[Zephyrus Image] [Devo]. The Waltz. np: [Zephyrus Image], 1974. First edition. 7 1/16 x 11 3/4" broadside, linocut and letterpress.
Perhaps the first printed work by Devo. The Waltz is one of a series of broadsides which were created by the Zephyrus Image for Kent State Creative Arts Festival, and originally issued in a folder with other broadsides, though individual copies of some of the broadsides were also printed separately. The festival was created as a reaction against the Kent State shootings, which is often cited as the formative impetus for Devo. The band's first public performance had been at the festival the year prior, and their performance at the festival in 1974 was one of their earliest, featuring the line-up of Bob Lewis, Mark Mothersbaugh, Jim Mothersbaugh, and the Casale brothers.
The Michael Myers bee linocut which graces this and several of the other broadsides was created in San Francisco and brought to Kent, where the broadsides were printed. Zephyrus Image were probably involved in the event due to the agency of Ed Dorn, who was on faculty at the time. The pairing of Myers' delicate and inimitable linocut work with the quirky pathos of Devo is sublime. The text instructs the viewer to supply their own waltz rhythm as the piece is read, making it a DIY performance piece - a broadside where you, the reader, are the band.
From today's new arrivals. More details here.
For an older piece on the entire portfolio, check out the Spineless and Stapled blog.