from the San Jose Mercury News

Dead Kennedys co-founder fiercer than ever at 50

By John Gentile for the Mercury News

Although his spoken-word engagements can extend beyond the four-hour mark, Jello Biafra has to watch what he says. Jello BiafraHe insists that all of his press interviews be recorded so he won’t be misquoted. And he refrains from answering certain questions so statements can’t be taken out of context for use against him.

But who can blame the guy? Biafra faced the prospect of jail time after being taken to court for distributing obscenity in 1986 in connection with the record “Frankenchrist.” He beat the rap and, turning 50, he’s fiercer than ever.

“As long as Americans go out of their way to make fools of themselves, I will never run out of material,” he says.

In 1978, Biafra co-founded the seminal punk-rock band the Dead Kennedys. A few years later, he co-founded a long-running independent record label, Alternative Tentacles, and has released eight spoken-word albums dealing with everything from censorship to crashing the Democratic convention to lousy band names.

Now, to celebrate the big 5-0 and the 30th anniversary of the Dead Kennedys, Biafra will do a pair of shows Tuesday and Wednesday at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall.

“When I saw Iggy Pop and the Stooges on Iggy’s 60th birthday, they were so awesome,” Biafra says about his inspiration Dead Kennedys FRANKENCHRISTfor the upcoming shows. “I made a vow to myself that I better do something on my birthday. If it’s just a tenth as good as Iggy, I’ll feel triumphant.”

Biafra will perform with the Melvins, as well as a new band that features members of Victim’s Family, Faith No More and Sharkbait.

Now that he’s into middle age, you might think he feels like taking things easy. But no.

“I’m not one of these people who are going to suddenly declare myself a mature adult artist in order to make excuses for wimpy, empty music,” he snarls. “There are tons of songs I’ve never recorded. I figure it’s time I got rocking again.”

Even though he’s known for rapidly jumping in and out of bands, Dead KennedysBiafra argues there is a certain continuity in his albums.

“Everything I’ve done, from the Dead Kennedys to Lard to the Melvins and even my spoken-word – it’s all one big body of work. I try to keep expanding the base of the pyramid, and add some cool frosting on top. It’s going to have a sharp set of teeth.”

By “teeth,” Biafra means sarcastic wit and outspoken opinions.

 

[ click to read full article at the SJ Merc ]