Jello Biafra Joins King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard for Dead Kennedys’ ‘Police Truck’ Cover

Experience the punk legend Jello Biafra teaming up with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard for a fiery cover of the Dead Kennedys’ classic ‘Police Truck’.

If you’re a fan of punk rock and psychedelic jams, this collab is pure gold. When King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Australia’s psych-rock powerhouses, shared the stage with Jello Biafra—the iconic frontman of the Dead Kennedys—it was a moment that felt like a punk rock dream come true. The band’s cover of the Dead Kennedys’ “Police Truck” was electrifying, and Biafra’s presence brought the raw energy straight from the 1980s right into the present.

Jello Biafra joins King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard on stage for ‘Police Truck’

A Legendary Collaboration at Field Of Vision 2025

The magic unfolded at the Field Of Vision festival in Buena Vista, Colorado, on August 15, 2025. King Gizzard introduced Biafra with heartfelt admiration, calling him “one of our heroes” and “a massive inspiration.” Seeing Biafra, clad in a pro-Palestine t-shirt, standing alongside the psych-rockers was powerful, especially as the band closed the show shouting “Free Palestine.”

The track itself, “Police Truck,” originally dropped in 1980 as a B-side to the Dead Kennedys’ classic “Holiday In Cambodia.” Hearing Biafra reprise his iconic vocal parts with King Gizzard tearing through the song at blistering speed was a nostalgic blast that felt fresh and urgent.

Check out the intense live performance here:

After the performance, Biafra exclaimed, “It was a great fucking moment in my life,” calling King Gizzard “my favourite band in the world.” Talk about mutual respect!

King Gizzard’s Explosive Setlist That Night

The night was packed with King Gizzard’s signature eclectic psychedelic soundscapes, balancing fresh material with fan favorites. Here’s what they played:

• Gamma Knife
• People-Vultures
• Mr. Beat
• Field Of Vision
• Antarctica
• Nuclear Fusion
• Oddlife
• Intrasport
• Superposition
• Kepler-22b
• Gilgamesh
• Extinction
• I’m In Your Mind
• I’m Not In Your Mind
• Cellophane
• I’m In Your Mind Fuzz
• Inner Cell
• Loyalty
• Horology
• Venusian 2
• Converge
• Witchcraft
• Gaia
• Police Truck (with Jello Biafra)
• Evil Death Roll

The energy was relentless, and “Police Truck” was a standout that perfectly bridged punk roots and psychedelic fury.

King Gizzard’s Bold Stance Against Spotify

Earlier in 2025, King Gizzard stirred the pot by pulling their music off Spotify. Their beef? Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek’s investments in a German company developing AI military drones. The band called out these “Dr. Evil tech bros” and encouraged fans to support artists on other platforms.

Frontman Stu Mackenzie didn’t hold back either, saying, “We’ve been saying fuck Spotify for years,” echoing the sentiments shared by many musicians who have criticized the platform’s business practices.

This bold move was part of King Gizzard’s broader commitment to integrity and sets them apart as artists who aren’t afraid to take a stand – whether it’s about music or matters far bigger than that.

What’s Next for King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard?

June 2025 saw the release of their 27th studio album, Phantom Island — a testament to their prolific creativity. Later this year, they’re set to embark on a UK and European tour featuring “orchestral” and “rave” style sets, including a highly anticipated show at London’s Royal Albert Hall. For fans of the band’s constantly evolving sound, this will be a must-see.

The Dead Kennedys’ Ongoing Story

Though Jello Biafra remains the voice most associated with Dead Kennedys, he left the band in 1986 and hasn’t joined recent lineups. Tensions linger, as guitarist East Bay Ray has publicly criticized Biafra, alleging financial disputes. Despite this, Biafra’s influence on punk and his iconic vocals continue to inspire generations—including King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, who celebrated his legacy with this unforgettable collaboration.

“It was a great fucking moment in my life.” – Jello Biafra

Dive into the raw energy of punk fused with psychedelic rock and relive an iconic moment where legends crossed paths.

FAQs

• What song did Jello Biafra and King Gizzard cover together? They covered “Police Truck,” a punk classic originally by the Dead Kennedys.
• When and where did this collaboration take place? At the Field Of Vision festival in Buena Vista, Colorado, on August 15, 2025.
• Why did King Gizzard remove their music from Spotify? Due to Spotify CEO’s investments in military drone technology, which conflicted with the band’s values.
• What’s King Gizzard’s latest album? Their 27th studio album, Phantom Island, released in June 2025.
• Is Jello Biafra currently part of the Dead Kennedys? No, he left in 1986 and has not participated in recent lineups.

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