Dead Kennedys drummer D.H. Peligro has passed away at 63 years old after a fall at his home. Peligro drummed for Dead Kennedys between 1981 and 1986, 2001 and 2008, and then 2009 to present day.
The news was confirmed by the band who issued a statement revealing that the musician fell after suffering a trauma to the head after an accidental fall. The band’s statement on the matter reads as follows: “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.”
Peligro joined the band in 1981, making his debut on the In God We Trust EP. He then remained with the band for their next three albums, Plastic Surgery Disasters, Frankenchrist and Bedtime for Democracy. Peligro would briefly join Red Hot Chili Peppers after Dead Kennedy’s split in 1986, taking over after the exit of drummer Jack Irons. Peligro returned to Dead Kennedys upon their 2001 reunion, taking a brief hiatus in 2008 before resuming with the band again one year later.
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