DEAD KENNEDYS
DEAD KENNEDYS
The Dead Kennedys return to the British stage for the first time since at least 1986 with a one-off date at Sheffield Hallam Uni on 21st June. Fans should be aware that these punk legends have reformed with a new singer, Brandon Cruz - formerly known as a child TV star in US show �The Courtship Of Eddies Father� - following their controversial court case against estranged lead vocalist Jello Biafra that has resulted in some bitter - and intruiging - media bickering between the two parties.
Whilst reports are that the band are performing with as much conviction and energy as ever, the messy legal case seems to have placed their integrity in question, simply because of the rare, and unpleasant acrimony between the two parties. (A quick look at the official Dead Kennedys and Jello Biafra sites just hints at the depth of bitterness between former partners).
Accusations that the Kennedys are in it just for the money are further complicated by the fact that there are no known plans at the moment for them to record any new material.
Jello stated that if you are going to see them, then judge for yourself if they are the Dead Kennedys or The Kennedys Of The Living Dead. Whilst obviously its not going to be the same, especially with a new, and therefore somewhat unknown vocalist, (and photographs at recent gigs seem to show the band looking grey and haggard) the jury is still out for the remaining Dead Kennedys on if they can match, or even come near, their legendary status of the 80�s.
Whilst they may have won the right to the name in court, the public still have to cast their vote.
� copyright Mark Reed, 1991-2002 except where indicated