Dead Kennedys
Led by the provocative Jello Biafra, Dead Kennedys pushed punk into political territory with satirical lyrics and blistering performances. Their DIY ethos and Alternative Tentacles label helped define American hardcore punk.
Origin: San Francisco, USA · Years active: 1978–1986
Get the music
Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These are partner links to Amazon and eBay product pages or searches; each link names the store it opens. RADIO 1980 may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, editions, condition, delivery and availability are shown and checked on the retailer's site before checkout.
Dead Kennedys T-shirts
Retailer searches, not verified products. ‘Official licensed’ is a search term, not a licensing guarantee; check seller authenticity, sizing and delivery. US stores.
Search Amazon · Search eBay · Choose a local marketplace in Collect
Biography
Led by the provocative Jello Biafra, Dead Kennedys pushed punk into political territory with satirical lyrics and blistering performances. Their DIY ethos and Alternative Tentacles label helped define American hardcore punk.
Key 1980s albums
- Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Plastic Surgery Disasters (1982) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Frankenchrist (1985) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
- Bedtime for Democracy (1986) — Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay — 80s albums
Essential songs
- Holiday in Cambodia (1980) — 80s songs
- California Über Alles (1980) — 80s songs
- Kill the Poor (1980) — 80s songs
- Too Drunk to Fuck (1981) — 80s songs
- Nazi Punks Fuck Off (1981) — 80s songs
Genres
Upcoming concerts
Check the interactive concert directory for current source listings, dates and status. Artist associations may include tribute shows; read the full event title.
Browse all upcoming 80s concerts.
Dead Kennedys — quick answers
- Who are Dead Kennedys?
- Dead Kennedys — San Francisco, USA, active 1978–1986. Led by the provocative Jello Biafra, Dead Kennedys pushed punk into political territory with satirical lyrics and blistering performances. Their DIY ethos and Alternative Tentacles label helped define American hardcore p
- What did Dead Kennedys release in the 1980s?
- RADIO 1980 lists 4 albums and 5 essential songs for Dead Kennedys, covering 1980–1986.
- Where can I check shows associated with Dead Kennedys?
- Open the interactive concert directory for current source listings. Check each full event title and provider before booking.
Help me choose my next concert
Compiled and fact-checked by the RADIO 1980 Editorial Team. Spotted something wrong? Send a correction.