Dead Kennedys
- Type: Band/Group
- Country: United States
- Born: July 19, 1978 in San Francisco, California, United States
- Active: 1978 - present
Biography
Formed in San Francisco in 1978, Dead Kennedys were a defining band of the American hardcore punk movement. Their sound merged the raw energy of punk with elements of surf rock and rockabilly, defined by East Bay Ray’s distinctive guitar work and Jello Biafra’s theatrical, high-pitched vocal delivery. Lyrically, the group employed sharp satire and dark humor to critique political corruption, social conformity, and the commercialization of culture. After their initial dissolution in 1986, which followed significant controversy and an obscenity trial, the band's work has maintained a lasting influence on punk and alternative music.
Genres
Dead Kennedys Discography
- California über alles / The Man With the Dogs (1979) - Single - rated 4.19/5
- Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980) - Album - rated 4.53/5
- Holiday in Cambodia / Police Truck (1980) - Single - rated 4.18/5
- In God We Trust, Inc. (1981) - EP - rated 3.94/5
- Nazi Punks Fuck Off! / Moral Majority (1981) - Single - rated 4.19/5
- Plastic Surgery Disasters (1982) - Album - rated 4.26/5
- Frankenchrist (1985) - Album - rated 3.73/5
- Bedtime for Democracy (1986) - Album - rated 3.35/5
- Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death (1987) - Compilation - rated 3.9/5
- DMPO's On Broadway (2000) - Album - rated 3.87/5
Members
- East Bay Ray - guitar (1978–1986; 2001–Present)
- Klaus Flouride - bass, backing vocals (1978–1986; 2001–2010; 2011–Present)
- Ron "Skip" Greer - lead vocals (2008–Present)
- Steve Wilson - drums, backing vocals (2023–Present)
- Jello Biafra - lead vocals (1978–1986)
- D. H. Peligro - drums, backing vocals (1981–1986; 2001–2008; 2009–2022)