DH Peligro, a drummer for Dead Kennedys and Red Hot Chili Peppers, passed away on Friday, aged 63. The musician died from head injuries after falling at his home in Los Angeles, California.
DH Peligro - whose real name is Darren Henley - contributed to songs on the Red Hot Chili Peppers Mother’s Milk album, as well as Dead Kennedys' studio albums Plastic Surgery Disaster, Bedtime for Democracy and Frankenchrist.
As reported by the Mirror, Dead Kennedys released a statement announcing Peligro's passing on October 29. A number of musicians have since shared heartfelt tributes to the drummer.
Dead Kennedys' statement reads: "Dead Kennedys’ drummer D.H. Peligro (Darren Henley) passed away in his Los Angeles home yesterday, October 28. Police on the scene stated that he died from trauma to the head caused by an accidental fall. Arrangements are pending and will be announced in the coming days.
"We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your thoughts and words of comfort."
Paying tribute to his "dear friend", Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea shared a series of snaps on Instagram. His heartfelt post read: “My dear friend, my brother I miss you so much. I’m devastated today, a river of tears, but all my life I will treasure every second.
"The first time I saw you play with the DK’s in ’81 you blew my mind. The power, the soul, the recklessness. You became my beloved friend, so many times of every kind.
“We had so much fun, so much joy, having each other’s backs. I love you with all my hear. You are the truest rocker, and a crucial part of rhcp history. You live forever in our hearts, you wild man, you bringer of joy, you giant hearted man. I will always honor you. Rest In peace and freedom from all that restrained you.”
East Bay Ray who played with Peligro in Dead Kennedys, also paid tribute to his 'musical brother'. Writing on Facebook, he said: "‘I am heartbroken. D.H. Peligro passed away in his Los Angeles home yesterday, Oct 28. He died from trauma to his head from an accidental fall. Arrangements are pending will be announced in the coming days." He added: "We were musical brothers. Thank you for your thoughts and words of comfort."
Peligro joined the Dead Kennedys in 1981 and went on to record studio albums Plastic Surgery Disaster, Bedtime for Democracy and Frankenchrist. The band split in 1986 but reunited in the 2000s.
Prior to this Peligro was in the Red Hot Chili Peppers and contributed to songs on the rock band’s Mother’s Milk album. However, the band took the decision to drop him due to ongoing drug and alcohol issues.
Years later, both bassist Flea and lead singer Anthony Kiedis said it was one of the toughest things they ever had to do, but Kiedis became a major part of Peligro’s road to sobriety.
Outside of bands, Peligro also enjoyed solo success and released three albums – one of which, Sum of Our Surroundings, was named rock album of the year at the American Independent Music Awards. His latest track Power Is Taken, which was recorded with Moby, came out in 2020.
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