Alan Myers, the longtime drummer for punk band Devo, has died at age 58 after a battle with brain cancer. Myers helped define the band’s iconic sound, which included the hit “Whip It.” He died Wednesday in Los Angeles.
According to The Los Angeles Times, Myers’ death was first announced by friend and musician Ray Carney. He wrote on Facebook, “Alan Myers passed yesterday from cancer. he was Devo's best drummer and one of the first people to teach me about jazz. i cry.”
The Associated Press reports that the band’s spokesperson Michael Pilmer also confirmed Myers’ death.
Myers played on Devo’s best known tracks from 1976 to 1985. Bassist Gerald Casale told the AP that Myers could be considered a “human metronome” and that he was the best drummer he ever played with.
The group began in the early 1970s and Myers was their third drummer. He played on their first album, 1976’s Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!, which was produced by Brian Eno.
Josh Freese, who appeared on the band’s more recent tracks, wrote on Twitter, “RIP Alan Myers. 1 of my all time favs. An underrated/brilliant drummer. Such an honor playing his parts w/Devo. Godspeed Human Metronome.”
Casale also sent out several tweets, including one that said, “Alan, you were the best - a human metronome and then some. A once in a lifetime find thanks to Bob Mothersbaugh. U were born to drum Devo!”
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