Bob Mothersbaugh: Celebrating 50 Years of Devo’s Iconic Punk Guitar Sound
Emerging from Akron, Ohio-a city frequently enough associated with the decline of American manufacturing and the rise of ’70s rock-Bob Mothersbaugh has played a pivotal role in reshaping the concept of a guitar hero. Unlike conventional rock icons, Mothersbaugh drew inspiration from legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and jeff Beck, yet his approach yielded a distinctly diffrent sound.
Albums such as Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo! (1978) and Freedom of Choice (1980) featured hits like their unique rendition of The Rolling Stones’ (I Can’t get No) Satisfaction and the unforgettable Whip It, positioning Devo as trailblazers of the anti-classic rock movement.
At 73, Bob is experiencing a resurgence thanks to a successful Netflix documentary titled DEVO, which has introduced the band’s innovative sound to a new audience. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasizes his desire to create music that strays far from the arena rock norm.
“It was all about the aesthetic; I wanted to make a statement,” he recalls. Mothersbaugh’s collection of eccentric guitars contributed to Devo’s distinctive style, reinforcing their status as pioneers of the new wave genre.
“Looking back, it was a collective movement,” he reflects.”We were part of a wave of bands like the Ramones, Sex Pistols, Blondie, and Talking Heads, all steering clear of arena rock. After Whip It, we had the freedom to explore creatively for a couple of years.”
Despite his age, Mothersbaugh remains passionate about his craft. He practices daily, just enough to feel the burn in his fingertips, a testament to his dedication as he gears up for Devo’s upcoming Mutate, Don’t Stagnate tour.
While the documentary has reignited interest in Devo’s music, Mothersbaugh is not one to dwell on the past. “I’m grateful for the possibility to perform every night,” he shares. “When I play Girl U Want and see the audience light up,it reminds me why I love this.”
exploring the Early Influences
What sounds inspired you as a budding guitarist?
“In Akron, we were never fans of the arena rock sound. We aimed to parody it and embrace the bizarre,” he explains. “My early influences were rooted in blues and British rock from the late ’60s. I was captivated by the unconventional sounds on Hendrix albums, wondering how he achieved them.”
The Role of Guitar in devo’s Music
How did you perceive the guitar’s role in Devo’s sound?
Mothersbaugh admired guitarists like Hendrix and Jeff Beck for their lead work, but he also found inspiration in the succinct riffs of Johnny Ramone and the concise leads of George Harrison.”I appreciated the simplicity and precision in their playing,” he notes,which influenced his own style.
Gear and Experimentation
What gear did you use in the early days of Devo?
“I started with a Gibson L6-S and an Acoustic Model 470 amp, which had a graphic EQ that I used to create geometric sound patterns,” he recalls with a laugh. “In the mid-’70s, options were limited, but I also had an MXR Phase 90 for some added flavor.”
Reflecting on the cover of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, he mentions using his L6-S and the Acoustic head, which allowed for direct board connection. “Before heading to Germany to record our first album, I picked up a Fender Mustang from a pawn shop, which added a unique sound to our tracks.”
Creating Iconic Tracks
What was the process behind crafting Whip It?
“I used an ibanez guitar that resembled a cloud and a prototype Roland amp,” he explains. “We recorded the song in a rehearsal studio, and Bob Margouleff helped us refine it at the record Plant.”
Did the success of Whip It surprise you?
“Absolutely! We thought Girl U Want would be the hit, not Whip It. The music video came about as the song gained traction.”
Legacy and Future Plans
How do you view Devo’s legacy?
“We’re often seen as a misunderstood band. We focused on artistic expression rather than chasing hits,” he reflects. “Mark and Gerry are talented visual artists,which enhanced our music videos.”
Do you still feel misunderstood? How has that shaped devo’s journey?
“In our early days,audiences frequently enough reacted negatively to our performances,yet they stayed to engage. It was a sign that we were making an impact,” he laughs.
Looking ahead,Devo has plans to tour with the B-52s in 2026. “We’ll keep rocking until we can’t anymore,” he concludes. “The documentary and current political climate have given us renewed purpose.”
- Catch Devo on their Mutate, Don’t Stagnate tour-check for dates and tickets!
- This article originally appeared in Guitar World. Subscribe for more insights!
