Bob Casale Dies: Devo Guitarist Passes Away of Heart Failure at 61

Guitarist Bob Casale of the new wave group Devo died Monday of heart failure, according to Billboard. He was 61.

Casale founded Devo in 1972 with his brother, Gerald Casale, and Mark Mothersbaugh and Robert Mothersbaugh.

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Devo is most known for its 1980 song "Whip It," which reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100. Other Devo songs include "Working In the Coal Mine" and "Theme from 'Doctor Detroit.'" The band’s album "Something for Everybody” was released in 2010.

The band played at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.

Casale, known by fans as “Bob 2,” leaves behind his wife, Lisa, and two children, Alex and Samantha.

A statement from Gerald Casale was posted on the band’s website Tuesday: “As an original member of Devo, Bob Casale was there in the trenches with me from the beginning. He was my level-headed brother, a solid performer and talented audio engineer, always giving more than he got. He was excited about the possibility of Mark Mothersbaugh allowing Devo to play shows again. His sudden death from conditions that lead to heart failure came as a total shock to us all.”

The band also commented on Casale's death on Twitter.

“We are shocked & saddened by Bob Casale’s passing. He was a great friend. “ -Mark M. (see link for full statement) http://t.co/PXbUiX2Z6Y

— DEVO (@DEVO) February 18, 2014

Drummer Jeff Friedl also posted his thoughts.

One of the most solid friends & bandmates I've ever had. RIP Bob Casale. I'm going to miss the hell… http://t.co/LMUzk4Wqr1

— Jeff Friedl (@JeffFriedl) February 18, 2014

Fans also used Twitter to bid farewell to Casale.

Very sad to hear of Bob Casale's death: http://t.co/glhZbSJUNU As well as the great Devo, he helped make some fine music for Rugrats.

— Graham Kenyon (@gram63) February 18, 2014

Bob Casale stood out as an exceptional guitarist in an pioneering electronic band. Epic impact. RIP Bob 2 @DEVO pic.twitter.com/ZHv3wVgu7n

— Nic Fildes (@LovesickHank) February 18, 2014

RIP Bob Casale, loved seeing you in concert last year. Thank you for your many years of great guitaring https://t.co/AONsNZ44xB

— The Real Mr. Matt (@MattBennett) February 18, 2014

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