Obits — February 18, 2014 at 10:27 am

Devo’s Bob Casale, 1952-2014

Devo's Bob Casale

Devo fans are mourning another loss this morning with news that, less than eight months after the death of beloved drummer Alan Myers, one of the band’s original members, guitarist Bob “Bob 2” Casale, died unexpectedly sometime on Monday from “conditions that lead to heart failure,” the band announced on Facebook today.

The statement comes from Devo’s Gerald Casale, Bob’s brother, who co-founded Devo with Mark Mothersbaugh.

Very sad news to report today.

Bob Casale of Devo. Born: July 14th, 1952 . Deceased: February 17th, 2014

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.

Gerald Casale, Devo founder.

Band co-founder Mark Mothersbaugh told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that Casale’s death was “so sudden and tragic,” adding that, “He was the nicest guy in the band. He had the best personality. He had the longest fuse. He was a problem solver.”

Devo had been planning to tour this summer, Mothersbaugh said:

“We were going to go out in June and July playing some music that was pre-first album. We called it science fiction blues. Captain Beefheart type stuff. But now I can’t think of anything but Bob and his wife and two kids. His son Alex is 24, and his daughter Samantha is a couple years younger. We’re all just thinking about them right now.”

 

 

14 Comments

  1. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

  2. Very sad news.

  3. Glory2Babalon

    Condolences to his friends and family. RIP

  4. Sad. It seems like the world is more and more full of losers and less and less full of heroes.

  5. My condolences to Bob’s family and the band. It’s a hell of a thing to lose someone so talented.

  6. This is awful news. I so enjoyed seeing them recently – their concerts are so “life affirming”. I was really looking forward to seeing a lot more of him and the boys. What a loss.

    Rest In Peace Mr. Casale, I know you’re jamming away with Alan.

  7. How horribly sad. I cannot believe it.

  8. Scott Stalcup

    Damn. Was worried about something happening to him. He didn’t look healthy. :-(

  9. Freedom Of Choice, Whip It … Thank you.
    Bob Casale 1952 – Forever

  10. El Arreglardo

    I was privileged to meet Bob a couple times after shows. He was always gracious and engaging. A real gentleman.

    • As one who was usually there with Arreglado, I would echo his comments. I recall speaking with Bob after the dual night recitals of “Are We Not Men” and “Freedom Of Choice” in San Francisco some years back. After describing a number of our cross-country trips to see Devo live (including during the sporadic 90’s), Bob grinned and said, “Wow, you guys really are Devotees!” I always enjoyed visiting with him, and wish the best for his family during this difficult time.

  11. A genuine pioneer from an era that brought many of the most memorable sounds to us early Gen-Xers. Rest in comfort Bob.

  12. Alan Myers, Bob Casale R.I.P… Duty Now For The Future

  13. Brenton Camac

    I will miss Bob dearly. The world is poorer with his passing, despite the art he created and shared with it.

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