Formed in 1978 by Jello Biafra (vocals), Klaus Flouride (bass), Bruce Slesinger a.k.a Ted (drums) and East Bay Ray (guitars), the Dead Kennedys became a household name in the local scene, through relentless performances in the Bay Area. An early independently-released single, “California Über Alles” displayed their visceral political angst, attacking the then governor, Jerry Brown. Equally biting, “Holiday in Cambodia” followed, as a stinging attack on the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Dead Kennedys had become an underground sensation both in the US and UK, with their debut album, “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables” finding a strong following upon its release in 1980.
Ted left the band after the album release, replaced by Darren H. Peligro, with the Kennedys also creating their own label, Alternative Tentacles during this time (1981). Their first release on the label, the EP, “In God We Trust,” featured the controversial single, “Too Drunk to Fuck” which broke into the UK Top 40 despite being banned from airplay. A second full-length, “Plastic Surgery Disasters” followed after, with Alternative Tentacles quickly becoming a respected label in the punk scene.
Returning with their third album in 1985, “Frankenchrist,” the Dead Kennedy’s found themselves at the centre of an obscenity lawsuit, charged with distributing pornography to minors due to H.R. Giger’s album artwork of garish illustrations of penises and anuses. The case was eventually dismissed, with Biafra becoming a prominent voice for the advocacy of free speech.
Despite the court victory, the Dead Kennedys were unable ensure the band’s longevity, with 1986’s “Bedtime for Democracy” being their last official release. A posthumous compilation, “Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death appeared a year later, signalling the end of the Dead Kennedys burgeoning career.
However, after a long period of solo ventures, the band did decide to reunite in 2001, for a select number of live performances. Whilst without Biafra, the band went on to find a new energy, embarking on various global tours since, helping to continue the popularity of one of the nation’s most successful punk bands.
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Charli XCX
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