Dead Kennedys

Iconic American Punk Rock Band

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 of the late 1970s and early 1980s, known for their distinctive hardcore punk sound, provocative lyrics, and political commentary. The original lineup consisted of Jello Biafra (vocals), East Bay Ray (guitar), Klaus Flouride (bass), and Ted (drums), who was later replaced by D.H. Peligro. Dead Kennedys' debut album "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables" (1980) is widely regarded as a classic of the punk genre, featuring iconic tracks such as "Holiday in Cambodia" and "California Über Alles." Throughout their career, they released several albums and gained a reputation for their energetic performances and anti-establishment ethos. Despite internal tensions leading to their breakup in 1986, Dead Kennedys left a lasting legacy on the punk scene and have influenced countless bands that followed. They have had various reunions with different lineups since the late 2000s, although Biafra has not been involved in these iterations of the band.