Devo Founder Gerald Casale Releases New Protest Single "Just Do It!" Targeting U.S. Politics
Devo co‑founder Gerald V. Casale has issued a new protest single, “Just Do It!”, accompanied by an animated video that critiques the current U.S. political climate as the country marks its 250th anniversary. The track, released on September 7, 2026, is Casale’s first solo single in more than a decade and re‑establishes the satirical edge that has defined Devo since its inception.
Casale, who grew up in Akron, Ohio, witnessed the Kent State shootings on May 4, 1970, when the Ohio National Guard fired on a student protest. The tragedy, which killed four students and wounded nine, became the catalyst for the formation of Devo with Bob Lewis and Mark Mothersbaugh. The band’s core concept—“de‑evolution”—argues that society is regressing into conformity, consumerism, and manipulation rather than progressing. “Just Do It!” follows that tradition by calling out contemporary political figures and institutions through absurdist imagery.
The animated video depicts former President Donald Trump leading a “MAGA zombie army,” while former financier Jeffrey Epstein appears as a smiling sun in a Teletubbies‑style setting. The clip also replaces children’s television characters with Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Bill Clinton, reinforcing a broader critique of political and corporate power. Casale said the song “celebrates 250 years of our defeat of Tyranny in an age of Tyranny reborn,” underscoring the band’s long‑standing warning about authoritarianism.
“Just Do It!” was recorded with longtime Devo touring members Josh Hager (rhythm guitar, keyboards) and Jeff Friedl (drums), and features the German band Die alten Maschinen on backing instrumentation. The single follows a period of renewed public attention for Devo, including appearances at Coachella, an NPR Tiny Desk concert, and a Netflix documentary that earned a Grammy nomination for its exploration of the band’s legacy.
Devo’s history of political commentary dates back to their first single, “Mongoloid,” and the 1978 album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!. Songs such as “Jocko Homo,” “Freedom of Choice,” and “Beautiful World” have consistently used science‑fiction motifs, deadpan humor, and performance art to question social norms. The band’s approach has never offered direct slogans; instead, it has highlighted the mechanical, distracted, and commercially driven aspects of modern culture.
Casale’s solo career includes the 2005 project Jihad Jerry & the Evildoers and a 2010 single “Watch Us Work It.” He has also directed music videos for high‑profile artists, including Foo Fighters, Rush, Silverchair, A Perfect Circle, The Cars, and Soundgarden. His visual work often mirrors Devo’s satirical stance, critiquing cultural trends and warning against de‑evolution.
The release of “Just Do It!” has sparked discussion among listeners and commentators. Supporters view it as a continuation of Devo’s social critique, while critics argue that the explicit references to contemporary political figures cross into partisan territory. Regardless, the single remains consistent with the band’s original mission of confronting authoritarianism and propaganda through satire.
At present, “Just Do It!” is available on major streaming platforms and accompanied by the animated video on YouTube. No further releases or touring plans have been announced. The track stands as a reminder that, according to Casale, the warning of de‑evolution remains as relevant today as it was in the aftermath of Kent State.
