Two NZ concerts for ex-Dead Kennedys frontman: JELLO BIAFRA & THE GUANTANAMO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
Jello Biafra, the former frontman and chief-agitator for legendary U.S. punks Dead Kennedys, returns to New Zealand this May for his first band performances since 1983’s infamous DKs gig at Auckland’s Mainstreet.
Plus1 proudly presents Jello Biafra & The Guantanamo School Of Medicine for two New Zealand shows:
Bodega, Wellington, Tuesday May 7 (Tickets from UTR and RPM)
Powerstation, Auckland, Wednesday May 8 (Tickets from Ticketmaster & Real Groovy)
Tickets for both concerts go on sale at 9am on Wednesday March 27. Full concert details available for plus1.co.nz or facebook.com/plus1.co.nz
Biafra’s band The Guantanamo School Of Medicine features former Rollins Band and Ween bassist Andrew Weiss, drummer Paul Della Pelle (Helios Creed / Nik Turners 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 Iggy Pops 60th birthday and a rare Stateside visit from Australias Radio Birdman, Jello & Guantanamo... quickly recorded an album, The Audacity Of Hype released to immense anticipation via Jellos 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.
EPs in each of 2011 and 2012 followed before the release this year of a second album White People and the Damage Done, Jellos 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 Biafras talking albums could manage all mixed with a heavy dose of melody and Jellos trademark wise-guy delivery.
Biafra explodes on stage, hands flailing, eyes on stalks, there is a madness in the house and its utterly compelling. Its 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. - LOUDER THAN WAR
After 30-plus years, Jello Biafras music and lyrics remain in a class of their own. Anyone interested in Dead Kennedys wont 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!
