
DEAD KENNEDYS: THE AUSTRALIAN ÜBER ALLES TOUR
APRIL 2011
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.
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 Über 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.
Live,
Dead Kennedys are a combination of chaos and theatrics. With their current line-up
they still perform with the same thrills that made the Dead Kennedys the name
that it is. Two new Dead Kennedy DVDs are out now through Xelon Entertainment
- The Early Years is a collection of live footage at various venues between 1978
to 1981, and In God We Trust which features footage from the lost recording session
of In God We Trust Inc., between song banter, outtakes and rescued multi-track
recordings.
TOUR DATES:
WEDNESDAY 6 APRIL - BILLBOARD, MELBOURNE. Tickets available
from www.moshtix.com.au and www.ticketek.com.au
THURSDAY 7 APRIL - HI-FI, BRISBANE. Tickets available from www.thehifi.com.au/brisbane
SATURDAY 9 APRIL - MANNING BAR, SYDNEY. Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au
and www.manningbar.com (1300 762 545)