Rotosound at the Guitar Showcase 2023: IDLES’ Adam “Dev” Devonshire gives the low-down on his musical journey inside the UK’s joyfully defiant post-punk band

The film takes an intimate look at the musical journey of IDLES’ bassist Adam “Dev” Devonshire.

Dev discusses what inspired him to play bass, his progress from running a music venue to being in one of the UK’s top bands, and where he’s at in his journey currently. Taking inspiration from The Stranglers to Gilla Band, Dev dives into his bass tone and gear, of which Rotosound strings play a crucial role.

Bristol-based post-punk rock band IDLES broke into the public consciousness in 2017 with the release of their critically acclaimed debut album Brutalism. However, the band formed eight years earlier when Dev met singer Joe Talbot at college and shortly afterwards brought in guitarists Mark Bowen and Lee Kiernan, and drummer Jon Beavis. 

Their distinct musical style is assault of noise, heavy riffs, and an engine-like drive in the rhythm section – all tied together with Talbot’s emotionally-delivered lyrics. The band’s fourth album, Crawler, was released in 2021 and received a nomination for Best Rock Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards.

The interview is segmented with original pieces, plus Dev plays through some classic IDLES tracks.

Dev plays Rotosound Swing Bass 66 strings in gauges 45-105 and 50-110. He also uses Rotosound Jazz Bass 77 strings in gauge 45-105.

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