- When running for mayor of San Francisco in 1979 his election slogan was, "There's Always Room for Jello".
- Chose his pseudonym as a commentary on starvation. "Jello" is based on "Jell-o", a brand of gelatin dessert with no natural nutritional value. Biafra was a section of eastern Nigeria that proclaimed independence in 1967. All transport was closed off to the breakaway republic by Nigeria, and mass starvation caused the country to collapse in 1970.
- In 1979, he ran for Mayor of San Francisco, California under his stage name, originally as a "gag' candidate, then as a serious one. His campaign platform included requiring all police officers to live in the neighborhoods they were assigned to patrol. He finished 4th in a field of 10 candidates, with 4% of the popular vote. Shortly afterwords, a law was passed in that city prohibiting running for public office under an assumed name.
- In addition to running for mayor, he also tried to run for President in 2000. He named convicted cop killer Mumia Abu-Jamal as his running mate. It was merely a publicity stunt for activism on Mumia Abu Jamal's behalf, as his case is believed by some to be a frame-up and is very controversial.
- His home was raided shortly after the release of Dead Kennedys album, "Frankenchrist" by police. The album outraged religious conservatives, who claimed that it disseminated harmful material to minors. He tells a story about this incident on his spoken word CD, "No More Cocoons".
- He and the ex-members of Dead Kennedys have a very bitter relationship.
- Is on an F.O.P. (Fraternal Order Of Police) boycott list for his support of Mumia Abu-Jamal, along with other musicians and celebrities.
- The Dead Kennedys's 1980 debut album "Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables" is recognized as an influential and seminal album in the early 80's punk rock scene.
- Subject of the song "Jello Biafra" by Wesley Willis.
- Levi's allegedly asked to use the introduction of the song "Holiday in Cambodia" for a commercial. However, the offer was never considered as Jello disagreed with many of Levi's practices at that time.
- In 1979 he founded the record label Alternative Tentacles in San Francisco, CA.
- After leaving Dead Kennedys he formed the band Lard.
- Was very bitter that Dead Kennedys song, "Holiday In Cambodia" was used for a Levi's commercial in 2001. He made statements saying that Levi's uses unfair business practices and sweatshop labor.
- He was sued in 2001 by ex-members of Dead Kennedys for past royalties and access to The Dead Kennedys' back catalog.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content