Iconic drummer DH Peligro has died age 63, it has been confirmed.
The musician – real name Darren Henley – was best known as the dummer for the Dead Kennedys, having first joined the group in February 1981.
As a longtime friend of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, he was invited to play for the band in 1988 but was fired later that year due to suffering from drug and alcohol related issues.
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In an Instagram post, his Dead Kennedys bandmates wrote: "Dead Kennedys' drummer D.H. Peligro (Darren Henley) passed away in his Los Angeles home yesterday, October 28th.
"Police on the scene stated that he died from trauma to the head caused by an accidental fall.
"Arrangements are pending and will be announced in the coming days. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
"Thank you for your thoughts and words of comfort."
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Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea also posted a tribute to the drummer on Instagram, writing: "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. 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."
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Peligro was a respected figure within the Los Angeles and San Francisco punk scenes thanks to his skills as a drummer and his knowledge of the craft.
He was also a champion of diversity within the punk movement, having previously spoken about the discrimination he faced as a black musician in the 80s.
Speaking on this topic in a 2018 interview with LA Weekly, he said that while he didn't suffer too much discrimination in the city, it was different when he toured the US.
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“You go down South, you go across the Midwest, then people were thinking that it was music for white people, or I was the janitor or security or something," he said.
"You got to experience the racism firsthand, because everybody wasn't as open-minded as they were in San Francisco.
"It's a bit more open and accepted today, but there's still pockets of people who want to use punk rock to create hate music. That angers me to no end."
Prior to joining the Dead Kennedys, Peligro was a member of a local punk group called SSI, which led to him eventually getting the gig.
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"I was working at a gay bondage hotel, and The Dead Kennedys would come on the radio," he told the outlet.
"I really liked them, and they were in heavy rotation. The drummer had left and I was willing, so I auditioned. The rest is history."
In light of the tragic news, many people have shared their condolences, with one thanking him for his 'fight and visibility for the LGTBQI' community.
"He was always about lifting people up and never about anything negative," said another, while a third added: "One of my biggest drum influences in hardcore.... R.I.P."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: Music, World News
Daisy Phillipson