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Dead Kennedys

Live Performances by Dead Kennedys in 1984

  • In January 1984, when the live recording of "Religious Vomit" was captured, Dead Kennedys were at a pivotal stage in their career, just after the rele... Read Full Description >

    In January 1984, when the live recording of "Religious Vomit" was captured, Dead Kennedys were at a pivotal stage in their career, just after the release of their third studio album, "Plastic Surgery Disasters." Released in 1982, this album showcased their distinctive punk sound and socially charged lyrics, further establishing their reputation in the punk rock scene. The band's live performances during this period were known for their high energy and an intense political stance, reflective of the band's ethos. "Religious Vomit," a track from their second studio album "In God We Trust, Inc.," exemplifies their provocative take on religion and authority. The live recording reflects not just the band's musical prowess, but also their ability to engage audiences in critical discourse, solidifying their legacy as influential figures in punk history. Their performances often featured a defiant attitude, which resonated with fans and challenged societal norms.

Dead Kennedys - Live Olympic Auditorium 1984: Full Concert

Olympic Auditorium
Los Angeles, CA, United States

June 1, 1984 | Video Length: 24:51
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  • On June 1, 1984, the Dead Kennedys performed live at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, a pivotal moment in their career as they were at the heigh... Read Full Description >

    On June 1, 1984, the Dead Kennedys performed live at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, a pivotal moment in their career as they were at the height of their influence in the hardcore punk scene. This recording captures the band during their tour for their acclaimed album "Plastic Surgery Disasters," released in 1982, which solidified their reputation for blending sharp political commentary with aggressive music. By this time, the band's frontman, Jello Biafra, was already known for his provocative lyrics that critiqued societal issues, a hallmark of their live performances. Notably, the year before this concert, they faced significant challenges, including legal battles stemming from their controversial album artwork and confrontations with censorship. This event exemplifies both their energetic stage presence and their commitment to addressing pressing social issues through music, further establishing them as a long-lasting icon within punk culture.

Dead Kennedys Perform 'Riot' at DMPO's on Broadway Concert

DMPO's on Broadway
New York, NY, United States

June 11, 1984 | Video Length: 8:02
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  • On June 11, 1984, during their live performance at DMPO's on Broadway in New York, the Dead Kennedys were riding the wave of their burgeoning populari... Read Full Description >

    On June 11, 1984, during their live performance at DMPO's on Broadway in New York, the Dead Kennedys were riding the wave of their burgeoning popularity in the punk rock scene. This performance came shortly after the release of their critically acclaimed album "Plastic Surgery Disasters," which was released in 1982, showcasing the band's signature blend of provocative lyrics and energetic instrumentation. By 1984, the Dead Kennedys had established themselves as a formidable force in punk, often addressing political and social issues in their music. Notably, the band's lead vocalist, Jello Biafra, was known for his outspoken views, making their live shows not just performances, but also platforms for commentary. The energy captured in the recording from this concert reflects the band's peak creative period, highlighting their influential role in the punk movement of the 1980s.

Dead Kennedys - Full Concert Live in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA, United States

June 16, 1984 | Video Length: 59:50
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  • On June 16, 1984, during the performance captured in the live recording "Dead Kennedys - Live in San Francisco," the band was riding high on the succe... Read Full Description >

    On June 16, 1984, during the performance captured in the live recording "Dead Kennedys - Live in San Francisco," the band was riding high on the success of their iconic album "Frankenchrist," which had been released just a few months earlier in March 1985. This album featured a mix of their signature punk sound with controversial themes and provocative artwork, leading to significant attention and a bit of scandal due to its cover. By this point in their career, Dead Kennedys had solidified their reputation as one of the most influential punk bands of the era, known for their political activism and sharp social commentary. This San Francisco show was part of their extensive touring schedule, showcasing their raw energy and commitment to addressing societal issues through music, firmly establishing their legacy in the punk rock scene.

Dead Kennedys Live in San Francisco 1984 - Full Concert

ON BROADWAY
San Francisco, CA, United States

June 16, 1984 | Video Length: 1:2:18
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  • On June 16, 1984, the Dead Kennedys performed a significant live show at ON BROADWAY in San Francisco, which coincided with the closing of the venue, ... Read Full Description >

    On June 16, 1984, the Dead Kennedys performed a significant live show at ON BROADWAY in San Francisco, which coincided with the closing of the venue, a prominent site for avant-garde performances. At this point in their career, the band had recently released their third studio album, "Frankenchrist," in 1985, although it was technically still a year away from the live recording. The band was known for their politically charged lyrics and energetic performances, and this show is reflective of their peak in the punk rock scene, capturing a moment rich with raw energy and sociopolitical commentary. Notably, the band's lineup included founders Jello Biafra and Klaus Flouride, who were instrumental in shaping their unique sound and message. The performance immortalized in this video showcases their raw, unfiltered approach to punk, making it a captivating moment in their discography and live history.

DEAD KENNEDYS Live at On Broadway, San Francisco - Full Concert

On Broadway
San Francisco, CA, US

June 16, 1984 | Video Length: 1:4:10
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  • In June 1984, during their live performance at On Broadway in San Francisco, the Dead Kennedys were riding high on the success of their third studio a... Read Full Description >

    In June 1984, during their live performance at On Broadway in San Francisco, the Dead Kennedys were riding high on the success of their third studio album, "Plastic Surgery Disasters," which had been released in 1982. This album showcased their distinctive blend of punk rock with sharp political commentary and social critique, solidifying their reputation for provocative music. The live recording captures the band at a time when they were gaining considerable notoriety, both for their radical lyrics and energetic performances. An interesting fact about this period is that the Dead Kennedys were known for their confrontational style, often addressing contentious topics like consumerism and political corruption in their songs. Their relentless creativity and edgy humor were prominent in their live shows, making them a defining force in the American punk scene of the 1980s.

Dead Kennedys: Full Concert Live @ The Island, Houston - Includes 'Saturday Night Holocaust'

The Island
Houston, TX, United States

August 18, 1984 | Video Length: 43:19
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  • On August 18, 1984, during their performance at The Island in Houston, TX, the Dead Kennedys were at a pivotal point in their career, having just rele... Read Full Description >

    On August 18, 1984, during their performance at The Island in Houston, TX, the Dead Kennedys were at a pivotal point in their career, having just released their album "Frankenchrist" earlier that year. This album marked a continuation of their provocative style, featuring politically charged lyrics and a blend of punk rock with diverse influences. "Frankenchrist" is particularly notable for its controversial cover art, which led to legal troubles and censorship discussions, reflecting the band's commitment to challenging societal norms. The live recording captures the band's high-energy performance, including iconic songs like "Nazi Punks, Fuck Off" and "Police Truck," showcasing their ability to engage with the audience while addressing pressing social issues. This period solidified the Dead Kennedys' status as key figures in the punk movement, both as entertainers and as outspoken critics of contemporary culture.