Bob Casale 1952-2014

News has been circulating for the last day or so that Devo member Bob Casale has died at the age of 61.  Casale was the lead guitarist of the group, which is best known for its hit “Whip It,” which peaked at number 14 on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart in 1980.  Formed in the Kent and Akron areas of Ohio, the band was based on a concept of de-evolution” that gave the band it’s name, and it built a significant following throughout the 1970s before garnering major record label releases starting in 1979.

Casale is the second member of the band to pass away within the past year.  Drummer Alan Myers passed away last June at the age of 58.