DEAD KENNEDYS Will Play Punk In The Park Dates Despite Politics, JELLO BIAFRA Slams Them For Taking The Money

Dead Kennedys have confirmed they will fulfill their 2026 Punk in the Park dates in Pittsburgh and Vallejo, even after controversy surrounding the festival’s owner, Cameron Collins of Brew Ha Ha Productions, who donated to Donald Trump‘s 2024 campaign. The band, however, made it clear they will not play future editions.

In a statement, Dead Kennedys said: “We’ve become aware that the owner of Brew Ha Ha Productions, the company behind Punk In The Park, made financial contributions in support of the Trump administration. Our first reaction was to cancel our upcoming appearances.

“However, we do not feel it would be fair to our supporters who have already purchased tickets & made plans to attend these shows. Dead Kennedys have always stood firmly against authoritarianism, racism, and fascism. That has not changed. After these scheduled appearances, we will not be participating in future Punk In The Park events.”

The festival’s political controversy has previously caused bands like Destiny Bond to withdraw, while Dropkick Murphys severed ties entirely. Collins defended himself, saying his views “don’t neatly fit into a single box or party affiliation” and confirmed the fest’s return with three 2026 dates: April 18 in Pittsburgh, May 2 in Orlando, and May 23 in Vallejo.

Former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, who left the band in 1986, criticized the current lineup in a statement to Stereogum: “They’re taking the money $$$, and THEN pulling out? The real Dead Kennedys would never have let this happen in the first place. One more sordid reason I don’t ever want to play with them again.”

Led by original members East Bay Ray and Klaus Flouride, Dead Kennedys continue to operate as a legacy touring act, navigating both their historic punk ethos and modern controversies.