Alan Myers, the drummer in U.S. post-punk band Devo from 1976-1985, died on Monday following a battle with cancer.

He joined the band ahead of their debut album, 1978's Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo, and recorded five further albums with them, establishing himself as part of their classic line-up.

Following his departure from the band, Myers played in a number of Los Angeles bands, namely Skyline Electric, named after his electrical contractors company.

Paying tribute to Myers, Devo founder member Gerard Castale said: “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!! I begged him not to quit Devo. He could not tolerate being replaced by the Fairlight and autocratic machine music. I agreed. Alan, you were the best – a human metronome and then some. A once in a lifetime find thanks to Bob Mothersbaugh. U were born to drum Devo!”