Alan Myers, Devo Drummer, Dies After Battle With Brain Cancer; Once Called ‘Human Metronome’
Following a bout with brain cancer, the former longtime drummer of the band Devo Alan Myers has died. He was 58.
Myers' death occurred on Wednesday in Los Angeles, where he lived, said Devo spokesman Michael Pilmer. The prolific drummer played with the band during its heyday from 1976-1985. Formed by two Midwest natives, Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerard Casale, Devo's popularity spiked with its uber-hit-single "Whip It" in 1980. The band's characteristic red Energy Dome helmets and yellow jumpsuits cemented their quirky brand.
Myers' legacy in Devo left a considerable mark on the band's other members. Casale told the Associated Press on Wednesday that without Myers, the band's success would not have been possible. He referred to Myers as "one of the best drummers" he's ever played with.
"We were mostly in basements and garages writing songs. It was Alan that brought everything to life," Casale said. "That was the catalyst where everything clicked."
After leaving Devo, Myers worked as an electrical contractor in Los Angeles, and since 2005 had played improvisational music with his wife, Christine Myers, in the group Skyline Electric, Rolling Stone reported. He had also performed with his daughter, Laena Geronimo, in the experimental ensemble Swahili Blonde.
In praise of Alan Myers, the most incredible drummer I had the privilege to play with for 10 years. Losing him was like losing an arm. RIP!!
— Gerald Casale (@Gvc3Casale) June 26, 2013
Casale praised Myers' impeccable ability to keep time, calling him the "human metronome," and lamenting the fact Myers ever quit - a decision Myers made due to the band's increasing utilization of electronic drum kits.
The band's most recent drummer, Josh Freese, tweeted equally laudatory remarks, calling Myers one of his major influences, and "an underrated/brilliant drummer."
RIP Alan Myers. 1 of my all time favs. An underrated/brilliant drummer. Such an honor playing his parts w/Devo. Godspeed Human Metronome.
— Josh Freese (@joshfreese) June 26, 2013
Brain cancer stands out as one of the most diverse forms of cancer, formally classified as the abnormal growth of cells in the brain. While typically called brain tumors - although not all tumors are cancerous - the cancer can appear in a variety of locations, some more dangerous than others.
The most common primary brain tumors are gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, vestibular schwannomas, and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (medulloblastomas). The term glioma includes astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas.
The majority of these tumors find their names from the part of the brain where they arise.