DH Peligro, drummer for punk rock pioneers the Dead Kennedys and formerly of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, died at the age of 63 on Friday as a result of a brain injury, according to an announcement made by his band. He was only 63.
“Police at the scene said he died of head trauma caused by an accidental fall,” Dead Kennedys said in a statement. “Arrangements are pending and will be announced in the coming days. We ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.
According to the statementPeligro died in the comfort of his home in Los Angeles.
Dead Kennedys drummer DH Peligro (Darren Henley) died at his home in Los Angeles yesterday, October 28th. He died of head trauma from an accidental fall. Upcoming arrangements will be announced in the coming days. Thank you for your thoughts and words of comfort pic.twitter.com/PC7sF87f6c
— Dead Kennedys (@DeadKennedys) October 29, 2022
According to a biography that can be found on the Dead Kennedys website, Peligro, whose real name is Darren Henley, has been a prominent figure in both the San Francisco and Los Angeles music scenes since 1978.

According to a report from a CNN affiliate in Minnesota, he played drums for the legendary punk rock band Dead Kennedys until the band broke up in 1986. He then became a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers for a time.
DH Peligro left the building. One of the absolute greats. https://t.co/aFS8PPVoPd
— Jon Wurster (@jonwurster) October 29, 2022
His new band Peligro had him as singer and guitarist and played punk rock and funk music. He continues to be passionate about these genres of music.
Fans flooded Peligro’s Instagram posts with comments honoring and praying for him, while friends left heartbreaking goodbyes: “I love you my friend. I’m so sad I won’t be able to feel you hug me again,’ wrote one.
Several other colleagues and acquaintances of Peligro, such as Flea, the bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, also took to social media to post tributes to Peligro.
“My dear friend, my brother, I miss you so much. Today I am devastated, a river of tears, but for the rest of my life I will cherish every second. The first time I saw you play with DK in 1981, you blew me away. The power, the soul, the recklessness,” Flea wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the rocker. “You are the ultimate rocker and a crucial part of RHCP history. DHP is where you belong, you live forever in our hearts, you wild man, you bring joy, you man with a huge heart.”
REST IN PEACE #DHPeligro #deadkennedys #Red Hot Chili Peppers I have put his work on mine @SIRIUSXM #live stream radio… pic.twitter.com/bfley7ZReZ
— Billy Idol (@BillyIdol) October 30, 2022
Alice in Chains guitarist William DuVal also paid tribute to Peligro in a post on the band’s website. He recalled one of Peligro’s most memorable performances as a rocker, saying that the audience could feel his passion for the drums whenever he stood in front of the set.
“Drum hero. Super cool guy,” DuVall wrote on Twitter. “I’ll never forget the DK gig I saw at 688 in May 1983 where, after smashing his drums throughout the set, he ended the show by throwing himself over his kit straight into the crowd in one leap. Damn legend. Rest in peace.”
So sad to hear that my friend DH Peligro has passed away. Outstanding drummer for the Dead Kennedys, smart, sensitive, with a great sense of humor. Adios, my friend; i love you bro
— Bill Moseley (@choptopmoseley) October 30, 2022
Conclusion
DH Peligro, longtime drummer for the rock band Dead Kennedys, has died at the age of 63, the band announced on Twitter. Peligro, whose real name is Darren Henley, died Oct. 28 at his home in Los Angeles from “head trauma from a fall.”
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