Dead Kennedys Plan Rereleases

January 16, 2001 -- After putting down a legal appeal from ex-frontman Jello Biafra, the three other former members of the Dead Kennedys have announced their plans to release remastered albums, live albums, and videos — with the first material hitting stores as early as spring.

Biafra, whose Alternative Tentacles label lost control of the punk band's catalogue after a jury decision in May, has expressed concern that the band's songs, such as "California Uber Alles" and "Holiday in Cambodia," will be used to betray the ideals they express.

"I am being punished for sticking to the vision and principles of the band and saying no to corporate branding and co-opting of our culture," Biafra (born Eric Boucher) wrote in December on the label's Web site (AlternativeTentacles.com), following his failed appeal. "We are at risk of being wiped out if the verdict stands — if [the other members of the band] pimp our music to corporate labels [and] TV commercials, regardless of how people who believe in [the] Dead Kennedys' message feel about it."

The band members accuse Biafra of being the one who has betrayed ideals — specifically, democracy.

"The jury found that Biafra purposely defrauded us, his band mates and partners," said the band's former bassist, Klaus Flouride, in a statement. "This was about equality, fairness, and the democracy of a band. We did the Dead Kennedys together, it was a collaboration, and each of us has a voice in our future. Now the money he was taking as the label will be shared with all the band members."

The jury's decision also required that Biafra's Alternative Tentacles pay damages of nearly $200,000 to the band members — including Biafra himself.

Biafra would also, ironically, receive a larger share of royalties from any sales of future releases, because he is credited as songwriter for many of the band's songs. But in the meantime, he is continuing to try to raise money to pursue more legal options.

Guitarist East Bay Ray said the Dead Kennedys are likely to allow the release of digitally remastered editions of the band's albums, previously unreleased live albums, and home video packages culled from more than 60 hours of taped performances. No information has been announced about who will release or distribute any new material.

"There's a whole generation of kids who are into the band, but never saw us live," said drummer D.H. Peligro. "It's about laying it down for the people."