MC5

MC5
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1963 in Lincoln Park, Michigan, United States
Headquarters	Detroit, United States
Products	Rock music albums and singles

MC5—also referred to as the Motor City Five—was a rock group from the United States, established in Lincoln Park, Michigan in 1963. The band’s definitive lineup included lead vocalist Rob Tyner, guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred "Sonic" Smith, bassist Michael Davis, and drummer Dennis Thompson. Recognized by Parade as one of the greatest rock bands of all time and by VH1 as a leading figure in hard rock, MC5’s initial three albums have become essential within the rock genre. Their 1969 track "Kick Out the Jams" has been extensively covered by other artists.

MC5 was emblematic of the turbulent countercultural movement of the 1960s, with their politically charged, left-wing lyrics and anti-establishment stance marking them as forerunners of American punk rock. Their sound was an energetic blend of garage rock, hard rock, blues rock, and psychedelic rock. Guitarist Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine credited MC5 with essentially pioneering the punk rock genre.

The band gained significant early recognition, appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine in January 1969, shortly before releasing their debut live album, Kick Out the Jams. Known for their electrifying and confrontational live shows, they followed up with two additional albums: Back in the USA and High Time, before disbanding in 1972.

Lead singer Tyner passed away from a heart attack in 1991 at age 46, followed by guitarist Fred Smith’s death in 1994 at the same age. The surviving members reunited in 2003 with vocalist Handsome Dick Manitoba, performing intermittently until bassist Davis died from liver failure in 2012 at age 68.

In 2022, Kramer announced a We Are All MC5 tour alongside a new studio album produced by Bob Ezrin, featuring original drummer Dennis Thompson on two tracks. This album was scheduled for release in spring 2024. Kramer died on February 2, 2024, leaving Thompson as the final surviving founding member. That year, MC5 was honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for their outstanding musical contributions. Thompson passed away on May 8, 2024, aged 75. Their last album, Heavy Lifting, was released on October 18, 2024.

1963–1967: Formation and early years

The origins of MC5 trace back to guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred Smith, who bonded over their shared enthusiasm for R&B, blues, and early garage rock sounds. Initially leading separate groups, they combined their most dedicated musicians under Kramer's leadership into a band known as the "Bounty Hunters," with Smith initially handling bass duties. Their growing popularity within Detroit allowed them to commit fully to their music careers.

In pursuit of management support, Kramer recruited Rob Derminer, who soon took on the role of lead vocalist under the name Rob Tyner due to his commanding stage presence and rich baritone voice. Tyner rechristened the ensemble as MC5—an abbreviation for "Motor City Five"—to emphasize their Detroit heritage. By 1965, Michael Davis and Dennis Thompson had replaced earlier members, solidifying the classic lineup.

Musically, Smith and Kramer drew inspiration from free jazz icons such as Albert Ayler and John Coltrane, crafting a unique guitar approach characterized by intense vibrato and dynamic rhythms. MC5 even opened for avant-garde jazz pioneer Sun Ra and incorporated this experimental spirit into songs like "Starship" and "Black to Comm."

Performing nearly every night in Detroit venues that often held over 1,000 attendees, MC5 cultivated a devoted local fanbase through their high-octane live shows. Their performances were described as a "catastrophic force of nature," evoking comparisons to street riots due to their raw energy.

Iggy Pop remarked that MC5 initially excelled as a cover band for acts like The Rolling Stones, Hendrix, and The Who before evolving into a hard rock outfit infused with jazz elements.

In 1967, MC5 released their first single: a rendition of Them's "I Can Only Give You Everything," coupled with their original track "One of the Guys," issued on the independent AMG label.

1968–1969: Kick Out the Jams

At the beginning of 1968, MC5 independently issued their second single through Trans-Love Energies on A-Square records, without informing the label owner. This release included the tracks "Borderline" and "Looking at You," and the initial pressing quickly sold out, resulting in several thousand copies distributed by the end of the year. Concurrently, a third single featuring "I Can Only Give You Everything" alongside "I Just Don't Know" was released on AMG.

During the summer, MC5's tour along the East Coast generated considerable excitement, frequently eclipsing headline acts such as Big Brother and the Holding Company and Cream. This tour also established connections with the radical collective Up Against the Wall Motherfucker.

MC5 rose as pioneers within the hard rock genre, providing guidance to fellow Michigan groups like The Stooges and The Up, which attracted attention from major record labels. In September 1968, Danny Fields of Elektra Records signed both MC5 and The Stooges, marking Elektra’s initial venture into hard rock signings.

The band’s political outlook was deeply influenced by Marxist ideology and inspired by entities such as the Black Panther Party, Beat Generation poets, and Modernist literature. Managed by John Sinclair under his "Trans-Love Energies" organization, MC5's political engagement intensified; Sinclair himself was active in left-wing activism and founded the White Panther Party to support Black Panther efforts. His arrest on marijuana charges further politicized the band’s stance.

Guided by Sinclair, MC5 integrated bold political theatrics into their live shows, including simulated gunfire and onstage drug use. They played a significant role during the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests in Chicago, delivering an uninterrupted eight-hour performance—the sole band to perform—garnering nationwide recognition.

In January 1969, MC5 graced the cover of Rolling Stone preceding the release of their inaugural live album, Kick Out the Jams, captured at Detroit’s Grande Ballroom. Produced by Bruce Botnick with backing from Elektra's Jac Holzman, this album showcased proto-punk anthems such as "Kick Out the Jams" alongside politically charged songs that praised Black Panthers amidst Detroit’s 1967 riots. Critics acclaimed it as a compelling live recording.

The album sparked controversy due to Sinclair’s provocative liner notes and the explicit lyric in its title track: "Kick out the jams, motherfuckers!" For radio broadcasts, this line was altered to "brothers and sisters," though this change was not universally supported by band members. Selling over 100,000 copies, the album reached No. 30 on Billboard and remained on charts for 23 weeks.

When Detroit’s Hudson’s department store declined to stock the album over obscenity concerns, MC5 retaliated with a bold full-page advertisement in Fifth Estate magazine that criticized Hudson’s and displayed Elektra’s logo. In response, Hudson’s removed all Elektra records from their shelves. Amid this conflict, Elektra dropped MC5, who then signed with Atlantic Records.

1970–1971: Back in the USA and High Time

MC5’s sophomore album, Back in the USA, produced by Jon Landau—later known for mentoring Bruce Springsteen—laid groundwork for punk rock with its brief, rapid-fire guitar-driven sound. Released under Atlantic Records with altered production and marketing strategies, this record marked a significant departure from Kick Out the Jams, rendering them almost unrecognizable except for Tyner’s distinctive vocals. Landau’s production style was compressed and restrictive; band members later described him as domineering and molding their sound according to his preferences.

Critical reception was mixed, which translated into modest sales peaking at No. 137 on US charts in March 1970 during a seven-week span; meanwhile, concert attendance waned. Fatigue from relentless touring combined with substance abuse contributed to this downturn.

The group also experienced a rift with Sinclair and were notably excluded from participating in the December 1971 John Sinclair Freedom Rally, despite their attendance. Their third album, High Time, produced by Geoffrey Haslam and recorded by Artie Fields, had an influence on hard rock bands throughout the 1970s. Although it suffered from inadequate promotion and lower sales figures than previous releases, it received their most favorable critical reviews for original material. With expanded creative freedom, MC5 expressed satisfaction with this work, which featured longer and more experimental compositions such as "Future/Now" and "Skunk (Sonicly Speaking)", inspired by Sun Ra.

1972–1991: Breakup and Subsequent Activities

Both Back in the USA and High Time failed to generate profits for Atlantic Records, leading to the band's release from the label. Early in 1972, the group embarked on a European tour that included performances in England alongside Syd Barrett's Stars and a show in Canterbury featuring former Tyrannosaurus Rex percussionist Steve Peregrin Took. They also recorded a television session for Beat Club in Bremen.

On February 13, 1972, bassist Michael Davis departed the band due to heroin addiction issues, prompting the involvement of several replacements such as Steve Moorhouse, Derek Hughes, and Ray Craig. The remaining members recorded three tracks—"Gold," "Train Music," and "Inside Out"—in London for the soundtrack of the film Gold, which became their final studio session.

Following this, the trio of Kramer, Smith, and Tyner briefly continued touring with drummer Ritchie Dharma and bassist Derek Hughes, performing a mix of R&B covers and original compositions.

MC5 reunited for a final concert on December 31, 1972, at Detroit's Grande Ballroom; however, attendance was low. Troubled by addiction and emotional strain, Kramer exited after only a few songs, and the band dissolved shortly thereafter.

In 1973, Fred "Sonic" Smith established Ascension with Thompson and Davis (who was later succeeded by John Hefty on bass). Their repertoire consisted mainly of original material along with some R&B and rock covers. Managed by Chato Hill, Ascension played only a handful of shows before disbanding within a year. A single live recording from this period remains unreleased.

Smith subsequently formed Sonic's Rendezvous Band, married vocalist Patti Smith, stepped back from music to focus on family life, and passed away in 1994. Sonic's Rendezvous Band initially released just one single—"City Slang"—with additional recordings issued posthumously. Years later, a tribute ensemble featuring original member Scott Morgan and Deniz Tek of Radio Birdman reunited to honor Smith’s legacy. Additionally, Smith co-produced Patti Smith’s 1988 album Dream of Life, contributing as co-writer on all tracks including the single "People Have the Power."

Wayne Kramer formed a new MC5 lineup in 1974 comprising Mark Manko on rhythm guitar, Tim Schafe handling bass duties, Bob Schultz on organ, and Frank Lowenberg on drums; Kramer himself took on most vocal responsibilities. After sporadic guest appearances, he served a prison sentence from 1975 to 1978 for drug-related offenses during which he reconnected with Michael Davis. Upon his release in 1979, Kramer collaborated with Was (Not Was) alongside Don Was as well as performing with Gang War featuring Johnny Thunders. Following various jobs aimed at overcoming addiction, he resumed his musical career in the early 1990s and released several critically praised albums.

Rob Tyner pursued solo work and briefly led "The New MC5," collaborating with Eddie and the Hot Rods in 1979. During the mid-1980s, he produced for Detroit’s Vertical Pillows and occasionally performed live renditions of MC5 songs. Tyner established himself as a respected producer, manager, and promoter within Detroit’s music scene; he released the well-regarded album Blood Brothers in 1990 before passing away in September 1991.

Michael Davis joined Detroit’s Destroy All Monsters through the late 1970s into the early 1980s until their dissolution in 1983. Meanwhile, Dennis Thompson contributed to numerous groups including The New Order, New Race, The Motor City Bad Boys, and The Secrets.

1992–2024: Reunions, Later Years, and Heavy Lifting

The band's initial public reunion following their original recording period took place on February 22, 1992, at Detroit's State Theatre, where they performed as a quartet in tribute to Rob Tyner. This event included appearances by prominent musicians such as The Rationals and Dee Dee Ramone. Although not officially announced, MC5's set lasted approximately thirty minutes; this performance has yet to be issued commercially.

In 2002, the film MC5: A True Testimonial debuted at various film festivals. The next year, surviving members Wayne Kramer, Michael Davis, and Dennis Thompson appeared at London's 100 Club alongside guest artists including Nicke Andersson (The Hellacopters), David Vanian (The Damned), Lemmy (Motörhead), and Ian Astbury (The Cult). Charles Moore and Buzzy Jones returned to provide brass instrumentation as they had on the High Time album.

By 2004, the group embarked on an international tour under the name DKT/MC5—reflecting the initials of Davis, Kramer, and Thompson—with guest performers such as Mark Arm (Mudhoney), Evan Dando (The Lemonheads), and Lisa Kekaula (the Bellrays).

In 2005, MC5 established a lineup consisting of Kramer, Thompson, Davis, vocalist Handsome Dick Manitoba (The Dictators), and guitarist Gilby Clarke (formerly of Guns N' Roses). This configuration remained active until Davis passed away in February 2012, after which the band ceased operations.

Following a motorcycle accident in 2006, Davis joined Lords of Altamont in 2007. He also created the Michael H. Davis Music Is Revolution Foundation to promote music education. In 2009, Kramer co-founded Jail Guitar Doors, USA, an organization dedicated to supporting music programs within prisons. MC5 received induction into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2011. Davis died at age 68 in 2012 due to liver failure.

In May 2018, Kramer announced the MC50 tour commemorating the 50th anniversary of Kick Out the Jams. The touring ensemble featured Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron (Soundgarden), Brendan Canty (Fugazi), Doug Pinnick (King's X), Marcus Durant, and Don Was. Subsequently, Pinnick was replaced by Billy Gould of Faith No More. Dennis Thompson did not join this tour; it concluded in Christchurch, New Zealand, in February 2020.

Kramer revealed plans for a 2022 tour entitled We Are All MC5, accompanied by a new studio album produced by Bob Ezrin. Original drummer Dennis Thompson contributed to two tracks on the record. The touring lineup included vocalist Brad Brooks, guitarist Stevie Salas—who previously served as an advisor to the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian—bassist Vicki Randle, recognized as the first permanent female member of The Tonight Show Band, and drummer Winston Watson, known for extensive tours with Bob Dylan. The album was scheduled for release in spring 2024.

Wayne Kramer passed away from pancreatic cancer on February 2, 2024; his diagnosis had been made only a month earlier. In April 2024, John Sinclair—MC5’s former manager and political activist—also died. That same month marked MC5’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for musical excellence.

Dennis Thompson died from a heart attack on May 8, 2024, at age 75. MC5’s final studio album, Heavy Lifting, was released posthumously on October 18, 2024.

Original lineup

Wayne Kramer – lead guitar and vocals (1963–1972, 1974–1975, 1992, 2003–2012, 2018–2020, 2022–2024; deceased 2024)
Fred "Sonic" Smith – rhythm guitar and vocals (1964–1972, 1992; deceased 1994), bass guitar (1963–1964)
Rob Tyner – lead vocals (1965–1972; deceased 1991), bass guitar (1964)
Dennis Thompson – drums (1965–1972, 1992, 2003–2012, 2022–2024; deceased 2024)
Michael Davis – bass and backing vocals (1965–1972, 1992, 2003–2012; deceased 2012)

Discography

Studio Albums

Back in the USA (1970) reached No. 137 on US charts
High Time (1971) peaked at No. 191 in the US
Heavy Lifting (2024)

Live Releases

Kick Out the Jams (1969) charted at No. 30 US and No. 37 Canada
Do It (recorded in 1971, released in 1987)
Teen Age Lust (recorded in 1970, issued in 1996)
Phun City, UK (recorded in 1970, released in 1996)
Live at the Sturgis Armoury (recorded in 1968, released in 1998)
Are You Ready to Testify?: The Live Bootleg Anthology (2005)
Live at the Grande Ballroom 68 (2006)

Compilation Albums

Babes in Arms (1983)
Black to Comm (1994)
Power Trip (1994)
Looking at You (1995)
The American Ruse (1995)
Ice Pick Slim (1997)
66 Breakout (1999)
Thunder Express (1999) (recorded in 1972)
The Big Bang!: Best of the MC5 (2000)
Part Of The Problem Or Part Of The Solution (2012)
Kick Out the Jams Motherf*cker (2015)
The Motor City Five (2017) released by Rhino Entertainment Company

Unreleased Works

Live on Saturn (1972)

Box Sets

Purity Accuracy (2004)
Total Assault (2018)

Singles

"I Can Only Give You Everything" (1967)
"Looking at You" (1968)
"Kick Out the Jams" (1969)
"Ramblin' Rose" (1969)
"Tonight" (1969)
"I Can Only Give You Everything" (Reissue) (1969)
"Shakin' Street" (1970)
"Back in the USA" (1970)
"Over and Over"/"Sister Anne" (1971) – test pressings only
"Boys Who Play with Matches" (2024)
"Can't Be Found" (2024)
"Heavy Lifting" (2024)

Other Contributions

Featured on the soundtrack and film Gold (1972)
Included in the Plunderphonics compilation Rubáiyát (1991)

Filmography

MC5: Kick Out the Jams, released in 1999
MC5: A True Testimonial, released in 2002
Louder Than Love: The Grande Ballroom Story, released in 2012
Danny Says, released in 2016

References

Sources

External Links

MC5