The name Devo comes from the concept of "de-evolution" and the band's related idea that instead of continuing to evolve, mankind had begun to regress, as evidenced by the dysfunction and herd mentality of American society.

Devo disbanded in the early 1990s, though they occasionally reunited for concerts. In 2024 the documentary film Devo, directed by Chris Smith, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

Mark Allen Mothersbaugh (/ˈmʌðərzbɔː/; born May 18, 1950) is an American musician. He came to prominence in the late 1970s as co-founder, lead singer and keyboardist of the new wave band Devo, whose "Whip It" was a top 20 single in the US in 1980, peaking at No. 14, and which has since maintained a cult following.

Just three years later, Devo took a five-year hiatus and reunited, this time with Josh Freese on drums. Since 1996, Freese has been with the group on and off, and from 2008 to 2014, Jeff Friedl filled in. Friedl played again in 2019 and is currently on their current tour while Freese is with the Foo Fighters.