Dead Kennedys are an American punk rock band formed in San Francisco, California, in 1978. The band played a central role in shaping the American punk scene during its initial eight-year period. The original lineup included lead guitarist East Bay Ray, bassist Klaus Flouride, lead vocalist Jello Biafra, drummer Ted, and rhythm guitarist 6025. 6025 left the band in 1979, and Ted departed in 1980 after the recording of their debut album, "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables" (1980). D. H. Peligro became the band's drummer in 1981, remaining their longest-serving drummer until his death in 2022.