D.H. Peligro Of The Dead Kennedys Dead At 63

Drummer D.H. Peligro of the Dead Kennedys has died.

The St. Louis-born musician was 63.

Peligro died at his home in Los Angeles after what is being called an “accidental fall.”

In 1991 Peligro joined the Dead Kennedys, stepping in after the band’s original drummer Bruce Slesinger, otherwise known as Ted, left the fold.

Peligro played on the 1981 In God We Trust, Inc. EP and stayed with the band until they called it a day in 1986. He rejoined the band after they reformed in 2001, without original singer Jello Biafra.

Over the course of his career with the Dead Kennedys, Peligro played on every subsequent album: 1982’s Plastic Surgery Disasters, 1985’s Frankenchrist, 1986’s Bedtime for Democracy, and 1987’s Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death.

Peligro, who played with Flea and Anthony Kiedis in the side project Three Little Butt Hairs, ended up replacing Jack Irons in the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1988, though he was replaced soon after with Chad Smith.

A prolific drummer who played with muscle and a thoughtful intensity, over the years Peligro also played with Reverend Jones and the Cool Aid Choir, Al Sharpton’s Hair, Nailbomb, Jungle Studs, Lock-Up, the Hellations, the Two Free Stooges and SSI.

His own band Peligro, put out three records in six years (1995-2001).

A statement issued by the Dead Kennedys on social media read: “Dead Kennedys’ drummer D.H. Peligro (Darren Henley) passed away in his Los Angeles home yesterday, October 28th. Police on the scene stated that he died from trauma to the head caused by an accidental fall. Arrangements are pending and will be announced in the coming days. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your thoughts and words of comfort.”

Meanwhile, the tributes came pouring in.

On Instagram, Flea wrote: “The first time I saw you play with the DK’s in ‘81 you blew my mind. The power, the soul, the recklessness.”

Later, Jon Wurster of Superchunk added: “D.H. Peligro has left the building. One of the absolute greats.”