You may have not been able to tell them apart in their identical suits and energy dome hats, but US new wave band Devo lost their most prominent drummer, Alan Myers, to brain cancer on 24th June. Myers joined Devo in 1976, replacing lead singer Mark Mothersbaugh's brother, Jim, and preceding David Kendrick.

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Devo Mourn The Loss Of Former Drummer, Alan Myers.

Devo founder Mothersbaugh has paid tribute to the band's former drummer in a statement on Devo's website: "Alan Myers' metronomic drumming style helped define the sparse machinery rhythms that were a signature of our band's early sound." Bass player Gerard Casale mourned: "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!!! Myers is one of SPIN's greatest alternative drummers of all time, featuring on Devo's 1978 debut album Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo and remaining sticksman for six records until 1984's Shout, gaining an all-time hit with track 'Whip It' from 1980's Freedom of Choice.

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Devo founder Mark Mothersbaugh Credited Myers With Defining The Band's Early Sound.

The drummer quit the band in 1986, after becoming frustrated with the increasing use of drum machines, citing lack of creative fulfilment as his reason for leaving. After Devo, he joined his girlfriend Greta Ionita's band Babooshka, remaining an active musician by recording and performing.

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Former Devo Drummer Alan Myers Has Died Following Cancer Battle.

Myers death was announced by jazz musician Ralph Carney (Patrick Carney from The Black Keys' uncle), posting on Facebook: "i just got some bad news. 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".

A sure fan favourite, Myers' influence upon the group and music industry will be felt for a long time to come.

Watch Devo's 'Whip It':