The Dead Kennedys have pulled out of an Oct. 29 Los Angeles show, citing sponsorship by Coors Brewing Company as the reason. The veteran punk group was to play along with Suicidal Tendencies, the Germs, Flipper and Marky Ramone at the event, dubbed Walking the Dead.
The group claims it was unaware of any corporate sponsorship for the concert until the Coors logo appeared in a printed advertisement. Unable to work out a reasonable compromise with the organizers of the show, the band canceled its appearance and in a statement derides the brewer, claiming past support of conservative groups and anti-union and -environmental actions.
“Dead Kennedys have always been wary of corporate sponsorship and steer clear of lending our name to promote a product,” says guitarist East Bay Ray. “Because we were not alerted to the ultra-conservative, right-wing sponsor for this event, we could not see a reason to go ahead and perform at this show in good conscience.”
“We obviously disagree with the Dead Kennedys’ point-of-view regarding our company and its history, and while we’re disappointed that they’ve decided to pull out of the show, ultimately it is their decision as to which events they choose to perform,” Coors says in a statement released to Billboard.com. “At Coors, we are proud of our corporate social performance record and progress. We have long been honored by national organizations and publications for our progressive policies, business practices and community support.”
The Dead Kennedys — comprised of East Bay Ray and fellow original members D.H. Peligro (drums) and Klaus Flouride (bass), along with vocalist Jeff Penalty — apologizes to fans in the statement, promising another L.A. area show in the near future.
As previously reported, the group is readying the Oct. 25 reissue of its 1980 debut, “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables,” via Manifesto Records. A bonus DVD will boast live archival footage of the band with original lead singer Jello Biafra, as well as a documentary about the making of the album.
