Jello Biafra, the infamous former frontman and chief-agitator for legendary U.S. punks Dead Kennedys, returns to Australia this May for his first live-band performances since the infamous DKs tour of 1983.
Biafra will be bringing his new latest musical project with him: The Guantanamo School Of Medicine, featuring former Rollins Band and Ween bassist Andrew Weiss, drummer Paul Della Pelle (Helios Creed and Nik Turner’s Space Ritual) and the twin guitar attack of Ralph Spight (Victims Family) and Kimo Ball.
Formed in 2009 after Jello was inspired by The Stooges performance at Iggys 60th birthday and a rare stateside visit from Australia’s own Radio Birdman, Jello & Guantanamo… quickly recorded an album, The Audacity Of Hype released to immense anticipation via Jello’s Alternative Tentacles label. Fans were not disappointed. Audacity… retained some of the spy-music-on-meth chaos of the Dead Kennedys while adding a healthy dose of Detroit style proto-punk mixed with layer upon layer of sonic guitar noise. In short: it rocks.
EP’s in each of 2011 and 2012 followed before the release this year of a second album White People and the Damage Done, Jello’s first concept album since the Dead Kennedys Frankenchrist album in 1985. White People… tackles in gruesome detail: corruption, US foreign policy, media lies, and tabloid scandal in much greater detail than even Biafra’s talking albums could manage all mixed with a heavy dose of melody andJello’s trademark wise-guy delivery.
Biafra explodes on stage, hands flailing, eyes on stalks, there is a madness in the house and it’s utterly compelling. It’s the same sort of acid barbed political and social commentary, hilarious, and terrifying at the same time, the dark humour pouring out of the songs in that superb helium voice. The fact that most people don’t even know these songs doesn’t get in the way of the reaction, which is explosive. – LOUDER THAN WAR
A long-time supporter of Australian music, for this tour, Biafra has selected some all-time favourites alongside a selection of new and cutting edge acts: Grong Grong, Hard-Ons, Useless Children and Zeahorse among them
After 30-plus years, Jello Biafra’s music and lyrics remain in a class of their own. Anyone interested in Dead Kennedys won’t be disappointed to hear how Jello has not changed with the times. He has continuously spoken the truth and has never waivered from his principles – Jello Biafra is more relevant now than he has ever been!
Tickets for all shows are on-sale Monday 18th March.
Friday 10th May: Adelaide, Fowlers Live + special guests Grong Grong
Saturday 11th May: Melbourne, Corner Hotel + special guests Useless Children & tbc
Sunday 12th May: Melbourne, Corner Hotel + special guests Grong Grong and The Spinning Rooms
Tuesday 14th May: Perth, Rosemount Hotel
Thursday 16th May: Brisbane, Hi-Fi + special guests The Celibate Rifles
Friday 17th May: Coolangatta Hotel + special guests The Celibate Rifles
Saturday 18th May: Sydney, The Metro + special guests Hard-Ons & Zeahorse
Sunday 19th May: Newcastle, Cambridge Tavern + special guests Hard-Ons
Tickets $44.00 + bf from yourcambridge.com, feelpresents.com, ph: 1300 762 545 in person at the Venue and Oztix outlets.