Dead Kennedys guitarist East Bay Ray diagnosed with Parkinson's, plans to keep touring

Dead Kennedys guitarist and founding member East Bay Ray has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, with the band telling fans he intends to keep playing for as long as his health allows. It is a serious health update paired with a clear statement of intent. The news was made public on Tuesday.

Management for the band announced the diagnosis on social media on Tuesday, according to Rolling Stone. The message centred on Ray's wish to continue performing and touring. No change to planned shows was mentioned in what was reported.

Parkinson's disease is a long-term condition that affects movement and can affect how a musician plays and travels for work. Ray co-founded Dead Kennedys in 1978 and has remained its guitarist. That puts him at the centre of the band's history for almost five decades.

Dead Kennedys broke up in 1986 and reunited in 2001. The split and later reunion give the band's story two distinct chapters, with Ray present in both. He provides the direct link between the group that started in the late 1970s and the version that tours now.

The current line-up reflects later changes around him. Ron "Skip" Greer has served as lead vocalist since 2008. Steve Wilson joined on drums following the death of longtime drummer D.H. Peligro in 2022.

The update comes ahead of scheduled West Coast dates in October, according to Rolling Stone. The run is set to begin on Oct. 6 in Seattle at Showbox at the Market. It is scheduled to end on Oct. 11 in Riverside, California at Riverside Municipal Auditorium.

For fans, this means the October shows carry added weight. Tickets bought for the October run are now also a chance to support a founding member who has chosen to stay on stage after a difficult diagnosis. The band has not outlined plans beyond those dates, only that Ray will continue while he is able.