Dead Kennedys guitarist and founding member East Bay Ray has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the band’s management announced Tuesday, Sept. 22. The 67-year-old musician, whose real name is Raymond John Pepperell, co-founded the influential San Francisco punk band in 1978 and has remained an active member throughout its history.
In a statement shared by the band’s management, Ray said he plans to continue performing and touring with Dead Kennedys for as long as his health allows. He also expressed appreciation for the continued support from fans. No additional details about the diagnosis or his current condition were provided.
The diagnosis comes as Dead Kennedys prepare for a series of West Coast performances in October. The band is scheduled to begin the run Oct. 6 at Showbox at the Market in Seattle, followed by a Portland performance on Oct. 7. The group is then scheduled to play San Francisco’s Regency Ballroom on Oct. 9 before concluding the announced run at Riverside Municipal Auditorium in Riverside, California, on Oct. 11.
Ray formed Dead Kennedys with vocalist Jello Biafra, bassist Klaus Flouride and drummer Ted in 1978. The group became a prominent part of San Francisco’s early punk scene and released its debut album, “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables,” in 1980. The record later received a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America in 2023.
Dead Kennedys broke up in 1986 and reunited in 2001 without Biafra. Ray and Flouride are the remaining founding members associated with the current lineup. Ron “Skip” Greer has served as vocalist since 2008, while Steve Wilson joined the band after the 2022 death of longtime drummer D.H. Peligro.
The Parkinson’s diagnosis also comes during a year in which former Dead Kennedys frontman Biafra has faced his own health-related absence after suffering a stroke earlier in 2026. Biafra did not return to Dead Kennedys after the band’s 2001 reunion.
For now, Dead Kennedys’ announced October performances remain scheduled, with Ray expected to continue appearing with the band as his health permits. The band has not announced any changes to its touring plans following the diagnosis.
