with The Duvtons
8pm, Billboard The Venue, Melbourne, VIC, $49 (+ bf)
Dead Kennedys are one of the most popular and important American punk bands, and they are returning to Australia for three special shows this April. Dead Kennedys play Melbourne on April 6, Brisbane on April 7 and Sydney on April 9.
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They formed in San Francisco in 1978 when vocalist Jello Biafra answered a music paper advert placed by guitarist East Bay Ray. They were joined by bassist Klaus Flouride, drummer Ted, and
a second guitarist known to posterity simply as 6025. The latter soon departed, while Ted was replaced in 1981 by D.H. Peligro. Lead vocals are now sung by former Wynona Riders singer Ron "Skip" Greer.
Dead Kennedys’ early success led them to record their first single ‘California ?er Alles’ in 1979, a blistering attack on the then Governor of California, Jerry Brown. ‘Holiday in Cambodia’ (1980)
followed and is perhaps the band's definitive moment - a perfect mix of hilarious yuppie-baiting lyrics and evil-sounding music. Almost as essential were ‘Kill The Poor’ (1980) and ‘Too Drunk To
Fuck’ (remarkably, a British Top 40 single in 1981), and the debut LP, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980). That LP went on to be awarded a Gold Record in Britain.
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au and www.ticketek.com.au