Latest news with #DeadKennedys
San Francisco Chronicle
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Dead Kennedys blame Jello Biafra for turning down reunion gigs
East Bay Ray, founding guitarist of the Dead Kennedys, has explained what's holding the rock group back from reuniting. The San Francisco punk band has been broken up for years, and Ray, whose real name is Raymond Pepperell, blames former frontman Jello Biafra for preventing a nostalgic onstage reunion. 'It's not an issue for me or Klaus,' he said during a recent interview with Guitar World, referring to the group's bassist Klaus Flouride. 'It's Biafra that turns down any offers for us to do something, we don't have any problem. He got caught with his hands in the till and wants to blame us for getting caught, but he should never have put his hands in there in the first place,' said Ray, referencing a decades-old lawsuit. In 1998, Biafra and his Alternative Tentacles label were accused of withholding royalties from Ray, Flouride and drummer D.H. Peligro, who died in 2022. Biafra was eventually ordered to repay the outstanding royalties and additional punitive damages by California's Court of Appeal in 2003. The band, formed in 1978, was briefly inactive between 1986 and 2001, but reunited with an array of lead singers until settling on Ron 'Skip' Greer in 2008. In 2017, Chicago's Riot Fest attempted to reunite the band's original lineup, but Ray explained on social media at the time that 'Jello Biafra turned it down,' though the rest of the band was 'looking forward to it.' 'Jello didn't bring in the songs. I know he's created the myth that he wrote them all, but the question here is that if he did, why didn't he ever do anything significant after leaving the band?' Ray said, citing Iggy Pop's output after leaving the Stooges and singer Lou Reed following the disintegration of the Velvet Underground as examples. 'Where's Biafra's solo career with a bunch of great songs?' he added. He recently performed an updated rendition of the group's 1983 track 'Nazi Punks…,' changing the lyrics to criticize President Donald Trump, during a surprise appearance at San Francisco's Great American Music Hall.
The Age
04-05-2025
- The Age
Best holiday countries that used to be off-limits: 10 former no-go zones worth visiting
, register or subscribe to save articles for later. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. When the Dead Kennedys sang about a 'holiday in Cambodia' back in 1980, they were being ironic. You think things are bad here in the US, the band was saying. Try taking a holiday in Cambodia. Now, however, you would. You should. The South-East Asian country once known for the horrors of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge has enjoyed a steady recovery since, and part of its economic success has been via tourism: world-class attractions such as the temples of Angkor have brought in visitors from around the world. The country is also a firm favourite among the budget-conscious. Cambodia, clearly, is open for business. And it's not the only country that was once off-limits to tourists, but which now welcomes visitors in droves. We're talking about the likes of Colombia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, Croatia and more. The former no-go zones that have been transformed over years and decades into some of the world's most popular destinations. Here, we celebrate those countries that have pulled themselves back from the brink. We take a look at their modern attractions, but also the star qualities that these destinations have always possessed, even in their darkest hours. So take a holiday in Cambodia, or Peru, or Cuba or Croatia. A world with these countries as mainstream tourism destinations is most certainly a better place. Sri Lanka Sampunaatheecharam Shiva Temple is a hindu temple near Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Credit: Getty Images Bad times Sri Lanka has had its issues: the civil war of the 1980s marked the country as a no-go zone, and while it had a strong recovery afterwards, terrorist attacks in 2019, subsequent economic collapse and widespread unrest for some time afterwards put this country on the back foot. Good times Now Sri Lanka has achieved a sense of calm, and the country is ranked orange, 'exercise a high degree of caution', by Smartraveller ( the travel advisory site of Australia's DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade). It has the same warning level as, for example, France. Travellers are once again flocking to this island nation for its charming coastal towns, its rich history, its highland splendour, and its amazing food scene. Don't miss On the coast, Galle is a must-visit, a port city with Portuguese, Dutch and British history. In the island's centre, Kandy is cool and relaxed, while the ancient fortress of Sigiriya is spectacular. In the north, Jaffna is truly reborn. Once war-torn, it's now an exciting and relatively untouched destination. And wherever you go, try famed Sri Lankan dishes such as kottu roti (stir-fried roti with meat and egg), and 'short eats' (fried, heavily spiced snacks). Good to go SriLankan Airlines has direct flights from Melbourne and Sydney to Colombo ( The country has two wet seasons – it's best to visit the south and west from December to April, and visit the east and north from May to September. See Colombia Bad times Many a country's troubled history can be summed up with a single name – for Colombia it's Pablo Escobar. The drug kingpin ruled the city of Medellin and played a large part in Colombia's descent into guerilla warfare in the 1980s and 90s. Good times Since Escobar's downfall, Colombia has been on the road to recovery, and is now attracting tourists from around the world keen to enjoy its Caribbean coastline, its Amazon forests, its coffee-growing highlands, and lively cities such as Cartagena, Cali, Bogota and Medellin. The colourful buildings of Cartagena, Colombia. Credit: iStock Don't miss Cartagena is something of the jewel in Colombia's tourism crown, a historic port town that has seen its share of marauders and invaders, from Spanish conquistadores to pirates to the British navy. Medellin is the former home of artist Fernando Botero, and hosts many of his works. Cali, meanwhile, is known as Colombia's salsa capital. And the food scene in Bogota is thriving. Good to go From the east coast of Australia, LATAM flies to Bogota via Santiago ( while American Airlines ( and Air Canada ( both fly via their respective hubs. June to September in Colombia is dry and warm, though December to March is also good. See Peru Aerial view of Palpa Geoglyphs, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Peru. Credit: Adobe Bad times Peru has had its share of troubles: in the 1980s and 90s there was significant political unrest, with widespread violence between government forces and the Shining Path rebel group. Things stabilised significantly in the 2000s, until further violence in 2022 caused another setback. Good times Peru is now rated orange by DFAT, 'exercise a high degree of caution', and is once again open to mass tourism. The country has struggled to bounce back to pre-pandemic visitor levels, though over time those tourists are sure to return to experience the country's significant drawcards. Royal Tombs of Sipan Museum, Peru. Credit: Getty Images Don't miss Machu Picchu is one of the best-known historic sites in the world; however, Peru is filled with cultural relics from the Incas, the Nazca, the Moche, the Chimu and more. This country also boasts one of the world's great food scenes, with everything from lauded fine diners to cheap, though high-quality eateries known as 'huariques'. Good to go LATAM has flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Lima, via Santiago ( The dry season, May to October, is best for Peru, particularly if you want to visit Machu Picchu. See Northern Ireland Titanic sculpture in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Bad times The Troubles in Northern Ireland are well documented – from the 1960s until 1998, frequent clashes between unionists and Irish nationalists, Protestants and Catholics, put many potential tourists off a visit. Good times Since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, Northern Ireland has largely been at peace, and tourism has resumed. Belfast and Derry are popular bases for visitors, and the Giant's Causeway is also a major drawcard. Traces of The Troubles… Northern Ireland. Don't miss Belfast is a lively, creative, enjoyable city, one with an excellent dining and nightlife scene, not to mention famous murals that trace Belfast's recent history. And of course, don't miss the Titanic Experience. Derry, meanwhile, has historic city walls, murals, and the spectacular Guildhall building. And the Giant's Causeway is a natural phenomenon. Good to go British Airways has flights from Australian ports to Belfast, via Singapore and London Heathrow ( The best time to visit Northern Ireland is summer, though the shoulder seasons are also enjoyable. See Cuba A vintage car in Camaguey, Cuba. Credit: Getty Images
Daily Mirror
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Billy Idol fans say 'can't believe it' as he gives career update on Good Morning Britain
Good Morning Britain viewers were all saying the same thing as they were left stunned by rock star Billy Idol's appearance On Tuesday's (22 April) instalment of Good Morning Britain, rock legend Billy Idol made an appearance, sharing updates on his latest projects with hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley via video link from Los Angeles. The 69 year old musician discussed his upcoming album, his first in over a decade, and revealed details about his forthcoming tour dates, including major UK shows. However, despite the exciting news, viewers were more captivated by Billy's youthful appearance, with many struggling to believe he's approaching his 70th birthday in November. Fans took to social media to express their amazement, with one writing: "# gmb @BillyIdol 70 next ! Looks amazing," and another agreeing, "OMG Billy looks so good for 70!" A third viewer chimed in, saying: "Can't believe @BillyIdol is 70 this year.... Looking Good, Billy," while another said: "Morning Billy! GREAT to see you - your looking AMAZING, WELL - 69 REALLY!!? Good Luck with the Tour /new album (UK)." Others showered Billy with praise, with one fan stating: "F***ing love #billyidol #gmb," and another reminiscing, "Saw Billy idol years ago at Milton Keynes bowl supporting Bon Jovi. Absolutely brilliant and worth seeing #gmb." During the interview, Billy shared an update on his new music, revealing: "I've got a new album coming out April 25th, Dream Into It. I've got three duets on the album. "Joan Jett's on Wildside, I've known her since 1978, after a Dead Kennedys concert. Alison Mosshart's on John Wayne, she's got this incredible voice, and Avril Lavigne on 77 - which came out today!" He also thanked his loyal fanbase, saying: "I'm just really lucky I've got killer fans who really care about what I do, and they've stuck by me through thick and thin. Hopefully, the music I make has kept them interested. I'm coming to England in June to play Milton Keynes and Wembley. It's getting bigger!" Another milestone is his long-awaited first nomination for entry into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, reports the Manchester Evening News. "I was part of Ozzy's induction last year, I really enjoyed it. It's a great night, fantastic night. I've loved rock and roll since I was seven years old, and even just the thought of being in something with Little Richard, Buddy Holly, Bo Diddley, it's pretty amazing, let alone everybody else," he said on GMB. Billy added: "I really love this music, it's an amazing honour. You also get the chance to thank your fans directly that night. Let's see what happens! Steve Stevens, my guitar player, is going to get in with me. If we get in, yeah!"
CBC
01-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Long considered an American rock anthem, 'Born to Be Wild' has a Canadian backstory
Released in 1968, the song Born to Be Wild is a classic — you'll hear it in commercials, in movies and on television, at birthday parties, weddings and corporate events. The song transcends generations. Its energy, raw defiance and that iconic guitar line have made it one of rock's most powerful anthems. "Born to Be Wild, it's one of the best songs any rock band ever made," says musician Jello Biafra who played with the Dead Kennedys. The song is the signature hit of the band Steppenwolf but also represents a turning point in music history. It was a time when flower power was beginning to wilt and the world was turning dark; it was the era of the Vietnam war, assassinations, protests, and social unrest. Made famous by the cult-classic film Easy Rider, it was iconic Americana. Yet, four out of five band members were Canadian, and two of those, John Kay and Nick St. Nicholas, were German immigrants. Their story is told in the new documentary Born to Be Wild: The Story of Steppenwolf now streaming on CBC Gem. Behind the rebellious roar of Born to Be Wild is a surprising origin story that is as much about cultural upheaval as it is about the musicians who created it. Watch | Musicians Alice Cooper, Jello Biafra and others talk about Born to Be Wild Musicians Alice Cooper, Cameron Crowe, Jello Biafra and others talk about Born to Be Wild 13 days ago Duration 1:55 Steppenwolf's roots were in Toronto's Yorkville neighbourhood Born Joachim Krauledat in 1944 in East Prussia, where his father was killed at war before his birth, John Kay and his mother were refugees who escaped to West Germany and eventually moved to Canada in the late '50s, landing in Toronto. To add to their struggles, John was diagnosed at an early age with a severe visual impairment, achromatopsia, a rare condition that causes limited vision, sensitivity to light, and colour blindness. He is legally blind. The dark sunglasses he wore on stage were worn because he had a severe aversion to light, not because he was trying to be cool. Around the same time, Nick St. Nicholas, born Klaus Kassbaum, came to Canada with his family from post-war Germany. They both came of age in the blossoming music scene of Toronto in the early '60s – now known as the Haight Ashbury or Greenwich Village of the North. John was honing his blues-influenced guitar and singing skills, and as a solo artist, he played in the coffeehouses of Yorkville. Previously a sleepy residential neighbourhood, in those years Yorkville was coming alive with a burgeoning hippie folk music scene: "It was a magnet for those that just felt out of place in the regular neighbourhoods," remembers Kay in Born to Be Wild: The Story of Steppenwolf. These coffeehouses were the venues that became the meeting grounds for musicians, artists and intellectuals. Figures like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Gordon Lightfoot and David Clayton-Thomas all made their mark here. The scene in Yorkville mirrored the larger global movements, where music was no longer just entertainment —it became a powerful tool for social and political change. A few streets away, Yonge Street venues were blasting out rock and roll and R&B, to the likes of Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks – with a young Robbie Robertson on guitar. The two music scenes collided as a breeding ground for young musicians like John and Nick. "Toronto was the nexus of American music and British music," says Canadian music producer Bob Ezrin in Born to Be Wild. "If you take it on a per capita basis, the people coming out of Toronto, we're punching way above our weight class." Through a mutual friend, John was introduced to Nick, who was playing in clubs with fellow Oshawa musicians in a band called Jack London and the Sparrows. Just around that time, the band was separating from singer Jack London and were looking for a replacement. John and Nick connected over their love of music and shared background. John started jamming with them and eventually was invited to join the band, renamed The Sparrows: Nick St. Nicholas on bass, Jerry Edmonton on drums, his brother Dennis (later known as Mars Bonfire) on guitar, and Goldy McJohn on keyboards. This was the foundation of what became Steppenwolf. The story of an iconic song: Born to Be Wild The Sparrows first went to New York and then travelled to Los Angeles in search of success. Nick, who was the only one with a driver's license, drove the band across the continent. "Los Angeles at that time, this was a gritty town," says John Kay's daughter, Shawn. "Coming out of the ashes and being tough. And that's where hard rock came from." The scene in Los Angeles would also influence their sound. In L.A. they played alongside bands like the Doors, but it was San Francisco where, by the late 1960s, the city's counterculture was in full swing. The band went north and it was there that they first attracted a cult audience, including a biker crowd that started to converge on their shows. In San Francisco, the band eventually parted ways over creative differences. They scattered, went back to L.A., forging their way alone, or with new bands. Eventually, John brought most of the band back together to form Steppenwolf. Dennis Edmonton (aka Mars Bonfire) departed from the band to pursue a solo career shortly after, but left them with a demo of the first version of the band's breakout hit. Living in a small apartment in L.A. where he couldn't use an amplifier, he recorded an unplugged, almost whispered version of Born to Be Wild. John Kay and Steppenwolf – with new guitarist Michael Monarch — would take this recording to a whole new level that would become the iconic anthem we know today. The lyrics were a call for adventure: "Get your motor runnin' / Head out on the highway." It echoed with the biker subculture and exemplified everything that they stood for: riding, rebellion and freedom. It was no coincidence that Born to be Wild was featured in the film Easy Rider, an indie movie starring Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper who play two bikers on an epic road trip. The film became a huge mainstream success and solidified Steppenwolf's reputation as a biker band. Both the film and the song embodied the rebellion of the 1960s — a rebellion against conformity, authority, and societal norms. Watch | Members of Steppenwolf talk about the impact of Born to Be Wild Members of Steppenwolf talk about the impact of Born to Be Wild 13 days ago Duration 1:30 Written and directed by German filmmaker Oliver Schwehm, Born to Be Wild: The Story of Steppenwolf is a refreshing and unexpected story of a song that is ubiquitous in pop culture all over the world. Weaving the story through interviews and live scenes with surviving band members, their families, and artists like Alice Cooper, Taj Mahal, Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous), Klaus Meine (The Scorpions), Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys), Dale Grover (The Melvins), Bob Ezrin (Producer: Kiss, Pink Floyd, Taylor Swift, among others). It also features incredible archival footage and photos, including never-before-seen 8-mm film from Nick St. Nicholas' vault. The film brings to light an endearing new Canadian perspective on what was long considered to be an American music story. These days, John and Nick live about an hour's drive from each other in southern California. They hadn't been together for over 50 years, until this documentary reunited them at the premiere in Munich in July 2024. They were arm-in-arm on stage presenting the film. Says Rolling Stone music critic Cameron Crowe, "There's a lot of love for Steppenwolf out there and I think why their music remains present … It's authentic. It's not a toy band with toy emotions. They're actually sincere." Watch Born to Be Wild: The Story of Steppenwolf now streaming on CBC Gem.
