Founded: 6 / 1978
Location: United States
Dead Kennedys are an American punk rock band that formed in San Francisco, California, in 1978. The band was one of the defining punk bands during its initial eight-year run.Dead Kennedys' lyrics were usually political in nature, satirizing political figures and authority in general, as well as popular culture and even the 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. This culminated in an obscenity trial between 1985 and 1986, which resulted in a hung jury.
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Following weeks of speculation, organisers of the Pandemonium festival have finally shared the itinerary for its revised operation.
"Dead Kennedys is eager to tour Australia when schedules next permit."
By their very nature, album covers have to be visually striking record or make artistic statements. Invariably some fall foul of the law... or sheer opportunism.
D.H. Peligro passed away in his Los Angeles home on 28 October 2022.
"I’m devastated today, a river of tears..."
"Lead singer Ron Greer has his back turned to his fans, mic in hands and ready to leap."
A long time coming.
The insults are a plenty from Dead Kennedys in Sydney.
"Two things really were important to us: a sense of humour and some melodic sensibility of some sort."
The fact that Dead Kennedys are a staple of punk history is not up for debate. And neither are the reasons why: it’s clear that their ability to shape the political awareness of more than one generation with untamed chords and biting words has been entirely unparalleled. We had the honour of catching up with founding member and guitarist East Bay Ray, ahead of the legends hitting our shores in September to talk about koala bears, Google and what’s next for Dead Kennedys.