Dead Kennedys founding guitarist East Bay Ray has been officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The band’s management released a public statement on Tuesday, September 22, confirming the 67-year-old musician’s diagnosis while assuring fans that he has no immediate plans to step away from the stage.
“Ray says he plans to continue performing and touring with Dead Kennedys for as long as his health allows, and expressed his appreciation to everyone for their continued support,” the management’s statement read.
Born Raymond Pepperell, East Bay Ray is the sole continuous member of Dead Kennedys since co-founding the pioneering punk rock outfit in San Francisco in 1978. Following the group’s initial breakup in 1986, the guitarist spearheaded their 2001 reformation and has kept the band actively touring ever since. The reunion has notably proceeded without original frontman Jello Biafra, who suffered a stroke earlier this year and was hospitalized.
Outside of his work with the punk veterans, East Bay Ray remains musically active on his own, having just released a brand new solo single titled “Area 51” last week.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system, and while there is currently no cure, multidisciplinary management, medications, and surgery can help provide relief from symptoms.
The guitarist joins a tragic but resilient list of legendary rock and metal musicians who have publicly battled the condition. Judas Priest guitarist Glenn Tipton announced his Parkinson’s diagnosis over a decade ago after dealing with the disease privately for years. In 2020, Ozzy Osbourne revealed his own diagnosis with Parkin 2, a specific form of the disease. The heavy music community also previously lost Pat Torpey, the longtime drummer for Mr. Big, who passed away in February 2018 due to complications from the condition.
Remaining true to his statement, East Bay Ray will hit the road with Dead Kennedys next month for a brief run of West Coast performances.
