DEAD KENNEDYS guitarist EAST BAY RAY diagnosed with Parkinson's disease
23-09-2026
East Bay Ray, the founding guitarist of San Francisco punk band DEAD KENNEDYS, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
“Ray says he plans to continue performing and touring with DEAD KENNEDYS for as long as his health allows, and expressed his appreciation to everyone for their continued support,” the band’s management said in an announcement released on social media earlier today (Tuesday, September 22).
Born Raymond Pepperell, East Bay Ray co-founded DEAD KENNEDYS in San Francisco in 1978 and has remained the band’s sole constant member since its formation.
DEAD KENNEDYS have several shows scheduled for next month: October 6 at Seattle’s The Showbox, October 7 at Portland’s Roseland Theater, October 9 at San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom, and October 11 at Riverside, California’s Riverside Municipal Auditorium.
DEAD KENNEDYS broke up in 1986 but resumed touring in 2001 without original singer Jello Biafra.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but medications, surgery and multidisciplinary management can provide relief from the symptoms.
East Bay Ray released a new solo single, “Area 51”, last week.
Earlier this year, Biafra was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.
In 2022, longtime DEAD KENNEDYS drummer D.H. Peligro has died at the age of 63.
Peligro joined the DEAD KENNEDYS in February 1981, replacing original drummer, Ted, and made his recorded debut with the group on the EP “In God We Trust, Inc.” which was released in December of that year. He would go on to record the studio albums “Plastic Surgery Disasters”, “Frankenchrist” and “Bedtime For Democracy”, as well as singles/rarities collection “Give Me Convenience Or Give Me Death”. DEAD KENNEDYS broke up in December 1986.
In early 2008, Peligro took a hiatus from DEAD KENNEDYS, citing the need for time off from touring. The brief hiatus lasted until June 2009 when Peligro rejoined the band.
In 1988, Peligro joined the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, replacing Jack Irons, before being fired for drug and alcohol issues. He has released three albums with his band PELIGRO: “Peligro” (released in 1995 on Biafra‘s Alternative Tentacles record label); “Welcome To America”; and “Sum Of Our Surroundings”, which won “Rock Album Of The Year” at the 2004 American Independent Music Awards. He also recorded a cover of Jimi Hendrix‘s “Purple Haze”, which was nominated for a Grammy Award.