Jello Biafra, former punk rock frontman and co-founder of the band Dead Kennedys, has been hospitalized after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke.
According to his record label Alternative Tentacles, Biafra, 67, whose real name is Eric Reed Boucher, was rushed to the hospital on March 7 when he experienced the stroke, which his label said was caused by high blood pressure.
“I hopped out of my bed because I needed to pee, and my left leg just collapsed under me and I fell to the floor,” Biafra said in a statement posted by Alternative Tentacles.
“I couldn’t even break the fall with my left arm because it wasn’t working either. I tried to hop back up again, and I couldn’t. I realized I had ‘fallen and I can’t get up!'”
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and causes bleeding into the surrounding tissue. The American Stroke Association notes that hemorrhagic strokes are life-threatening and make up about 13 percent of stroke cases.
“It was this point I thought, ‘Oh … I’m having a stroke!’,” Biafra said. “I still have a lot of great stuff in me, but right now, I got a lot of rehabbing to do.”
Biafra remains in the hospital in stable condition, and is undergoing treatment along with rehabilitation, according to his record label.
“Speaking for the Alternative Tentacles family, we are all just very thankful he is okay and getting the care that he needs,” the company said. “We will update you all as we are able.”
Biafra rose to prominence in the American punk rock music scene in 1978, when he co-founded “Dead Kennedys” with guitarist East Bay Ray, bassist Klaus Flouride, drummer Ted, and rhythm guitarist 6025.
The San Francisco-based group was known for its fast-paced and hardcore sound, blended with outspoken political and satirical lyrics. They released a series of records including their debut album “Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables.”
Best known for their tracks “Holiday in Cambodia” and “California Uber Alles,” Biafra delivered high-pitched and theatrical vocals that made a mark on the genre’s sharp tone for decades.
After the Dead Kennedys disbanded in 1986, Biafra took over Alternative Tentacles, an influential independent record label, and remained active in punk culture.
The band decided to re-form in 2001, though Biafra declined any invitation to return, citing legal disputes over royalties.
In 2008, Biafra formed his own band dubbed “The Guantanamo School of Medicine.” Their most recent album, “Tea Party Revenge Porn,” was released in 2020.