Devo - "Whip It" + interview (Merv Griffin Show 1980)

Here's DEVO at the height of their powers from October of 1980. After the song they explain why they wear the headgear. Pretty funny interview. Merv Griffin had over 5000 guests appear on his show from 1963-1986. Footage from the Merv Griffin Show is available for licensing to all forms of media through Reelin' In The Years Productions. www.reelinintheyears.com.

[@mrniceshoes2118]

40 years later and they’re still ahead of times

[@fitza9107]

their original drummer, Alan Myers, died last week. R.I.P. the guys called him "the human metronome" on that he was so precise on his beats, he sounded like a drum machine. DEVO belongs in the category called "when gimmicks work" talking about their odd looks. anybody remember the Honda scooter commercial they made?

[@RawH2o]

Man blessings

[@bobs5596]

i read this in his obituary, would like to find more of his thoughts about this: ''He had also got involved with meditation, citing it as "a form of [Devo's theory of] de-evolution because it takes you from the physical to the conscious to the super-conscious. I've found that the purpose of having a body is to show that the physical world is an illusion."

[@johncasor9698]

yes i remember the Honda commercial... Haha...

[@Kohntarkosz]

That synth that Mark is using is an old Wasp synth, a British instrument with a touch keyboard. I saw an interview with him once where they tried using it concert, and couldn't figure out why it kept spitting out random notes. They eventually found out that the concert lights was causing the synth to randomly trigger notes!

[@bestmobilemechanics9852]

Wow, that is awesome.... I was wondering what that keyboard was

[@kidkique]

Behringer just released a clone of one of these

[@KitChellPoetry]

I remember the day of this performance on the television vibrantly. I was elven years old. It was afternoon, after school, boring. I saw Devo on the Merv Griffin Show. I remember thinking the thought quite clearly: "I have found my people!" At long last. The next year, when I was twelve, I saw them live: New Traditionalists Tour. Awesome. (My first rock concert!) Thank you Devo!

[@oopsadaze]

Like Nothing--- I Had Ever Heard before, it was an exciting time for New Wave Music, with strange and different music coming from Gary Numan, Elvis Costello, Thomas Dolby, The Cars, etc.., etc. Did I like it (NOT RIGHT OFF THE BAT). THEN, Billy Joel spoiled it ALL by telling us New Wave was still JUST Rock-n-Roll to him.

[@LordKenebutch]

One of my biggest musical regrets not seeing Devo live in 1981 in Toronto, I think it was the same tour.

[@zackmahal]

By golly I was also 12 at my grandparents house in pottstown, pa. It was so important to me

[@andrewpotok2661]

I saw em at. The tower in Philly. 1981. Greatest ever. Ty

[@BigBass-xf5yi]

These guys weren’t just talented, but brilliant. So unique.

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

They were ahead of the times. But glad they were in the 1980s. Love Devo.

[@jonathansteadman7935]

Saw these guys on the Freedom of choice tour. No support band, just two sets of all the three albums (at that point). Still rate it as one of the best gigs I've seen.

[@Musicalmane]

Oh wow, would you happen to remember when and where that show was?

[@Luciddreamer007]

I must admit, it took me a while to come around to the shear genius of this band.

[@dainhuston]

Me as well they thought out side of the box doing Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix covers with a whole new twist

[@larrytate555]

Proud to say I still have my "key-tar" from the early 80's.

[@WhatItIsRecords]

Sometimes you just don't think about the fact that anybody you looked up to as a kid would die while you're not really old, and neither were they. Alan Myers was the coolest. He's another of the elements that molded me into the musician that I am today. If everybody else forgets to say it, Thank you Alan! I don't think you ever knew how many little fires you ignited in souls of those who listened. Rest in peace, Brother.

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

Amen.

[@santoantonioterranova6128]

DEVO Needs to be Given The Kennedy Awards and The Lifetime Achievement Award and The Grammys and Be Inducted to The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Amen

[@Bryfiero]

Alan was a precision machine! R.I.P.

[@kidkique]

Pretty sure this was not performed live... I mean there's no cables and nothing is plugged into anything

[@jimb8738]

@@kidkique They obviously lip-synched this performance.

[@dcb1138]

Amazing come back for Gerry !!..."I can't think of anything greater than that"...genius

[@MikeGervasi]

Far more important than we could understand at the time. 43 years later I completely get it.

[@robfninh]

This band is so original and strange, weird, corny. I like them.

[@giogambino4520]

1981 I was in Jr. Highschool in the 7th grade and they were in town at an autograph signing. I was the youngest one there with goosebumps... new wave punk rock rules!!

[@woogymodel]

I love that look on Mark's face.

[@twelveoaks1]

I so remember Devo with their unique performance style and their innovative music! So different!

[@flashfast2000]

Merv and Devo. Two one of a kinds. It doesn't get any better!

[@cjlive5182]

Looking back from 2021, I must say they got the Deevolution part correct. Very sad.

[@uselessjoe]

Today, Bob Casale quit whipping it at the age of 61. RIP

[@BroccoliBeefed]

They were sexy nerds

[@rhythmdroid]

BroccoliQueefed Bob 1 was actually super handsome...but interviews show that he is suuuuuper nerdy. More than Mark!

[@paullawson9674]

I remember seeing this show live in Bible Belt suburban Virginia Beach after first being happily exposed to them on a youth trip north to NYC and Niagara Falls that summer. Started me on a lifelong love of New Wave!

[@MrKmanthie]

+Paul Lawson - that was a good find, for someone in your unfortunate environment. Especially when you're growing up - hell, for me, it was from age 3 to, well, still today - music, and everyone has certain favorites which they think they're the only "fan" of, since it seems as if, at least, no one you know happens to be into them or, sheeit, even heard of 'em!! But, when someone -anyone really, but especially someone who's living in a messed up family/family situation or who is especially sensitive (but not only/or necessarily in the typical meaning of "sensitive", which, not unlike "vulgar", has been changed quite a bit, from its original English meaning, which is just a synonym for "common". That's all "vulgar" means. But the BS-spewing demagogue or some (obviously) pseudo-intellectual have, for decades, almost most of the 20th century (at least in American discourse), in English-speaking (which means being taught in English) countries, other than the US: the UK, Australia, New Zealand and other pockets of post-colonialist countries, where, even if, after independence, like, eg, India, post-47 (independence from the, at that time, dying British Empire, which, almost immediately if not immediately, resulted in the NE chunk of what had, for millennia, been the NE most part of India; the Muslim pop. of India and, I wouldn't doubt the British had dual roles in bringing about what came to be the partition of India, which brought about the new country (since Indian Independence came about in 47, I assume the partition of Pakistan was quite soon after that. So - ironically or not - the "Muslim" nation, albeit run by secular governments- of Pakistan, came about right about the time of Israel. Interesting, huh? I wonder if there were any displacement of non-Muslim Indians who got caught up in this partition(?) -I've never heard of a displacement of (at least) a large # of Indians by the new nation of Pakistan, a la the new nation of Israel, who, by very definition of its being formed in the same area where Palestine had been (and where many consider it still is/should be known as Palestine or at least "Israel/Palestine", which, one hopes, could change to two nations, living side by side - not 1 country with controversialities in the name that's used or recognized - this is what's been known as the "Two-state solution" for peace in Israel (and for the Palestinians), which means that Israel cannot keep up this, what has turned into lately, under Bibi (Netanyahu) is a govt. that has become progressively more reactionary since Bibi's second period as PM. (remember: Bibi was 1st PM back in the 90s, I believe, his party were defeated enough in the Knesset that a new PM would be voted on or the opposition leader would become (possibly after the Knesset voted?) the new PM - and then elections would have to be held -well, IMO, anyway, I think that would be a time to hold elections -if the PM-ship kept bouncing back & forth as the majorities in Parliament shift, how is democracy working. I must confess, though, to not be as knowledgeable, as the type of govt. in the US, both at the Fed. level as well as state & local levels. And after comparing the 2 systems of "democratization": Parliament or The "US form of legislature, which, 1st of all, separates the congress from the executive branch, or, head of govt., which is what the PM is, at least in the UK system, while the still-not-dumped-yet-cuz-it's-sentimental monarchy is still providing some Americans & maybe Canadians, etc. with titillating, sometimes sensational human interest stories and outright stalking and gossip every day by mostly UK tabloid-papers, some of the weekly grocery check-out rags often have BS about dullsville royal family dummies and their children getting wed, then having kids, and reporting on what the kids are wearing and more paparazzi pix. IMO: BORRRRING!!!

[@christopherthompson3387]

Are you on dope?

[@Htheorphanarian]

Sure the world is ending, but at least I have Devo!

[@dcb1138]

Let me be the first to say it...."Oh that Alan"

[@davids736]

Wow, never seen this footage....thanks for posting...

[@DrMatey215]

Went to filming of one of Merv's shows in Hollywood. Musical great Cliff Richard was guest along with Jim from Mutual of Omaha wild kingdom. He had several exotic animals. It was a great experience. Saw Devo University of Hawaii Honolulu in 79

[@somattalistenta]

Loved the fact that they were so creatively different and love the fact that they don't smile, telling people that the world is corrupt and full of stupid sheeple is serious business.

[@AndieZ4U2]

BEST BAND EVER.

[@CodeBleu724]

"I can't think of anything greater than that." To fuck off your hometown is the greatest accomplishment ever. Love these guys.

[@marialps1273]

I'm a Devo convert. About the time, I clearly remember it.

[@Kohntarkosz]

I can't remember which band member it was, but when they appeared on American Bandstand, Dick Clark asked "Is this a dream come true for you guys?" and the response was "More like a nightmare!".

[@smitty54017]

I remember seeing this when I was 8 years old! Thanks for the flashback!

[@toddreeder8010]

Great interview.

[@greensocks4507]

Devo has not had an equivalent let alone an overtaker. I'm 58 and still listen to them.

[@therealvbw]

The elusive bluetooth guitar, wireless microphone, telepathic keyboard and invisible drum sticks

[@LVQ-so5th]

Didn't expect to see them on the Merv Griffin Show.

[@comment.highlighted]

The ending twist was awesome 🤣

[@theitineranthistorian2024]

love these guys

[@LoveLife-yh7ke]

Surprising that a square head like Merv Griffin loves Devo. Guess he’s not such a square head after all😂🎉

[@nsbd90now]

Jeez... they were so fresh and their music still works. How many times I danced to this in "new wave" clubs!

[@paulopirulito7823]

Que saudades deste caras!!! Simplesmente sensacionais!!!!!!!!!

[@guyfawkes9951]

Only those guys could make those outfits look cool!

[@rayburn8282]

This is pure awesomeness

[@MrShawn10100]

Love that they are not playing live and lean into that with things like the drummer not actually having drum sticks! Nice staging and energy.

[@LaurieHeathStudio]

I thought that too but then at the end it looked like his sticks were black. Still they were having fun making it obvious that they weren't playing live!

[@MikeGervasi]

That cohost was hip. "Are you a man?" was the coolest thing he could have said, showing he knew the first album.

[@MrSeezero]

Thanks for this footage of Devo. At this time, I was in the 6th grade and probably attending school at the time of this broadcast. I tried to find out if this was shown at night or during the day, but I could not find out. Anyway, I did not really find out about Devo until I saw the "Whip It" music video on MTV. I do like Devo and all of its music.

[@MaxlikesLemons]

At this time, my parents werent even born, and here I am, they’re my favorite band!!

[@BedlamAndBones]

Diggin' the Wasp synthesizer Mark's playing!

[@Titan_Up]

Devo were the true pioneers of the craft..... Still ahead of their time..... And still misunderstood......

[@Popsicleman313]

I love DEVO

[@connieplankghost]

Alan was Great and he still is. R.I.P.

[@GreasyFilms-qc1xo]

Listen to what was on the radio and tv in 1980. Devo were revolutionary.

[@abnoco]

I watched that show the night it aired

[@mariosevilio]

Fantástico

[@davidmack4495]

poor Merv was being played, and he had no idea..

[@Thomaschapmanbfc]

Classic !!

[@bestmobilemechanics9852]

Love the sentries with the whips LOL

[@Varianna12]

We saw this then. Never, but never laughed so hard.

[@christopherking5701]

R.I.P. John Wayne!!

[@larrywilliams67]

HAPPY NEW YEAR , GREAT DEVO FANS , 2017 !

[@paulopirulito7823]

Demais !!!!!!!!!

[@Ballerina-Girl]

WIth this song Whip It in 1980 they signaled a big change in music that ushered in MTV in 1981 and music film became music videos. Music was never the same again.

[@fernandom6724]

this is new wave and synthpop

[@tomyterranova9148]

Correct. That WHIP !

[@extrastype]

Alan the metronome. Spuds everywhere now thanks to DEVO

[@hermanmunster90025]

Not many people know this but Merv Griffin was the elevator killer.

[@swdist68]

Man with two brains..lol

[@lindah3954]

Dr. Michael Hfuhruhurr was the first to identify Merv as the EK in 1983.

[@JJKarpinski]

Window cleaner was weapon of choice!

[@emaldonado187]

Credits Gerald Casale - Bass Guitar Mark MothersBaugh - Vocals Bob Casale - Piano Josh Freese - Drums Bob MothersBaugh - Guitar Vocals

[@MrFrosten]

Thats Alan Myers on drums, Josh Freese didnt join the band until 96.

[@LordKenebutch]

One of my biggest regrets not going to see Devo in Toronto back in 1981. 😕

[@patientzerobeat]

One of my biggest regrets is not going to see Devo in Toronto in 1980! But I did see that 1981 show (at Massey Hall).

[@shepshepherd]

Mark has an EDP Wasp synth :)

[@TRICELLxGAMER]

They are so funny xD

[@Ladyranger]

they were ahead of their time - this is present time for sure

[@BroccoliBeefed]

They weren't ahead of their time. We were ready for something other than sappy love song ballads, disco and 70s heavy metal. Devo was waaay different

[@memekodd]

Lol. Totally missed the Roman sentries then and until now.

[@christopherthompson3387]

Yeah, same here. Perhaps they are tied in through another song on the album (Freedom of Choice)...Lyric "In ancient Rome, there was a poem..." Maybe that's where the Roman sentries come from? Just sayin'

[@davids736]

I don't think I've ever seen (in the earlier days anyway) an interview with Devo that wasn't, er, awkward. And very rare that they mime as well....

[@yorkemar]

very funny guys.

[@jnyfumare]

You Must Whip It!

[@frankburns8871]

How did one apply for the Greek/Roman dudes in the background back then?

[@beachkidboy]

Absolute RIP to Alan Meyers. So sad they had to lip-synck.

[@TheHandymanser]

Whit it Good!!!

[@skratzman]

Dave Mach ri

[@DrewPearsonLive]

R.I.P. Alan Myers

[@rm-jl8wy]

Johnny Carson didn't like modern pop or rock bands. This was really ground breaking for late night Merv, got it!

[@alanc1491]

I get capitalism and all, but did you have to ruin the clip with your commercials all through it? Once at the beginning, once at the end, we get it. But seriously, how many of the 66,056 viewers so far do you thing know what a licensing agreement is or could execute one?

[@kltpzyxm]

de evolution

[@kathybittorf4646]

That was not the club in Daytona with whip it

[@tonyquek1]

Crack that whip Give the past a slip Step on a crack Break your mama's back When a problem comes along You must whip it Before the cream sits out too long You must whip it When something's going wrong You must whip it Now whip it Into shape Shape it up Get straight Go forward Move ahead Try to detect it It's not too late To whip it Whip it good When a good time turns around You must whip it You will never live it down Unless you whip it No one gets away Until they whip it I say whip it Whip it good I say whip it Whip it good Crack that whip Give the past a slip Step on a crack Break your mama's back When a problem comes along You must whip it Before the cream sits out too long You must whip it When something's going wrong You must whip it Now whip it Into shape Shape it up Get straight Go forward Move ahead Try to detect it It's not too late To whip it Into shape Shape it up Get straight Go forward Move ahead Try to detect it It's not too late To whip it Whip it good

[@rubengenesis100]

Mark was a good poplocker in breakdancing terms.

[@ChasBeauregarde]

Great video - thanks. It could be better w/o the distracting "reelinintheyears" continual banner

[@nelsondog100]

I hope they are and/or were millionaires in the end. Pssst, I always wanted one of those flower pots😉

[@MaxlikesLemons]

Unfortunately, as many interviews showed, they barely made any money. But I’m sure mark is now with all the films he scores. Also, they’re not flower pots, they’re energy domes!! :D

[@beatlesfantoo]

Awesome ! The only problem is the writing on the screen

[@Lee.Higginbotham]

Q: Are we not men!? A: We are Devo!!

[@luiscarlosescobarmendez9888]

wen comentarist do a song like this be a real.mans

[@danielguardado3726]

What’s the piano thing the guy in the middle is holding?

[@ibaDEVOtee]

DEVO was right about everything. If you love DEVO, join my Facebook group Totally DEVOted. facebook.com/groups/TotallyDEVOted/ Duty Now!

[@theoriginalchefboyoboy6025]

the perfect mutation of spud and lego! LOL Alan's black drumstix made it kinda look like he was playing air drums which I took as a joke. but no, they were just black.

[@boogiemite]

Great video, but ruined by the logo plastered all over it. Where can I watch this as it really looks?

[@MuzixMaker]

Oooooo…

[@ZviJ1]

Hi... could you please upload the Merv Griffin show aired on August 28, 1980? I wish to watch in particular Lenore O'Malley's entire part in that episode... not only where she sings First Be a Woman. So far, each time I attempt to watch it online for free, an attempt is made to obtain from me credit card details, even though I and others do not have one. Why oh why should I be deprived of a chance to watch such footage just because I don't have a c.c.?

[@ZviJ1]

I make the same request about * Season 18, Episode 46 from November 7, 1980 * Season 18 Episode 76 from December 19, 1980 * Season 18, Episode 193 from June 10, 1981

[@xxczerxx]

Why don't they play the real audio?

[@davidstarr4620]

Where can i get a power dome?👽

[@flyingkillerrobots877]

The Club Devo website... only $29.99. ;)

[@notoriouslizw]

officialdevomerchandise.bigcartel.com/product/devo-energy-dome-red

[@SuperDave0913]

yeah, thanks for plastering your advertisement ALL OVER the interview, won't even share this !

[@LasseHuhtala]

Anybody know what synth Mark is holding?

[@LasseHuhtala]

@Dylan Karbowiak Dude. Thanks!

[@cesarerocca573]

che trip

[@real_skipper]

Merv doesn't get it.