D.H. Peligro, Dead Kennedys and Former Red Hot Chili Peppers Drummer, Dead at 63
D.H. Peligro, the longtime drummer for the punk band Dead Kennedys, who worked briefly with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, has died. He was 63.
The Dead Kennedys confirmed the news of his death in a tribute post on Instagram, stating that police believe he died following an accidental fall.
"Dead Kennedys' drummer D.H. Peligro (Darren Henley) passed away in his Los Angeles home yesterday, October 28th," the post read. "Police on the scene stated that he died from trauma to the head caused by an accidental fall."
The post added that "Arrangements are pending and will be announced in the coming days."
Peligro joined the Dead Kennedys in 1981, replacing the band's original drummer. As a member of the band, Peligro played on their albums Plastic Surgery Disasters, Frankenchrist, and Bedtime for Democracy, among others.
The group broke up in 1986 but reunited -- sans their original frontman -- in 2001. In the years after they reformed, Peligro performed on the band's subsequent albums, DMPO's on Broadway, Mutiny on the Bay, The Early Years Live, Live at the Deaf Club, and Milking the Sacred Cow.
In 1988, Peligro had a brief stint with the Red Hot Chili Peppers but was fired the same year due to his battle with substance abuse, which led to his sobriety journey after leaving the band. Peligro was replaced by Chad Smith, who has been a stalwart member of the band ever since. Peligro remained close friends with the band members in the years following.
In the wake of his death, Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist and founding member Flea shared a tribute on social media, sharing, "DH Peligro forever and ever. The funnest, kindest and the rockingest. My dear brother I’m so grateful for our time I love you forever."
DH Peligro forever and ever. The funnest, kindest and the rockingest. My dear brother I’m so grateful for our time I love you forever.
— Flea (@flea333) October 29, 2022
Alice in Chains rocker William DuVall shared his memories of Peligro from past concerts, sharing, "DH Peligro. Drum hero. Super cool guy. I’ll never forget the DKs gig I saw at 688 in May ‘83 where, after shredding his drums the entire set, he ended the show by diving over his kit straight into the crowd in a single leap. F**king legend. Rest In Peace."
DH Peligro. Drum hero. Super cool guy. I’ll never forget the DKs gig I saw at 688 in May ‘83 where, after shredding his drums the entire set, he ended the show by diving over his kit straight into the crowd in a single leap. Fucking legend. Rest In Peace. #dhpeligro#deadkennedyspic.twitter.com/aYeXuH63ed
— William DuVall (@WilliamDuvall) October 29, 2022
Here are some of the other tributes and posts shared in Peligro's memory.
Oh no, the saddest news about DH. A friend, vegan, punk rock legend, collaborator. You will be missed, old friend. #dhpeligrohttps://t.co/yWGhmm4kl4
— moby XⓋX (@thelittleidiot) October 29, 2022
So sad to hear that my buddy DH Peligro has passed. Drummer extraordinaire for the Dead Kennedys, smart, sensitive, with a great sense of humor. Adios, amigo; love you, brother.
— Bill Moseley (@choptopmoseley) October 30, 2022
RIP #DHPeligro#deadkennedys#RedHotChiliPeppers I have played his work on my @SIRIUSXM#livetransmission radio … pic.twitter.com/bfley7ZReZ
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) October 30, 2022
Just heard @DeadKennedys drummer DH Peligro has passed away following an accident. Going to raise a glass to him tonight and crank up Bedtime for Democracy. Rest in power 💪 pic.twitter.com/LyKYfikdds
— Elena Whitham MSP (@ElenaWhitham) October 29, 2022
RIP DH Peligro. Keep rocking on above!
— Martina Markota (@MartinaMarkota) October 30, 2022
RI Paradise #DHPeligro We & I will miss You Dearly!!! I'll be Cranking some @DeadKennedys in ur honor my Heavenly brother!!! Thoughts and Love sent out to DHP Fam & Friends! Mt❤🖤🏴☠️💯🙏🏽😪🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/4qtv6cL6Ad
— BulletBoys (@TheBulletBoys) October 30, 2022
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