The music world discovered of the demise of longtime Lifeless Kennedys drummer D.H. Peligro over the weekend, and his longtime bandmate and sometimes outspoken vocalist from the band, Jello Biafra, has now issued his assertion on the musician’s demise.
The information was delivered on Saturday (Oct. 29), revealing that Peligro had handed away after struggling a trauma to his head throughout an unintentional fall the day prior (Oct. 28).
Peligro joined the band in 1981 and remained by way of their preliminary run, whereas additionally returning for his or her later reunion. Biafra labored alongside Peligro for a lot of that point, and he issued an announcement, sharing loads of reflections on their time collectively, by way of the Different Tentacles web site. It may be learn beneath.
Wow. I positive wasn’t anticipating this.
I really feel like I’ve been hit by a prepare.
Regardless of all he’d carried out to his thoughts and physique, I by no means thought we’d lose him first. He was not simply our highly effective unforgettable drummer. He was a gifted singer, songwriter, guitarist and a lot extra.
Even behind the drum equipment, he had presence. All animal intuition, he by no means performed something fairly the identical approach twice. He was a born showman.Clear again in ‘79, I obtained a sizzling tip on a brand new Conflict-inspired Punk band known as SSI enjoying on the Deaf Membership. As nice as these guys performed, it was the drummer that stole the present. A free spirited African American power of nature (The Punk scene is at all times too white), with this shit consuming grin, a bandana on his head, and two kick drums (!) singing his ass off to “Preserve a Knockin,” even sounding like Little Richard, as they closed the present.
Then they disappeared.
In 1981 we wanted a brand new drummer. In some way Ray discovered that man from SSI. Or perhaps Darren discovered him, I used to be by no means positive. From the primary tune, he was stable. Good kick and snare intuition, to make the songs go.
On the second audition, he was the one who’d carried out his homework, so fingers down he was in. Ray stated he’d discovered “In-Sight” from listening to it as soon as in his automobile on the radio.
Now we had extra fireplace and really feel than ever earlier than, and the remainder is historical past. He made the entire band 10 years youthful, together with all of the rattling carousing and pranks. Throwing meals at passengers all around the aircraft on the way in which to Australia, til the pilot got here again and threatened to arrest him.
In Rome, he and I pulled on all these cables outdoors the window of a music label workplace, not realizing we have been yanking all these peoples’ TVs off their balconies, and out of their residing rooms. We laughed about a variety of stuff the opposite guys didn’t. We had our personal distinctive bond.
Pals who noticed DH with the Chili Peppers on the Hollywood Bowl stated he seemed so glad up there. He seemed so proud. However it was to not be.
When he lastly hit backside, he went clear again to St. Louis to wash up. I used to be the one who flew out to see him when he obtained out of rehab. One other pal got here down from Chicago, and blew our minds with our first 90 minute baptism of Wesley Willis!
A yr or two later, I used to be in Chicago engaged on Lard, and Wesley came visiting. I known as DH, and put Wes on the telephone, not telling Darren who he was. When discuss shifted to the hazards of excessive fructose corn syrup, I knew he knew. After I obtained the telephone again, he was laughing his ass off.
When he got here north to go to, he’d stick with me; and we grew nearer and deeper than ever earlier than. The opposite guys begged off, and didn’t wish to see him. I believed we would really be brothers for all times.
He put collectively his personal band, known as Peligro after all, with him on guitar and vocals, utilizing a variety of the songs from his 80’s Punk energy trio, the Hellations. Their Different Tentacles debut is by far the very best solo album by any of the ex-DKs. Like “Contemporary Fruit..” gone Unhealthy Brains, in the very best approach. He had now unfold his wings as a full fledged chief and songwriter. However extra was to not be.
I nonetheless suppose they may have develop into a lot extra once they regrouped, than a 20+ yr tribute band. They might have gotten a brand new drummer, Jon Lieb, perhaps; and made DH the brand new frontman, on vocals, second guitar, boost his songs, and extra. Purpose excessive and do it proper, with a brand new identify, new sound, and an entire new id. Like the category approach Bauhaus morphed into Love and Rockets, submit Peter Murphy.
That might have been such a great band.
Rattling. I get goose bumps simply enthusiastic about it..
So I hope Peligro is up there someplace, getting his headbutts from Wesley eventually. Perpetually free from any hellrides from excessive fructose corn syrup.
With a lot love and respect,
Jello Biafra
Additionally over the weekend, Purple Scorching Chili Peppers bassist Flea, who for a quick interval labored with Peligro within the Chili Peppers, shared his personal ideas on the drummer’s passing. Flea provided, “My pricey pal, my brother I miss you a lot. I’m devastated at the moment, a river of tears, however all my life I’ll treasure each second. The primary time I noticed you play with the DK’s in ‘81 you blew my thoughts. The facility, the soul, the recklessness. You turned my beloved pal, so many occasions of each form. We had a lot enjoyable, a lot pleasure, having one another’s backs. I really like you with all my coronary heart. You’re the truest rocker, and a vital a part of rhcp historical past. D H P within the place to be, you reside perpetually in our hearts, you wild man, you bringer of pleasure, you large hearted man. I’ll at all times honor you. Relaxation In Peace and freedom from all that restrained you.”
D.H. Peligro was 63 on the time of his demise.
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