MANAGEMENT for California punk rock legends Dead Kennedys has announced that the band’s guitarist and co-founder is suffering Parkinson’s disease.
Posted this morning on the band’s socials, the announcement declares that 67-year old Ray Pepperell – better known as East Bay Ray – will continue to perform and tour “as long as his health allows”.
Ray “expresses his appreciation to everyone for their continual support,” the statement continued.
Earlier this year, former Dead Kennedys vocalist and co-founder Jello Biafra suffered a stroke from which he is still actively recovering.
Pepperell, born Raymond John Pepperell in Oakland, California, co-founded the San Francisco band in 1978 and has remained its only constant member through decades of activity.
His distinctive guitar style, drawing on surf rock, jazz and rockabilly influences, helped shape the group’s sharp, satirical sound on influential releases including the 1980 debut album Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables and tracks such as “Holiday in Cambodia” and “California Über Alles”.
The Dead Kennedys disbanded in 1986 before reforming in 2001 without Biafra. The current lineup features original bassist Klaus Flouride alongside vocalist Ron “Skip” Greer, who has fronted the band since 2008 and drummer Steve Wilson, who joined after the 2022 death of long-time member D.H. Peligro.
Despite the health news, the band’s scheduled West Coast and Pacific Northwest performances remain in place, beginning on October 6 at the Showbox in Seattle and concluding on October 11 at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium in California, with intermediate stops including Portland and a San Francisco date at the Regency Ballroom.
Pepperell has also maintained solo work, recently releasing the single “Area 51”, produced by Butthole Surfers guitarist Paul Leary.
No additional information regarding the severity of the condition or any treatment plans has been released by the band’s management.
