This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Bob Casale, Founding Member Of Devo, Dies At 61
Bob Casale during a Devo concert in London in 2007. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
Bob Casale, one of the original founding members of classic alt-rockers Devo, passed away unexpectedly yesterday at the age of 61.
Casale died from complications related to heart failure, TMZ says. Casale was there during the band's inception, playing alongside his brother Gerald, Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh and Alan Myers. They formed in 1973 and, after cutting their teeth in the college radio circuit, struck music gold with their breakthrough hit "Whip It," in 1980. "Whip It" was one of the first videos on MTV and a song that has resonated throughout music generations. He was often credited as "Bob 2" (Bob Mothersbaugh was "Bob 1") and also played keyboard and produced.
Gerald Casale, Bob's brother, had this to say on the band's Facebook page:
As an original member of Devo, Bob Casale was there in the trenches with me from the beginning. He was my level-headed brother, a solid performer and talented audio engineer, always giving more than he got. He was excited about the possibility of Mark Mothersbaugh allowing Devo to play shows again. His sudden death from conditions that lead to heart failure came as a total shock to us all.
The news has come as a shock to many who knew him, including drummer Josh Freese, who has played with Devo intermittently since 1996:
RIP Bob Casale. Shocking news. Such a good guy, talented musician, fantastic engineer and integral part of Devo. He will be deeply missed.
— Josh Freese (@joshfreese) February 18, 2014
Here's "Whip It," the song that put the band on the musical map:
Sponsored message
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
