of Devo, he has pursued a career in directing music videos and commercials and is an advocate for environmental causes.
Bob Mothersbaugh
Bob Mothersbaugh, brother to Mark Mothersbaugh, joined Devo in 1974. As the band’s lead guitarist, his work is featured prominently across Devo’s major-label recording career, particularly noted for his innovative guitar riffs and solos. Bob also contributed vocals and songwriting to the band. Beyond Devo, he has worked on various music projects and film scores, often collaborating with his brother Mark.
Bob Casale
Bob Casale was another core member of Devo, playing rhythm guitar, keyboards, and providing backing vocals. He was part of the band’s earliest lineups and later became a central member of the classic five-piece lineup. Casale contributed to Devo’s major albums from their 1978 debut through Something for Everybody in 2010 and also handled audio engineering and production work for the band. Outside Devo, he worked extensively in audio production and engineering. Casale remained involved with Devo until his death in 2014.
Alan Myers
Alan Myers joined Devo in 1976 as the band’s drummer, replacing Jim Mothersbaugh. Myers’ drumming style was pivotal in shaping the tight, mechanical feel of Devo’s music, especially evident on albums like Freedom of Choice. He played with Devo throughout their peak years before leaving in 1986 amid the band’s increasing reliance on electronic drums and drum machines. After Devo, Myers continued to play in various bands and worked as an electrical contractor. He died in 2013.
Josh Hager
Josh Hager joined Devo as a guitarist and keyboardist in 2014 following the death of Bob Casale. His versatility on multiple instruments has been crucial during live performances, helping to fill the sonic gap left by Casale. Hager’s previous experience includes work with bands including The Elevator Drops and The Rentals. He remained part of Devo’s current live lineup in 2026.
Jeff Friedl
Jeff Friedl first performed with Devo as a substitute touring drummer during selected dates beginning in 2008, filling in when Josh Freese was unavailable. Friedl returned for additional performances over the years and became Devo’s regular live drummer by the band’s 50th Anniversary Tour in 2023. He remained behind the drums for Devo’s current live lineup in 2026. Friedl is also known for his work with musical acts including A Perfect Circle and Puscifer.
Bob Lewis
Bob Lewis was one of the co-founders of Devo and contributed significantly to the conceptual foundations of the band. Along with Gerald Casale, Lewis helped develop the theory of de-evolution before Devo became an established performing group. He played guitar during the band’s earliest period but did not continue with Devo into their major-label recording years. Lewis’s background in art and theory helped shape the band’s early message and visual presentation.
Rod Reisman
Rod Reisman was the drummer in one of Devo’s earliest 1973 lineups. His time with the group was brief and came during the formative period when Devo was still developing its musical and conceptual identity.
Fred Weber
Fred Weber was the lead singer in one of Devo’s earliest 1973 lineups. His role was short-lived, but he was part of the band’s formative performance period before Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale became the group’s best-known vocalists.
Jim Mothersbaugh
Jim Mothersbaugh, another brother in the Mothersbaugh family, was involved with Devo during their early years. He played drums and homemade electronic percussion, contributing to the band’s early exploration and integration of electronic instruments into its music. Jim remained with the group into the mid-1970s before Alan Myers took over as Devo’s drummer.
David Kendrick
David Kendrick joined Devo as drummer in 1987 after Alan Myers had left the band. He played on Total Devo and Smooth Noodle Maps and remained with the group through its 1991 breakup. Kendrick later returned for selected live performances in the early 2000s when Josh Freese was unavailable. Before Devo, Kendrick had played with bands including Sparks and Gleaming Spires.
Read More: Complete List Of Devo Albums And Discography
Josh Freese
Josh Freese became Devo’s primary drummer when the band reunited in 1996, taking over the drum position in the revived lineup. Freese remained closely associated with Devo for nearly two decades and continued to perform with the group intermittently afterward when his schedule permitted. By the band’s 50th Anniversary Tour in 2023, Jeff Friedl had become Devo’s regular live drummer. Known for his versatility and skill, Freese has had a substantial career outside Devo, playing with bands and artists including The Vandals, Nine Inch Nails, Guns N’ Roses, and Foo Fighters.
Read More: Top 10 Devo Songs
Updated August 26, 2026.
Complete List Of Devo Band Members article published on ClassicRockHistory.com © 2026



























