Dead Kennedys

Americas United States Punk Rock

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Band Timeline

1978

Formation of Dead Kennedys

Dead Kennedys were formed in June 1978 in San Francisco, California. The original lineup included East Bay Ray on lead guitar, Klaus Flouride on bass, Jello Biafra as lead vocalist, Ted on drums, and 6025 on rhythm guitar. Their first live performance was on July 19, 1978, at Mabuhay Gardens, a notable punk venue in San Francisco. Despite their provocative name generating controversy and protests, the band began gaining attention and starting their journey as a key figure in punk rock.

1979

Early Lineup Changes and Growing Presence

In 1979, rhythm guitarist 6025 left the band, refining their lineup. Dead Kennedys continued to perform actively, sometimes using pseudonyms to counter the backlash caused by their name. Their provocative embrace of political and social themes began drawing attention, setting the tone for their future work. The band's presence in the San Francisco punk scene grew, gaining them a dedicated following and making them one of the standout acts during the early years of American punk rock.

1980

Release of Debut Album Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables

Dead Kennedys recorded and released their first album, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, in 1980. This album is critically acclaimed and considered a defining work in punk rock, showcasing their aggressive style blended with sharp political commentary. During this time, drummer Ted left the band shortly after recording the album. The release solidified Dead Kennedys' reputation for blending aggressive music with provocative and satirical lyrics, addressing issues ranging from politics to popular culture.

1981

New Drummer and Release of In God We Trust Inc. EP

In 1981, D. H. Peligro replaced Ted as the band's drummer, becoming the longest-serving member in this position. That year, Dead Kennedys released the EP In God We Trust Inc., continuing their exploration of social and political themes. This period was marked by increased intensity in their music and performances, with the band solidifying their status in the punk subculture and gaining greater attention for their contentious and politically charged content.

1982

Release of Second Album Plastic Surgery Disasters

The band's second studio album, Plastic Surgery Disasters, was released in 1982. This album further established their reputation for mixing fast-paced, raw punk sounds with deeply satirical lyrics addressing societal issues such as consumerism, government hypocrisy, and cultural decay. The album contributed to their influential stature within the punk scene, noted for its uncompromising style and critical perspective on American society during the early 1980s.

1985

Release of Frankenchrist and Controversy

In 1985, Dead Kennedys released their third album, Frankenchrist. The album became notable not only for its sonic experimentation and lyrical content but also for sparking controversy due to the inclusion of a poster featuring controversial artwork. This artwork led to accusations of obscenity and legal challenges, drawing national attention to issues of censorship in rock music. This period also saw lead vocalist Jello Biafra actively campaigning against the Parents Music Resource Center, fighting for artistic freedom in the face of growing opposition.

1986

Release of Bedtime for Democracy and Band Breakup

Dead Kennedys released their fourth studio album, Bedtime for Democracy, in 1986. The album was recorded and released shortly after they announced their breakup in January of the same year. The dissolution came in the wake of increasing legal and political pressures as well as internal band dynamics. Bedtime for Democracy served as a critical and thematic closure to their initial run, summarizing their ongoing critique of societal and political injustice, as well as reflecting the band's frustrations with the climate around their music.

2000

Legal Dispute and Aftermath

In 2000, Jello Biafra lost a significant legal case initiated by his former bandmates over songwriting credits and unpaid royalties. The legal dispute was acrimonious and continued through appeals until it was upheld in 2003. This case impacted relationships within the band significantly. Following the breakup, Biafra had been running Alternative Tentacles, the band's independent record label, and pursued collaborations with various artists, but the legal turmoil marked a critical point in the band's post-breakup legacy.

2001

Band Reformation Without Jello Biafra

Dead Kennedys reformed in 2001 without their original lead vocalist Jello Biafra. Since then, the band recruited various singers to fill the vocal role. Although they have continued to perform and tour, they have not released any new studio albums since their breakup in 1986. This new incarnation has allowed the band to maintain their presence in punk rock scenes, but it also generated mixed reactions from fans due to the absence of Biafra and the legal disputes that preceded this reformation.

2022

Passing of Drummer D. H. Peligro

In 2022, the band's longest-serving drummer, D. H. Peligro, passed away. Peligro had been an important member of Dead Kennedys since 1981, contributing to their music and live performances over many years. His death marked the end of an era for the band and underscored the legacy of one of punk rock's most influential groups. The band's political and cultural impact continues to be recognized, with Peligro’s contribution commemorated by fans and musicians alike.

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Albums

Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables

14 tracks

1980

Plastic Surgery Disasters

Bedtime for Democracy

21 tracks

1986

Iguana Studios Rehearsal Tape: San Francisco 1978

13 tracks

2018

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Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Klaus Flouride

1978

East Bay Ray

1978

History

Name

Begin

End

Occupation

Jello Biafra

1978

1986

Ted

1978

1980

D.H. Peligro

1980

2022

Drums (drum set)

6025

1978

1979

Brandon Cruz

2001

2003

Story of Dead Kennedys

Dead Kennedys: The Bay Area's Punk Pioneers

Emerging from the San Francisco punk scene in 1978, the Dead Kennedys became a force to be reckoned with, carving their name in the annals of punk rock history. Their eight-year reign saw them evolve into one of the genre's most influential and defining acts.

The original lineup, featuring East Bay Ray (lead guitar), Klaus Flouride (bass), Jello Biafra (vocals), Ted (drums), and 6025 (rhythm guitar), quickly saw the latter two members depart. Ted exited in 1980 following the release of their groundbreaking debut album, "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables." The band found their longest-lasting drummer in D.H. Peligro, who joined in 1981 and anchored the rhythm section until his untimely death in 2022.

The Dead Kennedys continued to unleash their sonic fury, churning out the "In God We Trust Inc." EP, and three more studio albums: "Plastic Surgery Disasters", "Frankenchrist", and "Bedtime for Democracy." The latter album, released shortly after the band's breakup in 1986, became a poignant swansong.

Their music was mainly released through Alternative Tentacles, an independent record label established by Biafra and East Bay Ray, showcasing their commitment to DIY punk ethos.

After the band's dissolution, Biafra continued his involvement with Alternative Tentacles, forging collaborations with artists like D.O.A., NoMeansNo, and his own bands Lard and the Guantanamo School of Medicine. He also released numerous spoken word recordings, showcasing his sharp political wit and biting commentary.

A bitter legal battle over songwriting credits and royalties erupted in 2000, with Biafra ultimately losing the case. The band subsequently reformed in 2001 without Biafra, continuing their legacy with a revolving door of vocalists.

The Dead Kennedys remain a potent symbol of punk's rebellious spirit, their music and message continuing to resonate with generations of fans. They stand as a testament to the power of music to challenge societal norms and ignite a fire for change.

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Dead Kennedys

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Top Dead Kennedys Community Posts

Band Timeline

Formation of Dead Kennedys

Early Lineup Changes and Growing Presence

Release of Debut Album Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables

New Drummer and Release of In God We Trust Inc. EP

Release of Second Album Plastic Surgery Disasters

Release of Frankenchrist and Controversy

Release of Bedtime for Democracy and Band Breakup

Legal Dispute and Aftermath

Band Reformation Without Jello Biafra

Passing of Drummer D. H. Peligro

Albums

Members

Current

Klaus Flouride

East Bay Ray

History

Jello Biafra

Ted

D.H. Peligro

Drums (drum set)

6025

Brandon Cruz

Story of Dead Kennedys

Dead Kennedys: The Bay Area's Punk Pioneers

Learn more about Dead Kennedys

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Band Timeline

Formation of Dead Kennedys

Early Lineup Changes and Growing Presence

Release of Debut Album Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables

New Drummer and Release of In God We Trust Inc. EP

Release of Second Album Plastic Surgery Disasters

Release of Frankenchrist and Controversy

Release of Bedtime for Democracy and Band Breakup

Legal Dispute and Aftermath

Band Reformation Without Jello Biafra

Passing of Drummer D. H. Peligro