Dead Kennedys emerged onto the punk scene with a blend of incendiary politics and satirical wit, swiftly becoming one of the defining hardcore punk bands of the early 1980s. Formed in San Francisco in 1978, the original lineup consisted of vocalist Jello Biafra, guitarist East Bay Ray, bassist Klaus Flouride, and drummer Bruce Slesinger, also known as Ted. Their music was a frenzied and visceral protest against the political landscape of the time, tackling issues such as corporate greed, social inequality, and government control. Their 1980 debut album, “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables,” is a landmark in the punk genre, featuring tracks that have become anthems such as “California Über Alles” and “Holiday in Cambodia.”

Over the course of their initial run, which ended in 1986, Dead Kennedys continued to push boundaries with their art, often leading to controversy, most notably with the 1985 release of “Frankenchrist,” which included the notorious H.R. Giger poster leading to an obscenity trial. Despite their disbandment, they left behind a legacy of potent, thought-provoking punk with subsequent live albums and compilations like “Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death” and “Milking The Sacred Cow” keeping their rebellious spirit alive. The band has experienced various legal disputes and lineup changes over the years, particularly involving Biafra and the rights to their material, but their influence on punk music and culture remains indelible. With a catalog that continues to be revisited, remixed, and remastered, as seen in the 2022 Mix of "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables" and "Chemical Warfare," Dead Kennedys' sound and message remain as relevant and urgent as ever.

Genres

Alternative Rock

Early Us Punk

Hardcore Punk

Punk

Related Artists

Black Flag

Bad Brains

The Clash

NOFX

Circle Jerks

The Damned

Subhumans

Adolescents

Bad Religion

Fugazi

Social Distortion

Agnostic Front

Latest Release

Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (2022 Mix)

Dead Kennedys•

Chris Lord-Alge

Album - 14 Tracks - Released September 30, 2022