Dead Kennedys Cut Ties With Punk In The Park
Dead Kennedys have said they will not book any further appearances with the Punk In The Park festival series after learning its promoter’s owner previously donated to Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. The band stressed that it will still play its currently scheduled dates to avoid disappointing fans who already bought tickets and made travel plans.
Dead Kennedys initially considered cancelling their upcoming Punk In The Park shows, but decided against it out of fairness to ticket-holders, while committing to end their involvement with the event series after those performances.
In a band statement shared on Monday, Dead Kennedys said they had “become aware” that Brew Ha Ha Productions owner Cameron Collins made “financial contributions” supporting the Trump administration, adding that the group has “always stood firmly against authoritarianism, racism, and fascism.” The current lineup does not include founding vocalist Jello Biafra.
The news arrives amid wider debate inside punk and hardcore about where artists draw the line with promoters and sponsors, a tension seen previously when a punk rock legend swore at a president’s fans during a politically charged moment.
Dead Kennedys are still scheduled to appear at Punk In The Park dates on April 18 in Pittsburgh and May 23 in Vallejo. After those shows, the band said it will not participate in future Punk In The Park events.
