Dead Kennedys: Difference between revisions
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imported>ItsNotGoingToHappen Filled in 1 bare reference(s) with reFill 2 |
imported>William Avery |
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| alias = | | alias = | ||
| origin = [[San Francisco]], California, U.S. | | origin = [[San Francisco]], California, U.S. | ||
| genre = {{hlist|[[Punk rock]]|[[hardcore punk]] | | genre = {{hlist|[[Punk rock]]|[[hardcore punk]]}} | ||
| | | works = [[Dead Kennedys discography|Discography]] | ||
| years_active = {{flatlist| | | years_active = {{flatlist| | ||
* 1978–1986 | * 1978–1986 | ||
* 2001–present}} | * 2001–present}} | ||
| label = {{hlist|[[Cherry Red Records|Cherry Red]]|{{nowrap|[[Faulty Products]]}}|{{nowrap|[[Alternative Tentacles]]}}|[[Manifesto Records|Manifesto]]/Decay}} | | label = {{hlist|[[Cherry Red Records|Cherry Red]]|{{nowrap|[[Faulty Products]]}}|{{nowrap|[[Alternative Tentacles]]}}|[[Manifesto Records|Manifesto]]/Decay}} | ||
| website = {{URL|deadkennedys.com}} | | website = {{URL|deadkennedys.com}} | ||
| current_members = * [[East Bay Ray]] | | current_members = * [[East Bay Ray]] | ||
* [[Klaus Flouride]] | * [[Klaus Flouride]] | ||
* [[Skip Greer|Ron "Skip" Greer]] | * [[Skip Greer|Ron "Skip" Greer]] | ||
* Steve Wilson | * [[Steve Wilson (drummer)|Steve Wilson]] | ||
| past_members = * [[Jello Biafra]] | | past_members = * [[Jello Biafra]] | ||
* [[Carlo Cadona|6025]] | * [[Carlo Cadona|6025]] | ||
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}} | }} | ||
'''Dead Kennedys''' are<!-- Proper nouns that are plural in form take a plural verb in both American English and British English. Please do not change "are" to "is". --> an American [[punk rock]] band that formed in [[San Francisco]], California, in 1978.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vaziri |first=Aidin |date=December 18, 2023 |title=Dead Kennedys' punk classic 'Fresh Fruit' achieves gold status after 43 years |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/dead-kennedys-fresh-fruit-gold-status-18561506.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222015830/https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/dead-kennedys-fresh-fruit-gold-status-18561506.php |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |access-date=March 28, 2024 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |language=en}}</ref> The band was one of the defining punk | '''Dead Kennedys''' are<!-- Proper nouns that are plural in form take a plural verb in both American English and British English. Please do not change "are" to "is". --> an American [[punk rock]] band that formed in [[San Francisco]], California, in 1978.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Vaziri |first=Aidin |date=December 18, 2023 |title=Dead Kennedys' punk classic 'Fresh Fruit' achieves gold status after 43 years |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/dead-kennedys-fresh-fruit-gold-status-18561506.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231222015830/https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/dead-kennedys-fresh-fruit-gold-status-18561506.php |archive-date=December 22, 2023 |access-date=March 28, 2024 |work=San Francisco Chronicle |language=en}}</ref> The band was one of the defining bands of the American punk scene during the band's initial eight-year run.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dead-kennedys-mn0000786613/biography|title=Dead Kennedys {{!}} Biography & History|website=AllMusic|language=en-us|access-date=June 24, 2019|archive-date=June 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624104235/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/dead-kennedys-mn0000786613/biography|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
The band's lineup initially consisted of lead guitarist [[East Bay Ray]], bassist [[Klaus Flouride]], lead vocalist [[Jello Biafra]], drummer [[Bruce Slesinger|Ted]] and rhythm guitarist [[Carlo Cadona|6025]]; 6025 left in 1979, and Ted left the following year after the band recorded their acclaimed first album ''[[Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables]]'' (1980). The band's longest-serving drummer was [[D. H. Peligro]], who replaced Ted in 1981 and remained until his death in 2022. Dead Kennedys recorded the EP ''[[In God We Trust Inc.]]'' (1981), followed by three more studio albums, ''[[Plastic Surgery Disasters]]'' (1982), ''[[Frankenchrist]]'' (1985), and ''[[Bedtime for Democracy]]'' (1986), the latter of which was recorded and released shortly after announcing their breakup in January 1986. Most of the band's recordings were released on [[Alternative Tentacles]], an independent record label founded by Biafra and East Bay Ray. | |||
Following Dead Kennedys' dissolution, Biafra continued to run Alternative Tentacles, and went on to collaborate and record with other artists, including [[D.O.A. (band)|D.O.A.]], [[Nomeansno|NoMeansNo]] and his own bands [[Lard (band)|Lard]] and the [[Guantanamo School of Medicine]], as well as releasing several spoken word performances. In 2000 (upheld on appeal in 2003), Biafra lost an acrimonious legal case initiated by his former Dead Kennedys bandmates over songwriting credits and unpaid royalties. In 2001, the band | Following Dead Kennedys' dissolution, Biafra continued to run Alternative Tentacles, and went on to collaborate and record with other artists, including [[D.O.A. (band)|D.O.A.]], [[Nomeansno|NoMeansNo]] and his own bands [[Lard (band)|Lard]] and the [[Guantanamo School of Medicine]], as well as releasing several spoken word performances. In 2000 (upheld on appeal in 2003), Biafra lost an acrimonious legal case initiated by his former Dead Kennedys bandmates over songwriting credits and unpaid royalties. In 2001, the band re-formed without Biafra; various singers have since been recruited for vocal duties. Although Dead Kennedys have continued to perform over the years, they have not released any more studio albums since ''Bedtime for Democracy''. | ||
Dead Kennedys' lyrics were usually political in nature, satirizing political figures and authority in general, as well as popular culture and even the [[punk subculture|punk movement]] itself. During their initial incarnation between 1978 and 1986, they attracted considerable controversy for their provocative lyrics and artwork. Several stores refused to stock their recordings, provoking debate about censorship in rock music; in the mid-1980s, vocalist and primary lyricist [[Jello Biafra]] became an active campaigner against the [[Parents Music Resource Center]] (PMRC). This culminated in an obscenity trial between 1985 and 1986, which resulted in a [[hung jury]] and also hastened the band's demise. | Dead Kennedys' lyrics were usually political in nature, satirizing political figures and authority in general, as well as popular culture and even the [[punk subculture|punk movement]] itself. During their initial incarnation between 1978 and 1986, they attracted considerable controversy for their provocative lyrics and artwork. Several stores refused to stock their recordings, provoking debate about censorship in rock music; in the mid-1980s, vocalist and primary lyricist [[Jello Biafra]] became an active campaigner against the [[Parents Music Resource Center]] (PMRC). This culminated in an obscenity trial between 1985 and 1986, which resulted in a [[hung jury]] and also hastened the band's demise. | ||
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== History == | == History == | ||
=== Formation of the band (1978–1979) === | === Formation of the band (1978–1979) === | ||
Dead Kennedys were formed in June 1978 in [[San Francisco, California]], when [[East Bay Ray]] (Raymond Pepperell) advertised for bandmates in the newspaper ''[[The Recycler]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Nathaniel |last=Lay|url=https://newnoisemagazine.com/news-dead-kennedys-celebrate-40-years-with-limited-edition-vinyl-set/|title=NEWS: Dead Kennedys Celebrate 40 Years With Limited Edition Vinyl Set|website=[[New Noise Magazine]]|date=November 15, 2019|language=en|access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> The original band lineup consisted of East Bay Ray on lead guitar, [[Klaus Flouride]] (Geoffrey Lyall) on bass, [[Jello Biafra]] (Eric Reed Boucher) on vocals, [[Ted (musician)|Ted]] (Bruce Slesinger) on drums and [[Carlos Cadona|6025]] (Carlos Cadona) on rhythm guitar. This lineup recorded their [[The 1978 Demos|first demos]]. Their first live show was on July 19, 1978 at Mabuhay Gardens in San Francisco, California. They were the opening act on a bill that included DV8 and Negative Trend with The Offs headlining.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://oldpunkflyers.tumblr.com/image/149937616131|title=Old Punk Flyers: Photo}}</ref> | Dead Kennedys were formed in June 1978 in [[San Francisco, California]], when [[East Bay Ray]] (Raymond Pepperell) advertised for bandmates in the newspaper ''[[The Recycler]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Nathaniel |last=Lay|url=https://newnoisemagazine.com/news-dead-kennedys-celebrate-40-years-with-limited-edition-vinyl-set/|title=NEWS: Dead Kennedys Celebrate 40 Years With Limited Edition Vinyl Set|website=[[New Noise Magazine]]|date=November 15, 2019|language=en|access-date=August 11, 2023}}</ref> The original band lineup consisted of East Bay Ray on lead guitar, [[Klaus Flouride]] (Geoffrey Lyall) on bass, [[Jello Biafra]] (Eric Reed Boucher) on vocals, [[Ted (musician)|Ted]] (Bruce Slesinger) on drums and [[Carlos Cadona|6025]] (Carlos Cadona) on rhythm guitar. This lineup recorded their [[The 1978 Demos|first demos]]. Their first live show was on July 19, 1978 at Mabuhay Gardens in San Francisco, California. They were the opening act on a bill that included DV8 and Negative Trend with The Offs headlining.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://oldpunkflyers.tumblr.com/image/149937616131|title=Old Punk Flyers: Photo|website=Oldpunkflyers.tumblr.com|access-date=August 9, 2025}}</ref> | ||
Dead Kennedys played numerous shows at local venues afterward. Due to the provocative name of the band, they sometimes played under pseudonyms, including "The DK's", "The Sharks", "The Creamsicles" and "The Pink Twinkies". ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' columnist [[Herb Caen]] wrote in November 1978, "Just when you think tastelessness has reached its [[nadir]], along comes a punk rock group called 'The Dead Kennedys', which will play at Mabuhay Gardens on Nov. 22, the 15th anniversary of [[John F. Kennedy's assassination]]." Despite mounting protests, the owner of Mabuhay declared, "I can't cancel them NOW—there's a contract. Not, apparently, the kind of contract some people have in mind."<ref>Caen, Herb (November 17, 1978) "On the Rotunda." ''San Francisco Chronicle.''</ref> However, despite popular belief, the name was not meant to insult the Kennedy family, but according to Ray, "the assassinations were in much more poor taste than our band. We actually respect the Kennedy family. . . . When JFK was assassinated, when [[Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.| | Dead Kennedys played numerous shows at local venues afterward. Due to the provocative name of the band, they sometimes played under pseudonyms, including "The DK's", "The Sharks", "The Creamsicles" and "The Pink Twinkies". ''[[San Francisco Chronicle]]'' columnist [[Herb Caen]] wrote in November 1978, "Just when you think tastelessness has reached its [[nadir]], along comes a punk rock group called 'The Dead Kennedys', which will play at Mabuhay Gardens on Nov. 22, the 15th anniversary of [[John F. Kennedy's assassination]]." Despite mounting protests, the owner of Mabuhay declared, "I can't cancel them NOW—there's a contract. Not, apparently, the kind of contract some people have in mind."<ref>Caen, Herb (November 17, 1978) "On the Rotunda." ''San Francisco Chronicle.''</ref> However, despite popular belief, the name was not meant to insult the Kennedy family, but according to Ray, "the assassinations were in much more poor taste than our band. We actually respect the Kennedy family. . . . When [[Assassination of John F. Kennedy|JFK was assassinated]], when [[Assassination of Malcolm X|Malcolm X was assassinated]], when [[Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.|MLK was assassinated]], when [[Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy|RFK was assassinated]], the [[American Dream]] was assassinated. . . . Our name is actually homage to the American Dream".<ref>{{Cite web |first=Lincoln A. |last=Mitchell|url=https://lithub.com/dead-kennedys-in-the-west-the-politicized-punks-of-1970s-san-francisco/|title=Dead Kennedys in the West: The Politicized Punks of 1970s San Francisco|website=Literary Hub|date=October 22, 2019|language=en|access-date=August 4, 2020}}</ref> | ||
6025 left the band in March 1979 under somewhat unclear circumstances, generally considered to be musical differences. In June, the band released their first single, "[[California Über Alles]]", on Biafra and East Bay Ray's [[independent label]], [[Alternative Tentacles]]. The band followed with a poorly attended [[East Coast of the United States|East Coast]] tour, being a new and fairly unknown band at the time, without a full album release. | 6025 left the band in March 1979 under somewhat unclear circumstances, generally considered to be musical differences. In June, the band released their first single, "[[California Über Alles]]", on Biafra and East Bay Ray's [[independent label]], [[Alternative Tentacles]]. The band followed with a poorly attended [[East Coast of the United States|East Coast]] tour, being a new and fairly unknown band at the time, without a full album release. | ||
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In addition to the obscenity lawsuit, the band became increasingly disillusioned with the underground scene as well. The hardcore scene, which had been a haven for free-thinking intellectuals and downtrodden nonconformists, was attracting a more violent audience that imposed an increasing level of brutality on other concertgoers and began to alienate many of the bands and individuals who had helped pioneer the movement in the early 1980s. In earlier years the band had criticized neo-Nazi skinheads for trying to ruin the punk scene, but just as big a problem was the popularity of increasingly macho hardcore bands, which brought the group (and their genre) an audience that had little to do with the ideas/ideals they stood for. Biafra penned new songs such as "[[Bedtime for Democracy|Chickenshit Conformist]]" and "[[Bedtime for Democracy|Anarchy for Sale]]" that articulated the band's feelings about the "dumbing down" of punk rock. During the summer they recorded these for their final album, ''[[Bedtime for Democracy]]'', which was released in November. The artwork, depicting a defaced [[Statue of Liberty]] overrun with Nazis, media, opportunists, Klan members, corrupt government officials, and religious zombies, echoed the idea that neither America itself nor the punk scene were safe havens any more for "your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free". The album contains a number of fast/short songs interspersed with jazz ("D.M.S.O."), spoken word ("A Commercial") and psychedelia ("Cesspools In Eden").{{citation needed|date=August 2017}} | In addition to the obscenity lawsuit, the band became increasingly disillusioned with the underground scene as well. The hardcore scene, which had been a haven for free-thinking intellectuals and downtrodden nonconformists, was attracting a more violent audience that imposed an increasing level of brutality on other concertgoers and began to alienate many of the bands and individuals who had helped pioneer the movement in the early 1980s. In earlier years the band had criticized neo-Nazi skinheads for trying to ruin the punk scene, but just as big a problem was the popularity of increasingly macho hardcore bands, which brought the group (and their genre) an audience that had little to do with the ideas/ideals they stood for. Biafra penned new songs such as "[[Bedtime for Democracy|Chickenshit Conformist]]" and "[[Bedtime for Democracy|Anarchy for Sale]]" that articulated the band's feelings about the "dumbing down" of punk rock. During the summer they recorded these for their final album, ''[[Bedtime for Democracy]]'', which was released in November. The artwork, depicting a defaced [[Statue of Liberty]] overrun with Nazis, media, opportunists, Klan members, corrupt government officials, and religious zombies, echoed the idea that neither America itself nor the punk scene were safe havens any more for "your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free". The album contains a number of fast/short songs interspersed with jazz ("D.M.S.O."), spoken word ("A Commercial") and psychedelia ("Cesspools In Eden").{{citation needed|date=August 2017}} | ||
The band decided to split up in January 1986, prior to the recording and release of ''Bedtime for Democracy'', and played their last live show with the original lineup on 21 February.<ref>{{Cite web |last=bigspin |date=2011-04-06 |title=Dead Kennedys |url=https://beat.com.au/dead-kennedys/ |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=Beat Magazine |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Punknews.org |title=Dead Kennedys – Bedtime for Democracy |url=https://www.punknews.org/review/15413/dead-kennedys-bedtime-for-democracy |access-date=2022-12-13 |website= | The band decided to split up in January 1986, prior to the recording and release of ''Bedtime for Democracy'', and played their last live show with the original lineup on 21 February.<ref>{{Cite web |last=bigspin |date=2011-04-06 |title=Dead Kennedys |url=https://beat.com.au/dead-kennedys/ |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=Beat Magazine |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Punknews.org |title=Dead Kennedys – Bedtime for Democracy |url=https://www.punknews.org/review/15413/dead-kennedys-bedtime-for-democracy |access-date=2022-12-13 |website=Punknews.org |date=July 30, 2017 |language=en}}</ref> Biafra went on to speak about his political beliefs on numerous television shows and he released a number of [[spoken-word]] albums. Ray, Flouride, and Peligro also went on to solo careers. As of 2026, it remains the band's final studio album.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Cleary |first1=David |title=Bedtime for Democracy - Dead Kennedys (review) |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/bedtime-for-democracy-mw0000189623 |website=AllMusic |access-date=May 14, 2025}}</ref> | ||
===Band | ===Band re-formation and death of Peligro (2001–present)=== | ||
In 2001, Ray, Peligro, and Flouride | In 2001, Ray, Peligro, and Flouride re-formed the Dead Kennedys, with former [[Dr. Know (band)|Dr. Know]] singer [[Brandon Cruz]] replacing Biafra on vocals. The band played under the name "DK Kennedys" for a few concerts, but later reverted to "Dead Kennedys" permanently. They played across the continental United States, Europe, Asia, South America, and Russia. Brandon Cruz left the band in May 2003 and was replaced by [[Jeff Penalty]]. The band has released two live albums of archival performances on Manifesto Records: ''[[Mutiny on the Bay]]'', compiled from various live shows including a recording from their last show with Biafra in 1986, and ''[[Live at the Deaf Club]]'', a recording of a 1979 performance at the Deaf Club in [[San Francisco]] which was greeted with more enthusiasm. | ||
On October 9, 2007, a [[greatest hits album|best of album]] titled ''[[Milking the Sacred Cow]]'' was released. It includes two previously unreleased live versions of "Soup Is Good Food" and "Jock-O-Rama", originally found on ''Frankenchrist''. | On October 9, 2007, a [[greatest hits album|best of album]] titled ''[[Milking the Sacred Cow]]'' was released. It includes two previously unreleased live versions of "Soup Is Good Food" and "Jock-O-Rama", originally found on ''Frankenchrist''. | ||
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In 2017, East Bay Ray revealed that the band and Jello Biafra had been approached by the Punk-oriented music festival [[Riot Fest]] about a potential reunion. While Ray and the rest of the band expressed interest in the concept, Biafra refused.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.axs.com/dead-kennedys-turn-down-reunion-gig-at-riot-fest-remaining-100-percent-114890|title=Dead Kennedys turn down reunion gig at Riot Fest, remaining 100 percent punk|website=Axs.com|access-date=October 14, 2019|archive-date=June 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613095932/https://www.axs.com/dead-kennedys-turn-down-reunion-gig-at-riot-fest-remaining-100-percent-114890|url-status=live}}</ref> | In 2017, East Bay Ray revealed that the band and Jello Biafra had been approached by the Punk-oriented music festival [[Riot Fest]] about a potential reunion. While Ray and the rest of the band expressed interest in the concept, Biafra refused.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.axs.com/dead-kennedys-turn-down-reunion-gig-at-riot-fest-remaining-100-percent-114890|title=Dead Kennedys turn down reunion gig at Riot Fest, remaining 100 percent punk|website=Axs.com|access-date=October 14, 2019|archive-date=June 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613095932/https://www.axs.com/dead-kennedys-turn-down-reunion-gig-at-riot-fest-remaining-100-percent-114890|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
On April 26, 2019, the group released ''DK40'', a live compilation album celebrating 40 years since the band formed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/ | On April 26, 2019, the group released ''DK40'', a live compilation album celebrating 40 years since the band formed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/dead-kennedys-east-bay-ray-dk40-live-8506510/|title=Dead Kennedys' East Bay Ray on Their Explosive Live Legacy -- And His Hopes for Jello Biafra|website=Billboard.com|access-date=October 14, 2019|archive-date=October 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191017005442/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8506510/dead-kennedys-east-bay-ray-dk40-live|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
On October 28, 2022, D.H. Peligro died from an overdose of heroin and fentanyl, although it was initially believed to have been from possible head trauma from a fall at his home that day.<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/DeadKennedys/status/1586433597325512704 |title=Dead Kennedys' drummer D.H. Peligro (Darren Henley) passed away in his Los Angeles home yesterday, Oct 28th. |user=DeadKennedys |author=Dead Kennedys |number=1586433597325512704 |date=October 29, 2022 |access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dead Kennedys Drummer D.H. Peligro's Cause of Death Revealed |url=https://www.tmz.com/2023/05/02/dead-kennedys-drummer-dh-peligro-cause-death-dead-dies-drugs-fentanyl/ |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=TMZ |date=May 2, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Since Peligro's death, the band has performed in the UK with Santi Guardiola and the United States with Steve Wilson (who had played in D. H. Peligro's band Peligro before) filling in on drums. | On October 28, 2022, D.H. Peligro died from an overdose of heroin and fentanyl, although it was initially believed to have been from possible head trauma from a fall at his home that day.<ref>{{cite tweet |url=https://twitter.com/DeadKennedys/status/1586433597325512704 |title=Dead Kennedys' drummer D.H. Peligro (Darren Henley) passed away in his Los Angeles home yesterday, Oct 28th. |user=DeadKennedys |author=Dead Kennedys |number=1586433597325512704 |date=October 29, 2022 |access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dead Kennedys Drummer D.H. Peligro's Cause of Death Revealed |url=https://www.tmz.com/2023/05/02/dead-kennedys-drummer-dh-peligro-cause-death-dead-dies-drugs-fentanyl/ |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=TMZ |date=May 2, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Since Peligro's death, the band has performed in the UK with Santi Guardiola and the United States with [[Steve Wilson (drummer)|Steve Wilson]] (who had played in D. H. Peligro's band Peligro before) filling in on drums. | ||
On March 7, 2026, Jello Biafra fell at his home due to a [[Stroke|hemorrhagic stroke]] from [[high blood pressure]] and was hospitalized in stable condition. He issued a statement two days later saying that "I still have a lot of great stuff in me, but right now I gotta lotta rehabbing to do."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/bummer-alert/ex-dead-kennedys-vocalist-jello-biafra-hospitalized-after-suffering-stroke |title=Ex-DEAD KENNEDYS Vocalist JELLO BIAFRA Hospitalized After Suffering Stroke |website=metalinjection.com |access-date=March 9, 2026}}</ref> | |||
== Conflicts between members == | == Conflicts between members == | ||
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Several DVDs, re-issues, and live albums have been released since the departure of Biafra most recently on Manifesto Records. According to Biafra, the live albums are "cash-ins" on Dead Kennedys' name and his music. Biafra also accused the releases of the new live material of having poor sound quality. Furthermore, he has stated he is not receiving any royalties from the sale of any Manifesto Records releases. Consequently, he has discouraged fans from buying any Dead Kennedy reissues. The other band members denied Biafra's accusations regarding the live releases, and have defended the mixes as an effort of hard work. Biafra dismissed the new group as "the world's greediest karaoke band." Nevertheless, in 2003, [[Klaus Flouride]] said of performances without the band's former frontman: "There hasn't been a show yet that people didn't really like."<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.citizinemag.com/music/music-0309_klausflouride.htm |title= Interview with Dead Kennedys' Klaus Flouride| website= citizinemag.com| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110608062512/http://www.citizinemag.com/music/music-0309_klausflouride.htm |archivedate= June 8, 2011 |first= Klaus| last= Flouride| interviewer= Mark Prindle| date= September 1, 2003| access-date= }}</ref> | Several DVDs, re-issues, and live albums have been released since the departure of Biafra most recently on Manifesto Records. According to Biafra, the live albums are "cash-ins" on Dead Kennedys' name and his music. Biafra also accused the releases of the new live material of having poor sound quality. Furthermore, he has stated he is not receiving any royalties from the sale of any Manifesto Records releases. Consequently, he has discouraged fans from buying any Dead Kennedy reissues. The other band members denied Biafra's accusations regarding the live releases, and have defended the mixes as an effort of hard work. Biafra dismissed the new group as "the world's greediest karaoke band." Nevertheless, in 2003, [[Klaus Flouride]] said of performances without the band's former frontman: "There hasn't been a show yet that people didn't really like."<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.citizinemag.com/music/music-0309_klausflouride.htm |title= Interview with Dead Kennedys' Klaus Flouride| website= citizinemag.com| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110608062512/http://www.citizinemag.com/music/music-0309_klausflouride.htm |archivedate= June 8, 2011 |first= Klaus| last= Flouride| interviewer= Mark Prindle| date= September 1, 2003| access-date= }}</ref> | ||
Biafra further criticized them for advertising shows using his own image taken from the original 1980s incarnation of the band, which he labeled as false advertising. He attacked the | Biafra further criticized them for advertising shows using his own image taken from the original 1980s incarnation of the band, which he labeled as false advertising. He attacked the re-formed Dead Kennedys in a song called "[[Those Dumb Punk Kids (Will Buy Anything)]]", which appears on his second collaboration with sludge metal band the [[Melvins]], ''[[Sieg Howdy!]]'' | ||
Biafra told an audience at a speaking gig in [[Trenton, | Biafra told an audience at a speaking gig in [[Trenton, New Jersey]], that the remaining Dead Kennedys have licensed their single "Too Drunk to Fuck" to be used in a rape scene in a [[Robert Rodriguez]] movie. The reference is to a lounge cover of the song, recorded by the band [[Nouvelle Vague (band)|Nouvelle Vague]], played during a scene in the ''[[Planet Terror]]'' segment of ''[[Grindhouse (film)|Grindhouse]]'', although no rape takes place, and in fact the would-be rapist is killed by the would-be victim. The scene in ''Planet Terror'' has would-be rapist, "Rapist No. 1" ([[Quentin Tarantino]]) order one-legged stripper "Cherry Darlin" ([[Rose McGowan]]) to get up off the floor and dance. At this point Tarantino hits play on a cassette recorder and Nouvelle Vague's cover of "Too Drunk To Fuck" plays. Biafra, disapproving of the situation, later wrote, "This is their lowest point since Levi's... This goes against everything the Dead Kennedys stands for in spades... The terrified woman later 'wins' by killing Tarantino, but that excuse does not rescue this at all. I wrote every note of that song and this is not what it was meant for.... Some people will do anything for money. I can't help but think back to how prudish Klaus Flouride was when he objected to H. R. Giger's painting on the "[[Frankenchrist]]" (sic) poster, saying he couldn't bear to show it to his parents. I'd sure love to be a fly on the wall when he tries to explain putting a song in a rape scene for money to his teenage daughter... The deal was pushed through by a new business manager the other three hired."<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.alternativetentacles.com/news.php?page=3&news_section=JELLO&window_size=15&sd=iIdfyzSpZwkE0A3pVRu |title= Greedy ex-DKs okay song for rape scene in new Tarantino Movie| website= alternativetentacles.com| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20160312232417/http://www.alternativetentacles.com/news.php?news_section=jello&page=3&sd=iidfyzspzwke0a3pvru&window_size=15 |archivedate= March 12, 2016 |date= March 15, 2007| publisher= | access-date= }}</ref> | ||
The | The re-formed Dead Kennedys followed their court victory by releasing reissues of all Dead Kennedys albums (except ''[[Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables]]'', to which they did not have the rights until 2005), releasing several new archival concert DVDs, and licensing several songs to ''[[The Manchurian Candidate (2004 film)|The Manchurian Candidate]]'' remake and the ''[[Tony Hawk's Pro Skater]]'' video game. [[East Bay Ray]] claims he received a fax from Alternative Tentacles purporting Biafra approved the licensing for the game.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.deadkennedysnews.com/images/tonyhawk.jpg |title= Fax from Uli Elser| first= Uli| last= Elser| date= May 5, 1999| website= deadkennedysnews.com| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20070729125446/http://www.deadkennedysnews.com/images/tonyhawk.jpg |archivedate=July 29, 2007 | access-date= }} Elser was previously a manager of Alternative Tentacles.</ref> | ||
The band claims on their website that they still pay close attention to an [[anti-corporate]] ideology, despite performing on September 5, 2003, at a festival in Turkey that was sponsored by [[Coca-Cola]], noting that they have since pulled out of a show in Los Angeles when they found that it was being sponsored by [[Coors Brewing Company|Coors]]. However, Biafra claims the previous licensing deals prove otherwise.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.deadkennedys.com/news.htm#100605 |title= DKs Pull Out of 'Waking the Dead' Show| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20060216103405/http://www.deadkennedys.com/news.htm#100605 |archivedate= February 16, 2006 |website= DeadKennedys.com| date= October 6, 2005| first= | last= | publisher= | access-date= }}</ref> | The band claims on their website that they still pay close attention to an [[anti-corporate]] ideology, despite performing on September 5, 2003, at a festival in Turkey that was sponsored by [[Coca-Cola]], noting that they have since pulled out of a show in Los Angeles when they found that it was being sponsored by [[Coors Brewing Company|Coors]]. However, Biafra claims the previous licensing deals prove otherwise.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.deadkennedys.com/news.htm#100605 |title= DKs Pull Out of 'Waking the Dead' Show| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20060216103405/http://www.deadkennedys.com/news.htm#100605 |archivedate= February 16, 2006 |website= DeadKennedys.com| date= October 6, 2005| first= | last= | publisher= | access-date= }}</ref> | ||
In a May 2025 interview with [[Guitar World]], [[East Bay Ray]] discussed a potential reunion with Jello Biafra saying that he and [[Klaus Fluoride]] were open to a reunion however it would never happen and that Biafra was to blame. He said that over the years lucrative offers such as one in 2017 from [[Riot Fest]] were proposed to the band but Biafra was against it. | In a May 2025 interview with [[Guitar World]], [[East Bay Ray]] discussed a potential reunion with Jello Biafra saying that he and [[Klaus Fluoride]] were open to a reunion however it would never happen and that Biafra was to blame. He said that over the years lucrative offers such as one in 2017 from [[Riot Fest]] were proposed to the band but Biafra was against it. "It’s not an issue for me or Klaus. It’s Biafra that turns down any offers for us to do something; we don’t have any problem." East Bay Ray went on criticize Biafra's post Dead Kennedys career and how Biafra took credit for writing most of the band's songs in which he took exception to Biafra's claims by saying "We actually wrote as a band, where in effect, due to the chemistry between us, it was a case of two and two equaling five. None of us has had a solo career that was bigger than Dead Kennedys, which, to me, shows the power of a bunch of talented people getting together and creating something that was far greater than the sum of its parts. Jello didn’t bring in the songs. I know he’s created the myth that he wrote them all, but the question here is that if he did, why didn’t he ever do anything significant after leaving the band?," adding, "[[Iggy Pop|Iggy]] left [[the Stooges]] and had a career; ditto [[Lou Reed]] with [[the Velvet Underground]] or [[Morrissey]] with [[the Smiths]]. Where’s Biafra’s solo career with a bunch of great songs? The songs were written in numerous different ways. "Holiday in Cambodia" started as a jam in the rehearsal studio" he said.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dead Kennedys' East Bay Ray: Jello Biafra Won't Reunite With Us Despite Lucrative Offers |url=https://consequence.net/2025/05/dead-kennedys-jello-biafra-wont-reunite/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR43ZRsml_c4QMnJl9l_jFfYf8k-pRkAIMWPeRuOQjgnY0iaVCU783wwOHt4cQ_aem_xRDdYh9x3cmG2HR0n-aMvA|website=Consequence | date=May 7, 2025 |access-date=May 8, 2025}}</ref> | ||
Biafra, in a 2012 interview with the ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'', stated he was not happy with the current direction of his former bandmates, nor did he want to restart the Dead Kennedys for [[nostalgia]] purposes: | Biafra, in a 2012 interview with the ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'', stated he was not happy with the current direction of his former bandmates, nor did he want to restart the Dead Kennedys for [[nostalgia]] purposes: | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote>We haven't talked in a dozen years. In their hearts they've become [[Republican Party (United States)|Republicans]] and I just wouldn't do something like that unless we can bring back the real thing. In a way getting me back into the band would be their worst nightmare, like make them rehearse. When people tell me that I owe it to the fans to regurgitate nothing but old music with the people I used to play with, that's totally the opposite of what punk and Dead Kennedys means to me. The true spirit of the whole thing is to keep going, keep moving and make more new stuff. Nobody was more cynical than the original punks about nostalgia and retro because of all the rage on TV and people started to get nostalgic in goofy ass ways for the sixties and they were thinking, "Yeah, that will never happen to us." That's not what I'm here for, sorry. It's not as if the people who come to the Guantanamo School of Medicine shows wanting nothing but old Dead Kennedys songs don't leave with a smile on their face once they've heard the new songs. It's not like I've forgot how to write this shit.<ref name="TBT">{{cite web |last1=Spears |first1=Steve |title=Jello Biafra talks about Dead Kennedys reunion |url=https://www.tampabay.com/content/jello-biafra-talks-about-dead-kennedys-reunion/2058581/ |website=[[Tampa Bay Times]] |access-date=May 13, 2025 |date=August 24, 2012}}</ref></blockquote> | ||
== Artistry == | == Artistry == | ||
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=== Logo === | === Logo === | ||
The original logo was created by [[Winston Smith (artist)|Winston Smith]]. He later contributed artwork for the covers of ''[[In God We Trust, Inc.]]'', ''[[Plastic Surgery Disasters]]'', ''[[Frankenchrist]]'', ''[[Bedtime for Democracy]]'', ''[[Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death]]'', the back cover of the "[[Kill the Poor]]" single and the [[Alternative Tentacles]] logo. When asked about the "DK" logo in an interview, Jello Biafra explained, "...I wanted to make sure it was something simple and easy to spray-paint so people would graffiti it all over the place, and then I showed it to Winston Smith. He played around with it, came back with a bunch of designs that had the circle and slightly 3-D looking letters and he had ones with different patterns behind it. I liked the one with bricks, but ultimately I thought simple red behind it was the boldest and the best."<ref>{{cite web |date=May 6, 2007 |title=Tremble Under Boom Lights: Interview with Jello Biafra |url= | The original logo was created by [[Winston Smith (artist)|Winston Smith]]. He later contributed artwork for the covers of ''[[In God We Trust, Inc.]]'', ''[[Plastic Surgery Disasters]]'', ''[[Frankenchrist]]'', ''[[Bedtime for Democracy]]'', ''[[Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death]]'', the back cover of the "[[Kill the Poor]]" single and the [[Alternative Tentacles]] logo. When asked about the "DK" logo in an interview, Jello Biafra explained, "...I wanted to make sure it was something simple and easy to spray-paint so people would graffiti it all over the place, and then I showed it to Winston Smith. He played around with it, came back with a bunch of designs that had the circle and slightly 3-D looking letters and he had ones with different patterns behind it. I liked the one with bricks, but ultimately I thought simple red behind it was the boldest and the best."<ref>{{cite web |date=May 6, 2007 |title=Tremble Under Boom Lights: Interview with Jello Biafra |url=https://trembleunderboomlights.blogspot.com/2007/05/interview-with-jello-biafra.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708071213/http://trembleunderboomlights.blogspot.com/2007/05/interview-with-jello-biafra.html |archive-date=July 8, 2011 |access-date=June 13, 2011 |publisher=Trembleunderboomlights.blogspot.com}}</ref> | ||
=== Influence === | === Influence === | ||
| Line 152: | Line 145: | ||
* [[Klaus Flouride]] (Geoffrey Lyall) – bass, backing vocals (1978–1986, 2001–2010, 2011–present) | * [[Klaus Flouride]] (Geoffrey Lyall) – bass, backing vocals (1978–1986, 2001–2010, 2011–present) | ||
* [[Skip Greer|Ron "Skip" Greer]] – lead vocals (2008–present) | * [[Skip Greer|Ron "Skip" Greer]] – lead vocals (2008–present) | ||
* Steve Wilson – drums, backing vocals (2023–present) | * [[Steve Wilson (drummer)|Steve Wilson]] – drums, backing vocals (2023–present) | ||
{{col-2}} | {{col-2}} | ||
| Line 162: | Line 155: | ||
* [[Brandon Cruz]] – lead vocals (2001–2003) | * [[Brandon Cruz]] – lead vocals (2001–2003) | ||
* [[Jeff Penalty]] (Jeff Alulis) – lead vocals (2003–2008) | * [[Jeff Penalty]] (Jeff Alulis) – lead vocals (2003–2008) | ||
* Santi Guardiola – drums (2023) | |||
'''Touring members''' | |||
* Dave Scheff – drums (2008) | * Dave Scheff – drums (2008) | ||
* Greg Reeves – bass (2010–2011) | * Greg Reeves – bass (2010–2011) | ||
{{col-end}} | {{col-end}} | ||
| Line 248: | Line 244: | ||
==Discography== | ==Discography== | ||
{{ | {{Mainlist|Dead Kennedys discography}} | ||
* ''[[Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables]]'' (1980) | * ''[[Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables]]'' (1980) | ||
* ''[[Plastic Surgery Disasters]]'' (1982) | * ''[[Plastic Surgery Disasters]]'' (1982) | ||
| Line 258: | Line 254: | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[List of Dead Kennedys live performances]] | |||
* [[List of bands from the San Francisco Bay Area]] | * [[List of bands from the San Francisco Bay Area]] | ||
* [[Ronald Reagan in music]] | * [[Ronald Reagan in music]] | ||
| Line 275: | Line 272: | ||
{{Dead Kennedys|state=expanded}} | {{Dead Kennedys|state=expanded}} | ||
{{Jello Biafra}} | {{Jello Biafra}} | ||
{{Bay Area punk}} | |||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
| Line 282: | Line 280: | ||
[[Category:2001 establishments in California]] | [[Category:2001 establishments in California]] | ||
[[Category:Alternative Tentacles artists]] | [[Category:Alternative Tentacles artists]] | ||
[[Category:American satirical musicians]] | [[Category:American satirical musicians]] | ||
[[Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines]] | [[Category:Articles which contain graphical timelines]] | ||
| Line 296: | Line 293: | ||
[[Category:American political music groups]] | [[Category:American political music groups]] | ||
[[Category:American punk rock groups]] | [[Category:American punk rock groups]] | ||
[[Category:American socialists]] | |||
[[Category:Socialism in the United States]] | |||
[[Category:Alternative rock groups from California]] | [[Category:Alternative rock groups from California]] | ||