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Dead Kennedys guitarist and founding member East Bay Ray has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the iconic punk band announced on social media on Tuesday.
'Ray says he plans to continue performing and touring with Dead Kennedys for as long as his health allows,' the group said, 'and expressed his appreciation to everyone for their continued support.'
East Bay Ray, 67, whose full name is Raymond John Pepperell, was one of the founding members of the San Francisco-based group in 1978, along with bassist Klaus Flouride.
The band split in 1986, before reforming in 2001.
Ron 'Skip' Greer has been the band's lead singer since 2008, with Steve Wilson replacing late drummer D.H. Peligro four years ago.
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for the band for comment.
Dead Kennedys guitarist and founding member East Bay Ray, 67, has received a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, the band said on its social media platforms on Tuesday. Pictured 2014 in Indianapolis
The group is currently slated to play multiple dates on their ongoing tour on the West Coast.
They include a date at Seattle's Showbox at the Market on October 6, as well as an October 11 date at Riverside Municipal Auditorium in Riverside, California.
In the comment section of the post, a number of social media users shared their well wishes for the musician amid the news.
'My dad has parkinsons hes had it for almost 18yrs... its a tough disease.. stay strong,' one user said.
Another wrote, 'Such sad news. Parkinson’s runs in my family so I’ve seen it first hand.
'Fortunately it can be managed with treatment which slows its progression. Sending big love to @eastbayray1.'
Said one user, 'We’re sending our love and support to East Bay Ray following today’s announcement.
'It has been our privilege to work with Ray and Dead Kennedys over the years, and we join fans, friends and the entire DK community in wishing him strength and all the best as he faces this next chapter.'
(L-R) Klaus Flouride, Jello Biafra, East Bay Ray and D. H. Peligro pictured in 1984
The musician pictured onstage in Detroit in June of 2014
In the comment section of the post, a number of social media users shared their well wishes for the musician amid the news
The user concluded, 'Much love to Ray and everyone around him.'
News of the guitar player's health difficulties comes following news of ex-singer Jello Biafra having a stroke this past March.
A May 2 update on Biafra's Facebook page stated that 'Jello is progressing nicely' as his 'speech has mostly come back in full, and cognitively, it’s like the stroke never happened.'
The statement continued, 'The left side is still weak but it is doing much better than it was,' adding that Biafra had been 'much more self sufficient' amid his recovery.
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