Missed Opportunities and Metaverse Dreams: Devo's Gerald Casale Reflects on Being the 'Thinking Man's Kiss
Devo's Gerald Casale reflects on the time when his band was compared to Kiss, initially feeling offended but later seeing it as a missed opportunity for Devo to reach a wider audience with their unique message. The comparison was made by a U.K. music reporter, labeling Devo as "the thinking man's Kiss" due to their use of costumes and theatricality on stage. Casale now wishes that Devo could have achieved the same level of popularity as Kiss while maintaining their alternative message.
Casale shared this anecdote in various interviews, highlighting the criticism they faced and his evolving perspective on the comparison. He expressed frustration at the lack of opportunities for Devo to explore new avenues, such as creating avatars for the metaverse like Kiss is planning to do. Despite having the characters, ideas, and futuristic vision, Devo has not received the same level of investment or support for such ventures.
While reflecting on other bands' use of technology for immersive experiences, Casale mentioned ABBA's Voyage avatar show and expressed disappointment in the limited use of the technology. He believes that Devo could offer a more innovative and engaging experience if given the opportunity to explore such possibilities. Despite these challenges, Devo fans can enjoy the band's new Netflix documentary and catch them on tour with the B-52s this fall.
Overall, Casale's journey from initial offense to seeing the comparison as a potential missed opportunity showcases his desire for Devo to reach a broader audience with their unique message and vision. The band's exploration of new technologies and collaborations reflects their ongoing commitment to pushing boundaries and engaging with fans in innovative ways.