BAND HQ // [DK-78]FORMED 1978 • San Francisco, CA • Hardcore & D-Beat

DEAD KENNEDYS

Weaponizing razor-sharp political satire, spooky surf-noir reverb guitar, and Winston Smith cut-and-paste collage art against authoritarianism and corporate greed.

Formed in San Francisco in June 1978 when East Bay Ray placed an ad answered by Jello Biafra, Klaus Flouride, 6025, and Ted, later joined by powerhouse drummer D.H. Peligro. Through Alternative Tentacles Records and landmark releases like 'Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables' and 'Plastic Surgery Disasters', Dead Kennedys fused breakneck hardcore with twangy surf-spy guitar and fearless political commentary.

7" VINYL, LP & TAPE DISCOGRAPHY:

CALIFORNIA ÜBER ALLES7" Single (1979)

VIRUS-001

FRESH FRUIT FOR ROTTING VEGETABLES12" LP (1980)

BRED-010

PLASTIC SURGERY DISASTERS12" LP (1982)

VIRUS-027

HISTORICAL BAND LINEAGE ARCHIVE

DEAD KENNEDYS MEMBER ROLL CALL

EST. 1978 // San Francisco, CA

FOUNDERS & ARCHITECTS5

★ Jello Biafra (Founding Lead Vocals & Lyricist 1978–1986)★ East Bay Ray (Founding Lead Guitar — 1978–Present)★ Klaus Flouride (Founding Bass & Backing Vocals — 1978–Present)★ Ted / Bruce Slesinger (Founding Drums — Fresh Fruit Era 1978–1981)★ 6025 / Carlos Cadona (Original Founding Rhythm Guitar 1978–1979)

ACTIVE, CLASSIC ERA & TOURING LINEUP6 MUSICIANS

• D.H. Peligro / Darren Henley (Classic Drums 1981–2022)• Ron 'Skip' Greer (Active Touring Lead Vocals)• Steve Wilson (Active Touring Drums)• Brandon Cruz (Touring Vocals 2001–2003)• Jeff Penalty (Touring Vocals 2003–2008)• Winston Smith (Alternative Tentacles Xerox & Collage Artist)

IN MEMORIAM // REST IN POWER

† D.H. Peligro / Darren Henley (RIP 2022 — Legendary DK Drummer)

DEAD KENNEDYS LINEUP — INDIVIDUAL MUSICIAN DOSSIERS (2)

JELLO BIAFRADead Kennedys Founding Vocalist & Alternative Tentacles Founder

Founding frontman and lyricist of Dead Kennedys, founder of Alternative Tentacles Records, and former San Francisco mayoral candidate (finishing 4th in 1979). His theatrical vibrato, fearless anti-authoritarian satire, and relentless stage diving made him one of punk's most iconic voices.

RIG: Shure SM58 Wired Mic + Winston Smith Collage Lyric Inserts

AMP: Mabuhay Gardens & Target Video PA Stacks

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EAST BAY RAYDead Kennedys Founding Surf-Noir Punk Lead Guitarist

Founding guitarist and sonic architect of Dead Kennedys. Blending Link Wray surf twang, spy-movie minor chords, rockabilly slapback echo, and blistering hardcore speed, East Bay Ray created one of the most instantly recognizable guitar tones in punk history.

RIG: 1960s Fender Telecaster Custom & Crucianelli Elite

AMP: Fender Super Reverb Combo (Modified by Paul Rivera)

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LIVE PIT REELS & CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS