Often considered one of the most influential punk bands in history, Dead Kennedys performed its first show on July 19, 1978 at Baduhay Gardens in San Franciso. The band became a Bay Area sensation and in 1980 was invited to perform at the Bay Area Music Awards. After releasing four studio albums and one EP, the band broke up in 1986. In 2001, the band reunited with drummer D. H. Peligro, bassist Klaus Flouride, and guitarist East Bay Ray all returning. Brandon Cruz replaced Jelly Biafra as lead vocalist. Cruz was then replaced by Jeff Penalty in 2003 who was, in turn, was replaced by Ron "Skip" Greer in 2008. Except for a brief leave of absence between 2008 and 2009, Peligro remained with the band until his death in 2022 while East Bay Ray and Flouride remain the only original members still performing with the Dead Kennedys.