DEAD KENNEDYS Drummer D.H. PELIGRO Dead At 63

Longtime DEAD KENNEDYS drummer D.H. Peligro has died at the age of 63.

The news of Peligro passing was shared by the band in a social media post earlier today (Saturday, October 29).

DEAD KENNEDYS‘ statement reads as follows: “DEAD KENNEDYS‘ drummer D.H. Peligro (Darren Henley) passed away in his Los Angeles home yesterday, October 28th. Police on the scene stated that he died from trauma to the head caused by an accidental fall. Arrangements are pending and will be announced in the coming days. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your thoughts and words of comfort.”

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 2001, DEAD KENNEDYS, along with Peligro, reunited without former frontman and primary songwriter Jello Biafra following a civil fraud complaint against Biafra, accusing him of withholding royalties. DR. KNOW singer Brandon Cruz would replace Biafra on vocals and they played under the name DK KENNEDYS for a few concerts, but later reverted to DEAD KENNEDYS permanently.

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.