East Bay Ray, the founding guitarist of legendary punk band Dead Kennedys, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The band’s management announced the news Tuesday, Sept. 22, confirming that the 67-year-old musician, whose real name is Raymond John Pepperell, plans to continue performing despite the diagnosis.
“Ray says he plans to continue performing and touring with Dead Kennedys for as long as his health allows,” the band said in its announcement.
Ray also thanked fans for their continued support. No additional information about when he was diagnosed, his current symptoms or his treatment has been released.
The news comes as Dead Kennedys prepare to return to the road for a short run of West Coast shows in October.
Current dates include performances on Oct. 6 in Seattle, Oct. 7 in Portland, Oct. 9 in San Francisco and Oct. 11 in Riverside, California. The band has not announced any changes to those shows following Ray’s diagnosis.
Ray helped form Dead Kennedys in San Francisco in 1978 after placing an advertisement in a local music publication looking for musicians.
Original singer Jello Biafra responded to the ad, and bassist Klaus Flouride, drummer Ted and guitarist 6025 eventually joined the lineup.
The group quickly became one of the most influential acts to emerge from the late-1970s and early-1980s American punk scene, blending aggressive punk with surf rock, rockabilly and other unusual influences.
Ray’s distinctive guitar playing became a major part of the band’s sound.
Dead Kennedys’ official website credits him with writing some of the most recognizable guitar riffs to emerge from the West Coast punk movement, while incorporating everything from surf-rock riffs and power chords to sounds inspired by 1960s spy movies.
He is also the only member of Dead Kennedys to have remained a constant presence throughout the band’s history.
Ray played on all of the group’s original studio recordings, including its landmark 1980 debut album “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables.”
The album included songs that would become punk staples, including “California Über Alles,” “Holiday in Cambodia” and “Kill the Poor.”
He was also involved in producing and mixing several early Dead Kennedys recordings and helped establish Alternative Tentacles Records, the independent label originally created by members of the band.
Dead Kennedys became known not only for their frantic live performances but also for their provocative lyrics and political satire.
Other releases included “In God We Trust, Inc.,” “Plastic Surgery Disasters,” “Frankenchrist” and “Bedtime for Democracy.”
The original version of the band broke up in 1986 following years of internal tension.
Dead Kennedys later reunited without Biafra in 2001, with different singers taking over frontman duties. Ron “Skip” Greer has served as lead vocalist since 2008.
Founding bassist Klaus Flouride also remains with the group, while drummer Steve Wilson joined following the 2022 death of longtime drummer D.H. Peligro.
Ray has remained active outside the band as well.
Just days before his Parkinson’s diagnosis was announced, he released a solo single titled “Area 51,” produced by Butthole Surfers guitarist Paul Leary.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement.
According to the National Institutes of Health, common symptoms can include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and problems with balance and coordination. Symptoms and the speed at which they progress can vary significantly from person to person.
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but medications and other treatments can help manage symptoms.
For now, Ray appears determined to keep doing what he has done for nearly five decades.
Dead Kennedys have not announced any cancellations connected to his diagnosis, and the guitarist says he plans to remain onstage for as long as his health permits.