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Dead Kennedys
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Dead Kennedys were one of the most influential bands in the history of punk rock, blending twisted humor, in-your-face political ranting, and aggressive, spastic music, and paving the way for countless imitators. Their debut album, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables was originally released in 1980 on the UK label Cherry Red, and has since been re-released by several other labels, including IRS, Alternative Tentacles, and Cleopatra. The newest reissue-- the special 25th anniversary edition-- features the original artwork and a bonus 55-minute DVD documenting the making of the album as well as the band's early years.
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Dead Kennedys were one of the mainly popular and significant American hardcore punk musical bands of the period around late 1970's and early 1980's. The band formed in 1978 when EAST BAY RAY placed an advertisement in a local music paper. Vocalist JELLO BIAFRA was the first to respond to it, and they both formed the band. Very soon they were joined by bassist KLAUS FLOURIDE, the famous drummer TED and then by a second guitarist who was known to posterity simply by the number 6025. The latter died in March 1979, and then Ted was replaced at the end of year 1980 by D.H.PELIGRO.
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According to the Dead Kennedys' official website, Coors Brewing Company has funded right-wing groups such as the Nicaraguan Contras, the anti-gay Moral Majority and the notoriously anti-punk Parents Music Resources Center (PMRC). The Dead Kennedys claim not to have known about the sponsor until they saw an advertisement for the concert in L.A. Weekly. The legendary punk rock group brought it up to the organizers of the event, but could not come up with a fair compromise and so they opted to pull out.
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The Dead Kennedys formed in June 1978, after guitarist East Bay Ray (Raymond Pepperell) advertised for bandmates after seeing a punk show at the Mabuhay Gardens. The original DK lineup consisted of Jello Biafra (Eric Reed Boucher) on vocals, East Bay Ray (Raymond Pepperell) on guitar, Klaus Flouride (Geoffrey Lyall) on bass, and 6025 (Carlos Cadona) on drums. This lineup recorded their first demos. In early July, the band wanted a more experienced drummer, so they recruited Ted (Bruce Slesinger). Drummer 6025 left the band, but he was invited back as second guitarist. Their first show was on July 19, 1978, at the Mabuhay Gardens in San Francisco, California.
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The Dead Kennedys merged revolutionary politics with hardcore punk music and, in the process, became one of the defining hardcore bands. Often, they were more notable for their politics than their music, but that was part of their impact. The Kennedys were more inspired by British punk and the fiery, revolutionary-implied politics of the Sex Pistols than the artier tendencies of New York punk rockers. Under the direction of lead vocalist Jello Biafra, the Dead Kennedys became the most political and -- to the eyes of many observers, including Christians and right-wing politicians -- the most dangerous band in hardcore. By the mid-'80s, the band had become notorious enough to open themselves up to a prosecution for obscenity (concerning a poster inserted into their 1985 Frankenchrist album), and the ensuing court battle sped the band toward a breakup, but they left behind a legacy that influenced countless punk bands that followed. The Dead Kennedys formed in 1978 in San Francisco when Biafra (vocals; born Eric Boucher) and bassist Klaus Flouride responded to a magazine ad placed by guitarist East Bay Ray.
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Dead Kennedys began when vocalist Jello Biafra answered an ad placed by musician East Bay Ray (Raymond Peppernel). They were soon joined by Klaüs Flouride (Geoffrey Lyall) and Ted (Bruce Slesinger). They adopted their colorful stage names, and began rehearsing shortly before their first gig in July 1978. From the outset, Dead Kennedys were much more than a "typical punk band." They were clearly more musically skilled than their peers and, most impressively, the lyrics were dripping with sardonic wit. Biafra's politically charged lyrics left virtually no public figure, left or right (especially right), or any issue unscathed.
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Dead Kennedys