DEAD KENNEDYS - Frankenchrist With Adult Penis Poster By HR Giger Collector's Album Cover Gallery & Information

- Frankenchrist: The Punk Rock Trial That Shook America

A group of Shriners wearing red fezzes and white shirts drive miniature white cars in a parade, with a crowd of spectators watching from the sidelines. The image has a surreal, kitschy Americana aesthetic, used as the front cover of Dead Kennedys’ Frankenchrist album, designed by Winston Smith

The album was a subject of controversy because of a poster inserted in the original record sleeve. The poster, H. R. Giger's Landscape #XX, or Penis Landscape which depicted sexually explicit and violent imagery. In 1986, Jello Biafra, the lead singer of the band, was charged with distributing harmful matter to minors as a result of the poster being included with the album. The case went to trial, but Biafra was ultimately acquitted of the charges. However, the controversy and legal battle surrounding the album's content resulted in negative publicity for the band and contributed to their eventual breakup in the same year. The incident is often cited as an example of censorship in the arts and the restriction of free speech.

"Frankenchrist" Album Description:

The Dead Kennedys' "Frankenchrist" album stands as a provocative and controversial piece of musical history, not only for its punk rock sound but also for its album cover, which features an artwork titled "Penis Landscape" by the renowned Swiss artist H.R. Giger. Released in 1985, the album stirred up a considerable amount of controversy and legal issues, making it a landmark case in the realms of art, music, and censorship.

The creation history of "Frankenchrist" begins with the collaboration between the Dead Kennedys and H.R. Giger. Giger, known for his surreal and biomechanical art, gained widespread recognition for his work on the design of the creature in the film "Alien." The band approached Giger to create an original piece for the album cover, seeking to push boundaries and challenge societal norms.

The resulting artwork, "Penis Landscape," is a surreal depiction of various sexual organs intertwined with machinery and other bizarre elements. Its explicit content led to immediate backlash upon the album's release. The band faced legal repercussions, and the album was deemed obscene in a highly publicized trial.

The controversy centered around the inclusion of the "Penis Landscape" poster inside the album, which sparked a legal battle. The Dead Kennedys and their record label argued that the poster was a form of artistic expression and social commentary, while the prosecution maintained that it violated obscenity laws.

Ultimately, the jury acquitted the band and the record label, recognizing the artistic merit and freedom of expression in Giger's work. However, the legal battle took a toll on the Dead Kennedys, leading to financial strain and eventually contributing to the band's dissolution in 1986.

The "Frankenchrist" saga remains a significant chapter in the history of music censorship, highlighting the tension between artistic expression and societal norms. The Dead Kennedys' bold choice to collaborate with H.R. Giger resulted in a landmark case that continues to be discussed and analyzed in the context of free speech and artistic freedom. The album cover, with its controversial artwork, stands as a testament to the power of music and art to challenge and confront societal taboos.

Dead Kennedys Band Information

Dead Kennedys were an American punk rock band formed in San Francisco, California, in 1978. The band consisted of:

• Jello Biafra – Lead vocals

• East Bay Ray – Guitar

• Klaus Flouride – Bass

• Ted – Drums

Known for their fast-paced, aggressive sound and politically charged, often controversial lyrics, Dead Kennedys became one of punk’s most influential acts.

Their debut album, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables (1980), featured iconic songs like “California Über Alles” and “Holiday in Cambodia”, which tackled themes of fascism, environmentalism, and U.S. foreign policy.

Over their career, they released several more albums, including: • Plastic Surgery Disasters (1982) • Frankenchrist (1985)

Despite censorship battles and legal controversies, the Dead Kennedys remain one of punk’s most enduring and rebellious voices, continuing to influence generations of musicians and activists.

Music Genre:

Prog Acid/Psych Rock / New Wave
Collector Notes: 

This album includes a ~24inch poster with adult artwork by the Swiss artist HR Giger. Due to the adult nature of this poster, this poster has been removed from most releases of this album

H.R. Giger a Swiss artist, achieved fame for his dark, biomechanical style that blends human and machine. His airbrushed paintings often depicted disturbing dreamscapes. He designed the terrifying xenomorph in the movie "Alien," which earned him an Academy Award. The H.R. Giger Museum in Switzerland showcases his work. See some of his most famous designs:

 

The Dead Kennedys' album "Frankenchrist" included a controversial poster created by the artist HR Giger. The poster, titled "Penis Landscape," featured a graphic depiction of sexual imagery and genitalia. This led to widespread outrage and calls for censorship.

The album was banned in several countries, including Germany and the United Kingdom, and the band and their record label were charged with distributing harmful material to minors in the United States. The case went to trial, and while the band and label were ultimately acquitted, the legal battle took a toll on the band's finances and reputation.

The controversy surrounding "Frankenchrist" and the "Penis Landscape" poster is an example of the ongoing debate around censorship and artistic expression. While some argue that such graphic content is inappropriate for public consumption, others argue that censorship is a violation of free speech and artistic freedom.

 

Production Details for Frankenchrist (With Music-Related Achievements)

Jello Biafra (Producer) – As the irreverent voice of Dead Kennedys, Biafra redefined punk with his biting political satire and theatrical delivery. His influence extended beyond the band, co-founding Alternative Tentacles, which became a breeding ground for underground and experimental punk. His production on Frankenchrist ensured the band’s twisted humor and surf-punk intensity hit with full force.

John Cuniberti (Engineer, Mixer) – A top-tier engineer and producer, Cuniberti made his mark on Bay Area music, working with artists from punk to metal, including Joe Satriani’s Surfing with the Alien. His knack for balancing aggressive energy with sonic clarity helped Frankenchrist maintain its raw edge while keeping its intricate layers intact.

Winston Smith (Album Cover Design, Fallout Productions) – A legendary punk visual artist, Smith’s anarchic collage work shaped the imagery of Dead Kennedys, Green Day, and other punk luminaries. His stark, subversive style became a defining aesthetic of politically charged punk rock, making Frankenchrist’s cover another iconic statement in his extensive catalog.

Hyde St. Studios, San Francisco (Recording Location) – A pivotal recording hub since the ‘60s, Hyde St. Studios has hosted everything from the psychedelic sounds of Jefferson Airplane to the raw punk energy of Dead Kennedys. Its rich analog warmth gave Frankenchrist a uniquely unsettling yet vibrant atmosphere.

Lester Sloan (Photography) – As a respected photojournalist, Sloan’s work spanned rock, punk, and cultural upheavals, capturing the chaotic essence of the times. While best known for his contributions to publications like Newsweek, his punk-related work visually documented the genre’s defiant spirit, adding weight to Frankenchrist's imagery.

H.R. Giger (Insert Artwork, Penis Landscape) – The Swiss surrealist changed music and film forever with his nightmarish, biomechanical art, famously designing the xenomorph in Alien and album covers for Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Brain Salad Surgery) and Debbie Harry (KooKoo). His Penis Landscape insert in Frankenchrist led to the album’s obscenity trial, cementing its place in punk history as a battleground for free expression. Learn more about H.R. Giger's Artwork

Record Label & Catalognr:

New Rose Records ROSE 75

Media Format:

12" LP Vinyl Gramophone Record 

Album Weight 280 Gram

Year & Country:

1985 Made in France
Band Members and Musicians on: Dead Kennedys - Frankenchrist with Adult Poster by Hr Giger
    Band-members, Musicians and Performers
  • Jello Biafra - lead vocals, producer, mixer
    Jello Biafra (Real-name: Eric Reed Boucher an American singer, songwriter, and spoken word artist. He was born on 17 June 1958, in Boulder, Colorado. Biafra is best known as the lead singer and songwriter for the punk rock band Dead Kennedys. He formed the band in 1978 and they released several albums, including "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables" and "Plastic Surgery Disasters." After the Dead Kennedys disbanded in 1986, Biafra continued to release music and engage in political activism through his own record label, Alternative Tentacles. He has been involved in a number of controversies throughout his career, including legal battles over the Dead Kennedys' music and his outspoken views on various political and social issues. 1 February 2023 at 11:57:15 CET v1.0 initial version
  • East Bay Ray (Guitar, Synthesizer, Bellzouki)
    The architect of Dead Kennedys’ signature sound, Ray’s surf-punk guitar style, drenched in reverb and jagged riffs, gave the band its unmistakable edge. His inventive playing blended punk aggression with eerie, cinematic textures.
  • D.H. Peligro (Drums, Backing Vocals)
    A powerhouse drummer, Peligro brought speed, funk, and hardcore energy to Dead Kennedys. He later played with Red Hot Chili Peppers and influenced countless punk drummers with his explosive, precise style.
  • Klaus Flouride (Bass, Backing Vocals)
    Dead Kennedys’ backbone, Klaus’s bass lines ranged from driving punk fury to off-kilter jazz-influenced runs. His distinct, melodic approach gave the band’s music unexpected depth, and he contributed backing vocals that added to their chaotic sound.
  • Steve DePace (Backing Vocals)
    Best known as the drummer for Flipper, DePace was a key figure in San Francisco’s underground scene. His band’s slow, sludgy punk was a stark contrast to Dead Kennedys’ rapid-fire attack, but he contributed to Frankenchrist's gang vocal energy.
  • Gary Floyd (Backing Vocals)
    Frontman of The Dicks, Floyd was a Texas punk legend who infused his music with radical politics and bluesy vocal intensity. His gravelly, soulful voice helped shape early hardcore punk’s raw, unfiltered aesthetic.
  • Eugene Robinson (Backing Vocals)
    Vocalist for the avant-garde noise rock band Oxbow, Robinson’s presence in the studio added an experimental touch to Frankenchrist. His later work in spoken word and extreme performance art cemented his reputation as a boundary-pusher.
  • John Leib (Trumpet)
    One of the few brass players to appear on a Dead Kennedys record, Leib’s trumpet work added unexpected layers to the album’s sonic chaos, contributing to the band's occasional dips into jazz and experimental sounds.
  • Tim Jones (Keyboards)
    Brought in to add keyboard textures, Jones’ contributions were subtle but effective in expanding Frankenchrist’s sonic palette beyond straight punk aggression.
  • Backing Vocalists
    A diverse group of voices—including Nina T.R. Stapleton, Laura T.R. Muetz, Julie Hoffman, Susan Caldwell, Danielle Dunlap, Robyn Lutz, Kris Carleson, Wild Bill, Sweet, Wee Willy Lipat, Microwave, and Jeff Davis—helped create the gang-shouted choruses and chaotic vocal layers that enhanced Frankenchrist’s theatrical, anarchic vibe. Their contributions reinforced the album’s communal punk spirit.
Complete Track Listing of: Dead Kennedys - Frankenchrist with Adult Poster by Hr Giger
    The song/tracks on this record are :
  1. Soup Is Good Food 4:18 (Jello Biafra/Dead Kennedys)
  2. Hellnation 2:22 (D.H. Peligro)
  3. This Could Be Anywhere (This Could Be Everywhere) 5:24 (Jello Biafra/Dead Kennedys)
  4. A Growing Boy Needs His Lunch 5:50 (Jello Biafra/Dead Kennedys)
  5. Chicken Farm 5:06 (Jello Biafra/Dead Kennedys)
  6. Jock-O-Rama (Invasion Of The Beef Patrol) 4:06 (Jello Biafra)
  7. Goons Of Hazzard 4:25 (Jello Biafra/East Bay Ray)
  8. M.T.V. - Get Off The Air 3:37 (Jello Biafra)
  9. At My Job 3:41 (East Bay Ray)
  10. Stars And Stripes Of Corruption 6:23 (Jello Biafra/Dead Kennedys)

DEAD KENNEDYS - FRANKENCHRIST WITH ADULT PENIS POSTER BY HR GIGER

Album Cover Photo Gallery of: Dead Kennedys - Frankenchrist with Adult Poster by Hr Giger
A group of Shriners wearing red fezzes and white shirts drive miniature white cars in a parade, with a crowd of spectators watching from the sidelines. The image has a surreal, kitschy Americana aesthetic, used as the front cover of Dead Kennedys’ Frankenchrist album, designed by Winston Smith

The front cover of Frankenchrist by Dead Kennedys features a surreal and absurdist photograph of a group of Shriners—elderly men wearing red fezzes—driving tiny, comically small white cars in a parade. The image captures a bizarre, almost dystopian slice of Americana, perfectly aligning with the album’s satirical and politically charged themes.

This Winston Smith-designed cover adds to the band’s tradition of provocative artwork, juxtaposing a seemingly innocent, kitschy image with the dark, biting social commentary found in the music. The Shriners—typically known for their charity work and Masonic affiliations—are turned into symbols of outdated, unquestioned patriotism and conformity, themes that Frankenchrist relentlessly critiques.

The cover is misleadingly harmless, which contrasts sharply with the controversial insert of H.R. Giger’s Penis Landscape that led to the infamous obscenity trial against Jello Biafra and Alternative Tentacles. This stark contrast between cover and insert reinforced the album’s role as a punk statement against censorship, consumerism, and political decay.

Photo of Album's Back Cover  
High Resolution Photo DEAD KENNEDYS - Frankenchrist With Adult Penis Poster By HR Giger Vinyl Record
Dead Kennedys Frankenchrist Poster  
dead kennedys frankenchrist poster
Photo of 12" Inner Sleeve
High Resolution Photo DEAD KENNEDYS - Inner sleeve of Dead Kennedys’ Frankenchrist album featuring a black-and-white collage of a giant hand holding the Earth above a massive crowd of faceless people. The design includes bold typography with album credits, acknowledgments, and backing vocal listings. Mentions H.R. Giger’s Penis Landscape insert, Winston Smith’s artwork, and production details, reinforcing the album’s political and satirical themes

The custom inner sleeve of Frankenchrist features a striking black-and-white collage-style design, consistent with Dead Kennedys’ punk aesthetic and subversive political messaging.

Visual Elements:

• A massive hand holding the Earth: This dominating image symbolizes control, possibly alluding to themes of authoritarianism, corporate power, or global manipulation—key issues addressed in the album’s lyrics.

• A sea of faceless people below: The crowd appears uniform and endless, suggesting conformity, mass obedience, or the dehumanization of modern society. This aligns with Dead Kennedys’ themes of individualism versus societal control.

• Bold typography: The title FRANKENCHRIST looms over the design in a distorted, jagged font, reinforcing the album’s uneasy, confrontational nature.

Text & Credits:

• Thanks list: A rundown of contributors, friends, and influences, including Winston Smith (art direction), John Cuniberti (engineering/mixing), and H.R. Giger, whose Penis Landscape painting was controversially included as an insert.

• Backing vocal credits: Lists various punk scene figures and session musicians who contributed to tracks like At My Job and Chicken Farm.

• Production credits: Jello Biafra is credited as producer, with John Cuniberti handling engineering and mixing at Hyde St. Studios, San Francisco.

• Label information: Mentions Alternative Tentacles, Dead Kennedys’ fiercely independent label, and provides an address for fan letters and correspondence.

Significance:

This inner sleeve design encapsulates the album’s themes of social critique, paranoia, and political unrest, reinforcing Frankenchrist’s reputation as one of the most controversial and thought-provoking punk albums of the 1980s.

Close-up Photo of Record Label 
Record label of Dead Kennedys’ Frankenchrist featuring the Alternative Tentacles logo. The design includes a black stylized bat with a fanged skull, crossed symbols of a rocket and a cross, and a coiled serpent-like border on a red-orange background. The text ‘Alternative Tentacles’ arches over the bat, reinforcing the underground punk label’s rebellious and subversive aesthetic.

The record label artwork on this pressing of Frankenchrist features the classic Alternative Tentacles logo, printed in black ink on a striking red-orange background.

Design Elements:

• Bat-like creature with fanged skull – The central figure is an angular, stylized bat with sharp, pointed wings and an eerie, menacing face. This symbolizes rebellion, darkness, and underground culture, fitting for both Dead Kennedys and the Alternative Tentacles label.

• Crossed symbols beneath the bat – One appears to be a rocket or missile, while the other resembles a Christian cross or ankh. This could represent themes of war, religion, and societal control—consistent with Dead Kennedys’ anti-establishment stance.

• Serpentine border – A coiled, snake-like design runs along the outer edge, giving the artwork a ritualistic or occult-like feel, reinforcing the band’s subversive image.

• “Alternative Tentacles” text – Boldly arched at the top, establishing the punk and underground credibility of the record label, co-founded by Jello Biafra.

Symbolism & Impact:

This Alternative Tentacles label design is instantly recognizable and synonymous with DIY punk ethos, political dissent, and avant-garde music. Its mix of dark, surreal imagery with political undertones makes it a perfect fit for Frankenchrist, an album that was as much an artistic statement as it was a cultural flashpoint.

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Frankenchrist (1985) is Dead Kennedys’ most infamous album, blending surf-infused punk with dystopian satire. Jello Biafra’s biting lyrics attack consumerism, conformity, and political corruption, while East Bay Ray’s eerie guitar riffs give the album a sinister edge. Infamously censored for H.R. Giger’s “Penis Landscape”, it became a landmark case in music censorship and free speech.

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