Dead Kennedys, LOLA @ The Gov, Adelaide 26/9/2025
There are not many bands that epitomised the ethos of Punk more than Dead Kennedys. Historically a DIY band in every facet, they were a tornado of political fury asking the questions others fear to do. Some personnel may have changed but the angst and the message remains doused in petrol and set ablaze.
Over the last eighteen months I’ve ticked off virtually every legendary punk band but none have stayed true to their message more than DK. Bringing fourteen songs off their five releases, they don’t miss the chance to antagonise, be satirical and highlight issues in the world still.
Led by Ron Greer, a whirling Devil of a front man, who leaps, bounces, snarls, sprays water and jumps into the crowd with the energy of a teenager, DK still have a voice in today’s world.
Opening with Police Truck, they zoom through the first couple of tracks in a flash and the sold out crowd is feeling good then comes the first fighting words. Greer proclaims the United States as the best country in the world, while having a pop at Australian footy. Boos rain down but it’s all part of the pantomime villain act as Kill The Poor gets the room bouncing and Greer into the pit.
Next in the firing line from Greer’s position on the pulpit is the music industry as MP3 Get Off The Web is venomously performed and to be honest, I agree.
In a world that gets more conservative yet broken, Nazi Punks Fuck Off is sadly more relevant than it was back when first released, as the crowd take over vocal duties which has the hair stand on my neck. Class.
The encore features Bleed For Me with a dash of Taylor Swift, a pointed remark about Australian air far prices and a roaring Viva Las Vegas before it’s that bass line to signal Holiday In Cambodia and chaos.
There’s still time for Chemical Warfare which is invaded by a shot of Sweet Home Alabama before the show is done. It actually had most things you would want from a DK show. Fury, political aggression, a front man who goes off the rails and classic songs.
Yeah, they don’t have the energy of yore however that’s where support act LOLA come in. Adelaide’s own punk trailsetters, they are the bastard children of punk gone before. The influences of each style of punk – whether old school British, west and east coast American or Larrikin Australian – they lovingly mesh into their own hi-octane middle fingered salute.
Front man Billy Burns sings, swings guitars and moves like a high powered car wash, all in the name of the music as recent video Don’t Try To Find The Drugs attests. They are a fun watch and a great start to the pioneers DK show. All round top night.
Live Review By Iain McCallum