The Dead Kennedys were one of the most popular hardcore rock bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Formed in San Francisco, California and fronted by political activist and spoken-word artist Jello Biafra, the Kennedys were known for their controversial lyrics regarding politics, religion and social issues - especially regarding the Reagan administration. While the band disbanded in 1986 after five successful albums, they did return in 2001 with a new singer - over the objections (and lawsuits) of former singer Biafra.

In 1985, the Dead Kennedys were sued and criminally charged with "distribution of harmful matter to minors" after their album Frankenchrist contained a controversial poster of a work by H.R. Geiger entitled Penis Landscape. While the band eventually won the suit, the album was banned from many record stores across the country.

• 1980: Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables
• 1981: In God We Trust, Inc.
• 1982: Plastic Surgery Disasters
• 1985: Frankenchrist
• 1986: Bedtime for Democracy