RHYTHMIC RESISTANCE

Interview with Klaus Flouride of Dead Kennedys

by Nicole Willis

Out of the many brash, provocative and politically charged bands that emerged from the mid-70s punk scene, Dead Kennedys were of the most well-known for their sarcastically cheeky lyrics and intense instrumentals. The band were among the first to define the style of 1980s hardcore punk.

Formed in San Francisco in 1978, Dead Kennedys made a significant impact in the punk scene with their 1980 debut album, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, featuring one of their most iconic tracks, Holiday in Cambodia. This release cemented the group’s reputation for sharp social commentary and an energetic punk sound. Originally founded by singer Jello Biafra (Eric Reed Boucher), guitarist East Bay Ray (Raymond Pepperell), bassist Klaus Flouride (Geoffrey Lyall) and drummer P.H. Peligro, the Dead Kennedys did not shy away from making bold and sometimes controversial statements. After several years in the spotlight, the band faced notable controversy over their political lyrics and legal battles and eventually disbanded in 1986.

After more than a decade-long hiatus, the band officially reformed in 2001. Today, the band is comprised of East Bay Ray, Klaus Flouride, vocalist Ronald “Skip” Greer and drummer Steve Wilson. The band continues to tour and will be stopping in Pensacola this month to perform at Vinyl Music Hall. Ahead of the show, we had the chance to ask Flouride some questions about the band’s beginnings and their work.

Dead Kennedys will take the stage on September 12 for a live performance at Vinyl Music Hall located at 2 S. Palafox St. in downtown Pensacola. The doors will open at 7 pm, and the show starts at 8 pm. Tickets start at $29.50 and can be purchased online at vinylmusichall.com.

For show announcements and to keep up with the band, follow @dead__kennedys on Instagram or @deadkennedys on Facebook.

DTC: What artists inspired you when you were getting your start as a musician?

KF: Ray [Dead Kennedys guitarist] and I both grew up with music always in the house and our folks taking us out to shows when we were way young. So, jazz, rock and blues artists, then later on The Screamers, The Weirdos, The Zeros, Devo and The Residents. They were all over the place with an accent on edgy.

DTC: Dead Kennedys’ lyrics have always been inspired by social and political events. Over the years, how has the changing political climate influenced your writing and performances? Did you always know that you wanted to use music to express yourself and share your views?

KF: I think that by the time we were around 16 to 18, we had figured it out. Politics are always grim no matter which climate and era they play out in. That in and of itself influences performances.

DTC: You are known for using humorous and satirical lyrics to tackle serious or complex topics. Can you explain why the band chose to adopt this style of writing?

KF: Why not? If it’s humorless it feels like lecturing and complaining. That sucks. Why not just have mischievous fun with it and annoy those who would be annoyed, and have a laugh with those who wouldn’t

DTC: What led to you deciding to reform the band after more than a decade-long hiatus? Did you face any challenges when you reformed the band in 2001?

KF: We had gone through an ordeal that I wouldn’t recommend to anyone. After it was over, D.H. [Peligro, since deceased Dead Kennedys drummer] said ‘let’s just get together and play to remember who we are and why we do what we do.’ So we did. Sure, there were challenges, comparisons, etc.—we were 15 years older—but we stuck to the logic that we wouldn’t do shows that we wouldn’t want to go attend ourselves. That still holds true and we can still play.

DTC: What are your thoughts on the current punk scene? Are there any artists that you think are doing a good job of carrying on the sound and the messages that Dead Kennedys promote?

KF: There is a lot going on in both the hardcore realm and in the experimental pop realm. Sarchasm [punk band] just finished a long run for the time being. We always have support bands that range in age from late teens to 60s. I don’t know about carrying on ‘our’ message, there is plenty going on for all of them to have their own.

DTC: Does the band have any new projects on the horizon?

KF: We’re always toying with ideas. We’ll see what happens.