Jello Biafra Joins King Gizzard for Dead Kennedys Classic Cover

On August 15, 2023, Jello Biafra, the iconic former frontman of the Dead Kennedys, performed alongside King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard at the Field Of Vision festival in Buena Vista, Colorado. The collaboration featured a spirited rendition of the classic punk track “Police Truck,” showcasing Biafra’s enduring influence on the genre.

During the performance, King Gizzard introduced Biafra as a hero and source of inspiration. In a show of mutual respect, Biafra expressed his admiration for the Australian band, declaring them his “favourite band in the world.” The energetic cover has since garnered attention, with the full performance available for fans to view online.

Historical Significance of “Police Truck”

“Police Truck,” originally released in 1980 as the b-side to “Holiday In Cambodia,” has become a cultural staple over the years. Its popularity surged further when it was featured in the soundtrack of the 1999 video game Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, endearing it to a new generation of gamers and music lovers alike.

This collaboration comes on the heels of King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard’s recent decision to remove their music from Spotify. The band took a stand against the platform due to CEO Daniel Ek‘s investments in military technology, specifically AI-driven drone technology. In a bold statement, they said, “A PSA to those unaware: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invests millions in AI military drone technology. We just removed our music from the platform. Can we put pressure on these Dr. Evil tech bros to do better? Join us on another platform.”

Future of the Dead Kennedys

Since the Dead Kennedys disbanded in 1986, Biafra has not performed with the group. Currently, the band is fronted by Skip Greer. Earlier this year, guitarist East Bay Ray commented on the possibility of a reunion, stating, “It’s Biafra that turns down any offers for us to do something; we don’t have any problem.” Ray implied that Biafra’s past controversies have hindered any potential collaboration.

Biafra’s performance at the Field Of Vision festival highlights his lasting legacy in punk rock while reflecting the dynamic nature of contemporary music collaborations. As fans continue to celebrate both his work with the Dead Kennedys and recent efforts with King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, the fusion of past and present continues to resonate within the music community.