DEAD KENNEDYS Guitarist EAST BAY RAY Diagnosed With Parkinson's Disease

East Bay Ray, the founding guitarist of San Francisco punk band DEAD KENNEDYS, has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

"Ray says he plans to continue performing and touring with DEAD KENNEDYS for as long as his health allows, and expressed his appreciation to everyone for their continued support," the band’s management said in an announcement released on social media earlier today (Tuesday, September 22).

Born Raymond Pepperell, East Bay Ray co-founded DEAD KENNEDYS in San Francisco in 1978 and has remained the band’s sole constant member since its formation.

DEAD KENNEDYS have several shows scheduled for next month: October 6 at Seattle's The Showbox, October 7 at Portland's Roseland Theater, October 9 at San Francisco's Regency Ballroom, and October 11 at Riverside, California's Riverside Municipal Auditorium.

DEAD KENNEDYS broke up in 1986 but resumed touring in 2001 without original singer Jello Biafra.

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but medications, surgery and multidisciplinary management can provide relief from the symptoms.

East Bay Ray released a new solo single, "Area 51", last week.

Earlier this year, Biafra was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.

The 67-year-old East Bay Ray is not the only rock musician battling Parkinson's disease. JUDAS PRIEST guitarist Glenn Tipton was diagnosed with Parkinson's around 12 years ago after being stricken by the condition at least half a decade earlier.

Pat Torpey, the longtime drummer for rock group MR. BIG, died in February 2018 due to complications from Parkinson's disease.

Ozzy Osbourne announced in 2020 that he had been diagnosed with a form of Parkinson's disease, Parkin 2, which affects the nerves in the body.