Description

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. 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. Drummer Ted (born Bruce Slesinger) joined soon after and the band played locally for the first two years of their career, occasionally venturing outside the Bay Area. Within a year, the band released their first independent single, ‘California Uber Alles’, an attack on the then-current governor, Jerry Brown. This classic debut single was re-released by Alternative Tentacles in the Uk on a 10’ vinyl in 1991 Track listing: 1. California Uber Alles 2. Man With The Dogs