Guess who’s making the golden waves in punk? Dead Kennedys just snagged their ‘Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables’ a gold record status in the USA! RIAA finally put a stamp on it, letting the band know last Friday. But here's the kicker – the album might’ve hit gold sooner, flying off the shelves from Alternative Tentacles and indie sellers which RIAA doesn’t clock.
Back in '78, the group—led by Jello Biafra—was notorious for their politically charged, in-your-face punk. These dudes spat out songs like 'California Uber Alles' and 'Holiday in Cambodia' that kicked up a storm. Radio? Nah, they skipped it. Stores boycotted them too. But guess what? Sold-out gigs and influence on bands like Megadeth and Green Day? Big tick!
Originally dropped in 1980 via Alternative Tentacles, the album brought beef with labels and bandmates. Biafra splits in '86, but the gang rolls on. Meanwhile, Biafra’s still rocking with the Guantanamo School of Medicine.
This Gold certification, even if it’s fashionably late, marks a killer milestone. According to their Twitter, it might just be the 'most influential independent album in American punk rock history.' Plus, their 'Give Me Convenience or Give Me Death' compilation went Gold in 2007. Good job, boys. Only took 43 years.