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Alternative Tentacles Records

Alternative Tentacles Records

Official Website: http://www.alternativetentacles.com/

About:

Alternative Tentacles emerged in June of 1979 as the label name on Dead Kennedys' self-produced debut single California Uber Alles. The name lived on as a European label promoting singles from then-unknown North American bands like D.O.A., Bad Brains, Black Flag, Flipper, TSOL, Voice Farm and the Let Them Eat Jellybeans compilation. As attention in the US underground grew Alternative Tentacles went domestic with releases from Dead Kennedys, frontman (and label head) Jello Biafra, Butthole Surfers, D.O.A., 7 Seconds, NoMeansNo and others. The label later saw releases from street singer Wesley Willis, incarcerated journalist Mumia Abu Jamal and punk band Fleshies. In 2002 Alternative Tentacles moved from San Francisco to Emeryville California and has thrived as a label and mailorder company offering counterculture music and literature.

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Recent News


Dead Kennedys announce indefinite touring hiatus
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…
Klaus Flouride on why he left The Dead Kennedys
After his recent departure from Dead Kennedys was announced, founding member Klaus Flouride gave an interview to Goldmine regarding his tenure in the band, his side projects, and the reason why he retired from Dead Kennedys. Flouride had this to say: That was the one thing that I could, you know, say whenever I go on the road with the DKs there's a lot of pressure to do the best show we can do every time. And that's true with any band that I play with, but there's, let's…
Jello to judge air guitar competition
San Francisco's legendary Jello Biafra has signed on to be a judge for the finals of the US Air Guitar Championship. The winners of this competition will go on to represent the United States in the world championship of air guitar, to be held in the land of troll metal, Finland. Biafra remarked: "Today Air Guitar, tomorrow the Gong Show...and from there the world!" Possibly unbeknown to Biafra, Comedy Central recently resurrected…
Klaus Flouride leaves Dead Kennedys
Founding Dead Kennedys bassist has announced his departure from the legendary punk pioneers after more than thirty years. Due to a reoccurring medical condition, Klaus Flouride has decided that the rigors of touring and the demands of the band were the determining factors in making this difficult decision. Flouride will continue to perform regionally with bands like The American Professionals, The Go Going Gone Girls Band and…
Pansy Division documentary screening in Philly on Friday
Seminal queercore band Pansy Division are the subject of a new film which takes a look at their formation, rise, and cultural relevance. Pansy Division: Life In A Gay Rock Band features footage of punk personalities like Jello Biafra and Billie Joe Armstrong…
Jello Biafra does rockabilly on new 7" with Zen Guerillas
Jello Biafra has recorded two new songs backed by three of the members of the Zen Guerillas. The 7" is available in the Alternative Tentacles store and features two covers: The A-side is their take on the classic rockabilly song "Jezebel" while the B-side is a cover of Reverehed Horton Heat's "Speed Demon!". Biafra recently celebrated his 50th birthday in San…
Photos, video and review from Jello Biafra's 50th Birthday party
Ground Control Magazine caught the "once in a lifetime" Jello Five-O Birthday Celebration at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco and posted a number of photos and a review of the proceedings. The night included performances by Jello Biafra & The Axis of Evildoers, Drunk Injuns, Los Olividados and The Melvins, with sets that included old and new cuts, and even a special guest appearance from Tool's Adam Jones. The reviewer had this to say about the new Jello…
Trailer for upcoming 924 Gilman St. documentary
A trailer has been posted for the upcoming Alternative Tentacles-produced documentary about legendary Berkeley venue, 924 Gilman St.. The Scarred Films production has filmmaker Jack Curran taking an 86-minute look at the Berkeley, California, punk venue. The Club is an all-ages, non-profit, collectively organized music and performance venue, now embarking on its 20th year of existence. Some of those interviewed include: Jello Biafra, Ian MacKaye, Lars Frederickson, Matt Freeman, Dave Scattered and…
Jello Biafra responds to Michael Savage
The Boston Phoenix has an exclusive story on Jello biafra's response to radio pundit Michael Savage's recent rant about Ted Kennedy which made extensive use of "California Uber Alles" by Bifra's former band, Dead Kennedys Quoth Jello: "I haven't read the details yet, but I'm aware of what Michael Savage did. Obviously he took my song way the hell out of context and did it deliberately. But the bigger issue is Savage himself and how the hell he gets away with stuff like saying this, and saying that people with AIDS…
Alternative Tentacles to host Biafra Five-O
Head honcho of Alternative Tentacles, former frontman of Dead Kennedys, and all around punk icon Jello Biafra will be celebrating a rootin', tootin' fiftieth birthday bash. Occuring over two nights, June 16th and 17th, the shows will feature…

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