Devo Retired: Why Band Will Quit Touring After Ongoing Farewell Shows

Devo members spoke about their farewell tour and revealed whether the touring retirement would mark the band's ending, as well.

Devo went through lineup changes through their on-again, off-again career since they debuted in 1973. After they got back on track again, they revealed saddening news to fans regarding their retirement from live performances.

Devo Shares Plans After Farewell Tour

Co-founders Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale recently spoke during a Zoom interview with The Guardian, during which they spoke about their career as a band.

According to Casale, it is kind of "mind-boggling" to realize that they have reached half a century. However, they decided to stop touring once they finished the ongoing shows.

Regarding their creative opinions and differences, Mothersbaugh tried to put the journalist in their shoes and said being in a band is as tricky as having four wives.

"You've got a body of work informed by a whole manifesto and philosophy," Casale continued. "Do you let go and move on to the next thing? You want change, otherwise, you're stale, but you don't want to be contrived."

Devo's farewell tour, "Celebrating 50 Years of De-Evolution," will run through December, although the final date is yet to be confirmed. On the other hand, Mothersbaugh joked about playing their 100th anniversary before retiring.

For Casale, he feels a bit in denial about their upcoming retirement, expressing how he always loves performing and hates to let go of everything they have for decades.

But despite touring being part of Devo's DNA, the co-founding member knew they did everything as long as they could.

Devo Will Give Fans Special Gifts

While Devo's touring career is near, the band is set to release the box set, "Art Devo 1973-1977," in September. It will reportedly feature some of their rarities, unreleased materials, and a documentary.

The musicians are also yet to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame after being nominated three times.

In a 2022 interview with Consequence, Mothersbaugh said they were excited about it even after failing to make it to the list of inductees.

"It's a wonderful honor. And it's nice to be recognized for things you did that you think you work really hard on and you put a lot of time and effort in it," he continued. "And for somebody else to acknowledge that and to say it has some sort of value is nice."

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