Dead Kennedys to Perform Three Nights in L.A.

One of the most influential, iconic and politically-charged bands that defined the hardcore scene in the 80s, the Dead Kennedys, will perform a three-night run in Los Angeles at the popular Observatory on January 16, The Canyon Club on January 17 and The Roxy on January 18.

Hailing from the late 70s bay area punk scene, the Dead Kennedys made a name for themselves with “California Über Alles” a satirical surf punk song attacking then governor of California Jerry Brown. Their second single “Holiday in Cambodia,” off their first album “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables,” (1980) was an indictment of privileged yuppie college students against the backdrop of Cambodia’s Pol Pot violent regime between 1975 and 1979.

After placing fourth in the San Francisco mayoral race, Jello Biafara, lead vocalist for Dead Kennedys, formed the Alternative Tentacles label with fellow Dead Kennedys member and guitarist East Bay Ray. The imprint went on to release records from some of the most original punk bands including The Dicks, 7 Seconds, and the Butthole Surfers. They subsequently released “The Kennedys” EP and their second full-length “Plastic Surgery Disasters” (1982) after which the band took a three-year hiatus reforming in 1985 with the release of “Frankenchrist.”

“Frankenchrist” saw Dead Kennedys explore a more progressive, psychedelic sound along with adopting a spaghetti western influence displayed in the horn section. Controversy ensued in 1985 when the Parents Music Resource Center, a committee with a goal to increase parental control over children’s music, took Biafra to court for criminal distribution of harmful matters to minors. The controversial subject was a poster insert depicting rows of penises and vulvae made by Swiss surrealist artist H. R. Giger titled “Penis Landscape.”

Alternative Tentacles was almost driven to bankruptcy but was able to stay alive due to fan support. The case took a toll on the band even though the trial ended with a hung jury. “Bedtime for Democracy” (1986) would be their last album. They split and released a posthumous compilation “Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death” in 1987. Biafra continued with his solo career releasing spoken-word recordings along with original music and other members continued with side projects. The current touring line-up consists of East Bay Ray on guitar, Klaus Flouride on bass, D.H. Peligro on drums and Ron “Skip” Greer on vocals.

They continue to be a voice of reason for the punk scene and stand out as a band that grew over the years in musical proficiency and lyrical maturity.

The Dead Kennedys will be performing at The Observatory on January 16, The Canyon Club on January 17, and The Roxy on January 18. Tickets can be purchased here, here, and here.