Dead Kennedys Guitarist East Bay Ray Announces Parkinson's Diagnosis
East Bay Ray, the influential guitarist for Dead Kennedys, has revealed he is battling Parkinson's Disease. The band stated that Ray intends to continue performing and touring with them for as long as his health permits.
Health Update
East Bay Ray, Dead Kennedys Guitarist, Diagnosed With Parkinson’s Disease
"Ray says he plans to continue performing and touring with Dead Kennedys for as long as his health allows," band writes
By Althea Legaspi
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September 22, 2026
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East Bay Ray, the guitarist and founding member of Dead Kennedys , has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The band’s management announced the news on social media on Tuesday.
“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 band wrote on Instagram, along with sharing a black and white photo of the artist.
The San Francisco punk icon co-founded the band in 1978 and continues to be a member of the seminal group, who broke up in 1986 and reunited in 2001, along with original bassist Klaus Flouride. Singer Ron “Skip” Greer has served as lead vocalist since 2008. Drummer Steve Wilson joined the band following the death of longtime drummer D.H. Peligro in 2022 .
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_Originally reported by [Rolling Stone](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/dead-kennedys-east-bay-ray-parkinsons-disease-diagnosis-1235630035/)._
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