D.H. Peligro, Drummer for the Dead Kennedys, Dies After Fall
D.H. Peligro, the longtime drummer for iconic punk band the Dead Kennedys, died after hitting his head during a fall at his Los Angeles home, the group announced on Instagram. He was 63.
“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,” the announcement said.
Peligro, whose real name was Darren Henley, joined the Dead Kennedys in 1981, then played briefly with the Red Hot Chili Peppers after the band broke up. When the DKs got back together in 2001, he rejoined them.
Peligro grew up in St. Louis, traveling to San Francisco as a teenager, where he played for local punk bands, including one that occasionally opened for the Dead Kennedys, he told LA Weekly in 2018.
He told the magazine he “was working at a gay bondage hotel” when he learned the band was looking for a new drummer.
“The drummer had left and I was willing, so I auditioned. The rest is history,” he said.
After the announcement, tributes from across the music world began pouring in on social media. Among them was Porno for Pyros cofounder Martyn Lenoble, who wrote: “Thank you for everything brother. We had some great times together. And we shared some of the same struggles. He was a wild man. With big energy and a big heart.”
DH Peligro forever and ever. The funnest, kindest and the rockingest. My dear brother I’m so grateful for our time I love you forever.
— Flea (@flea333) October 29, 2022
Oh no, the saddest news about DH. A friend, vegan, punk rock legend, collaborator. You will be missed, old friend. #dhpeligro https://t.co/yWGhmm4kl4
— moby XⓋX (@thelittleidiot) October 29, 2022
Damn. Sorry to hear. What a drummer. https://t.co/67GyvU8mP3
— Laura Jane Grace (@LauraJaneGrace) October 29, 2022
DH Peligro. Drum hero. Super cool guy. I’ll never forget the DKs gig I saw at 688 in May ‘83 where, after shredding his drums the entire set, he ended the show by diving over his kit straight into the crowd in a single leap. Fucking legend. Rest In Peace. #dhpeligro #deadkennedys pic.twitter.com/aYeXuH63ed
— William DuVall (@WilliamDuvall) October 29, 2022
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