D. H. Peligro, Dead Kennedys’ Longtime Drummer, Dead at 63

D.H. Peligro, longtime drummer for Dead Kennedys who also briefly played with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has died at the age of 63.

Dead Kennedys announced the death of Peligro (real name Darren Henley) Saturday on social media, adding he died at his Los Angeles home.

“He died from trauma to his head from an accidental fall,” the band said in a statement. “Arrangements are pending will be announced in the coming days. Thank you for your thoughts and words of comfort.”

Peligro joined Dead Kennedys in 1981 following the exit of founding drummer Ted. Although Peligro didn’t appear on the band’s hardcore punk classic Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables, Peligro brought his rapid fire beat to the rest of the band’s output, starting with 1981’s In God We Trust, Inc. EP – featuring the classic “Nazi Punks Fuck Off” – and the albums Plastic Surgery Disaster, Frankenchrist and Bedtime for Democracy before the Jello Biafra-fronted outfit split in 1986.

“I feel like I’ve been hit by a train,” Biafra wrote on Twitter. “Despite all he’d done to his mind and body, I never thought we would lose him first. He was not just our powerful unforgettable drummer, he was a gifted singer, songwriter, guitarist and so much more. Even behind the drum kit, he had presence. All animal instinct, he never played anything quite the same way twice. He was a born showman.

“We laughed about a lot of stuff the other guys didn’t. We had our own unique bond,” Biafra added.

Two years after Dead Kennedys’ first breakup, Peligro was recruited to join Red Hot Chili Peppers following founding drummer Jack Irons’ exit (and guitarist Hillel Slovak’s death). However, after two months, Peligro was fired from the band over his drug problems; Peligro was replaced by Chad Smith, who remains with the Rock Hall-inducted band. However, three songs co-written by Peligro — “Knock Me Down,” “Sexy Mexican Maid” and “Taste the Pain” — featured on the Chili Peppers’ 1989 LP Mother’s Milk.

“My dear friend, my brother I miss you so much. I’m devastated today, a river of tears, but all my life I will treasure every second. The first time I saw you play with the DK’s in ‘81 you blew my mind. The power, the soul, the recklessness,” Flea wrote in tribute to Peligro Saturday. 

“You became my beloved friend, so many times of every kind. We had so much fun, so much joy, having each other’s backs. I love you with all my heart. You are the truest rocker, and a crucial part of rhcp history. D H P in the place to be, you live forever in our hearts, you wild man, you bringer of joy, you giant hearted man. I will always honor you. Rest In Peace and freedom from all that restrained you.”

Peligro was back behind the kit when Dead Kennedys reformed in 2001 without Biafra, and continued to perform with founding guitarist East Bay Ray and founding bassist Klaus Flouride until his death. “I am sad,” East Bay Ray tweeted Saturday.