Jello Biafra Joins King Gizzard for Energetic Cover at Festival

Jello Biafra joined King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard for a spirited performance of the Dead Kennedys’ classic track “Police Truck” at the Field Of Vision festival in Buena Vista, Colorado, on August 15, 2023. The former frontman of the influential punk band shared the stage with the Australian psych rock group, who celebrated him as a “hero and inspiration” during the show.

Biafra reciprocated the praise, declaring King Gizzard to be his favorite band in the world. Their collaboration brought a fresh energy to the iconic punk anthem, captivating the audience with its lively execution. The full performance is available for viewing online, allowing fans to relive the moment.

“Police Truck,” originally released in 1980 as the b-side to “Holiday In Cambodia,” gained renewed popularity after featuring in the soundtrack of the 1999 video game Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, introducing it to a new generation of listeners.

Controversies and Statements

Earlier in August, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard made headlines by removing their music from Spotify in protest against CEO Daniel Ek‘s investments in military technology, specifically AI drone technology. In a statement, the band expressed their concerns, saying, “A PSA to those unaware: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invests millions in AI military drone technology. We just removed our music from the platform. Can we put pressure on these Dr. Evil tech bros to do better? Join us on another platform.”

This move positions the band among several artists advocating for ethical considerations in the tech industry, emphasizing the intersection of music and social responsibility.

Biafra, who has not performed with Dead Kennedys since their split in 1986, remains a pivotal figure in punk music. The current lineup of the Dead Kennedys is fronted by Skip Greer. Earlier this year, guitarist East Bay Ray remarked that Biafra is the primary obstacle to any potential reunion, stating, “It’s Biafra that turns down any offers for us to do something; we don’t have any problem. He got caught with his hands in the till and wants to blame us for getting caught, but he should never have put his hands in there in the first place.”

As the music scene evolves, both Biafra and King Gizzard continue to make significant impacts, whether through their performances or their statements on social issues. The collaboration at the Field Of Vision festival exemplifies the enduring legacy of punk music and its ability to unite artists with shared values.