The beleaguered Dead Kennedys have decided to hang up their touring boots. With both bassist Klaus Flouride and drummer D.H. Peligro sidelined with health issues, the band is putting themselves on a self-described "indefinite touring hiatus." Flouride spoke on his departure earlier this week. Guitarist East Bay Ray will form a new band with the Wynona Riders' Skip, who was singing for the Kennedys on their last two tours. While the band has not announced a formal breakup the did phrase their recent years in a retrospective light:
"Earlier this year, in May 2008, Dead Kennedys were awarded a Gold Record in both the United States and the United Kingdom for "Give Me Convenience Or Give Me Death." "In God We Trust Inc. EP." was also certified Gold in the United Kingdom. This is significant achievement because the recordings were all released on independent labels.

On Dead Kennedys' recent UK and Californian tours, the audience reception was enthusiastic and genuine (including two new songs performed by the band). Thanks to those that came to those shows and for their encouragement."
Following the messy legal battles of the late 90s, the Dead Kennedys reunited in 2001 without vocalist and songwriter Jello Biafra. Ray, Peligro, and Fluoride performed with Dr. Know frontman (and former child star) Brandon Cruz singing. Cruz left the band in May of 2003 and was replaced by Jeff Penalty (a punk filmmaker known for documentaries on the Bouncing Souls, Youth Brigade and most recently NOFX's "Backstage Passport"). Penalty split with the band in March of 2008 and now moonlights as the vocalist to Black Fag. With Penalty and Peligro both leaving the band in this period, the group most recently featured Wynona Riders singer Skip and Translator drummer Dave Scheff.