Legendary punk guitarist East Bay Ray has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, but he has expressed his intention to keep performing with the band Dead Kennedys as long as his health allows. The 67-year-old musician, who co-founded the influential American punk band nearly five decades ago, shared the news through the group's management on Tuesday. The band's official Instagram account confirmed the diagnosis in a statement, though no further details about Ray's condition or when he received the diagnosis were provided. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement, often causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and balance issues. While there is no known cure, treatments can help manage symptoms, and the disease's progression varies from person to person. Despite these challenges, Ray has remained focused on his music, emphasizing that he intends to continue performing with Dead Kennedys. The news of Ray's diagnosis has been met with an outpouring of support from fans, many of whom have followed the guitarist's career since the band's early days in San Francisco. Dead Kennedys have several upcoming performances scheduled for October, including shows in Seattle, California, and San Francisco. The band has not announced any changes to its tour plans, indicating that Ray's health is currently not affecting the group's schedule. Ray's influence on punk music dates back to 1978, when he helped found Dead Kennedys in San Francisco. He played a crucial role in shaping the band's unique sound, blending the aggression of hardcore punk with unexpected influences such as surf rock and dramatic guitar styles inspired by 1960s spy films. His distinctive playing style set Dead Kennedys apart from their peers, while the band's provocative lyrics and energetic performances solidified their status as one of the most recognizable names in American punk. Throughout their history, Dead Kennedys have released a series of influential records, including early singles like "California Über Alles" and "Holiday in Cambodia," as well as their landmark 1980 debut album, Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables. The band continued to release music through albums such as Plastic Surgery Disasters and Frankenchrist before disbanding in 1986. However, they reunited in 2001, with Ray remaining a central figure in the band's touring career. According to the group's official website, Ray is the only original member to have stayed with the band throughout its history. The current lineup includes founding bassist Klaus Flouride, vocalist Ron "Skip" Greer, and drummer Steve Wilson. Ray's diagnosis comes amid a challenging year for the band's extended musical family. In March, former frontman Jello Biafra suffered a hemorrhagic stroke, raising concerns about his recovery. However, an update shared on his Facebook page in May indicated that Biafra was making progress, with his speech largely returning and his cognitive functions unaffected. Although he still experiences weakness on his left side, his condition has improved significantly. The band also faced a devastating loss in October 2022 with the death of longtime drummer D.H. Peligro at the age of 63. As Ray faces his own health challenges, he has made it clear that he hopes to continue the musical journey that has spanned nearly half a century.