Few punk bands carry the same cultural weight as Dead Kennedys. Formed in San Francisco in 1978, the group’s furious mix of political satire, biting social commentary, and musical experimentation set them apart from the more formula-driven punk outfits of the time. Their debut album Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980) remains a landmark record, featuring anthems like “Holiday in Cambodia,” “Kill the Poor” and “California Über Alles” — songs that challenged authority, liberal complacency, and the media’s role in shaping public opinion.
Paul Cashmere of Noise11 caught up with bassist Klaus Flouride, who has been with Dead Kennedys since day one, ahead of their 2025 Australian tour. In a wide-ranging conversation, Klaus looked back on the band’s unlikely beginnings (sparked by East Bay Ray’s newspaper ad), the controversy of their name, and how the group quickly went from DIY basement recordings to international notoriety.
Klaus spoke candidly about Dead Kennedys’ ethos of critiquing not only the political right but also the complacent left — taking aim at California Governor Jerry Brown in “California Über Alles” or skewering privileged college kids in “Holiday in Cambodia.” He reflected on the band’s creative restlessness, never content to repeat themselves from album to album, and their ability to mix surf guitar, satire, and social critique into something wholly original.
We also touched on the loss of drummer DH Peligro in 2022, a blow that Klaus describes as losing a brother. Still, the band continues with longtime family friend Steve Wilson on drums, ensuring Dead Kennedys’ raw energy remains intact on stage.
With the band about to hit Australian stages once again, Klaus remains as sharp as ever — reflecting on punk’s past, its present, and its future, while reminding fans that rebellion is as much about attitude as it is about sound.
Dead Kennedys Australian & New Zealand Tour 2025
Tue 16 Sept – Auckland, Powerstation
w/ Death Chemist
[Selling Fast]
Wed 17 Sept – Wellington, Meow Nui
w/ The Flash Harrys
[Selling Fast]
Fri 19 Sept – Melbourne, Northcote Theatre
w/ Mannequin Death Squad
🚨 SOLD OUT
Sat 20 Sept – Brisbane, Tivoli
w/ HIPPO
[Less Than 50 Tickets]
Wed 24 Sept – Perth, Astor Theatre
w/ Last Quokka
[Less Than 100 Tickets]
Fri 26 Sept – Adelaide, The Gov
w/ LOLA
🚨 SOLD OUT
Sat 27 Sept – Sydney, Metro Theatre
w/ Boudicca
🚨 SOLD OUT
https://sbmpresents.com/tour/dead-kennedys/
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