Wayne Kramer, the legendary guitarist and co-founder of the influential protopunk band MC5, has passed away at the age of 75. His death, caused by pancreatic cancer, occurred on Friday at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles.
Kramer, along with his bandmates Fred 'Sonic' Smith, Rob Tyner, Michael Davis, and Dennis 'Machine Gun' Thompson, formed the MC5 in Detroit during the late 1960s. Managed by White Panther co-founder John Sinclair, the band became known for their raw and uncompromising music, embracing the revolutionary spirit of the time. Their hardcore anthems, including the iconic 'Kick Out the Jams,' have left a lasting impact on the music industry, influencing artists such as the Clash and Rage Against the Machine.
Despite their limited commercial success and a short-lived core lineup that disbanded in the early 1970s, the MC5's legacy survived due to their powerful sound and their ability to fuse music with political action. Kramer, who has struggled with legal battles and substance abuse throughout his life, shared his story in his memoir 'The Hard Stuff: Dope, Crime, the MC5, and My Life of Impossibilities' released in 2018.
Wayne Kramer's impact and influence reverberate through the music industry, as seen in the upcoming album 'Heavy Lifting' by the MC5. The album, set to release this spring, features guest appearances by renowned musicians such as Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, Slash, Vernon Reid, William DuVall, and others, alongside original members Kramer and Thompson.
In an interview with Mojo magazine in December, Kramer spoke about the band's mission of pushing music forward, carrying a message of self-efficacy and empowerment, and simply having fun. The MC5 encapsulated creativity as a solution for the challenges faced by society, demonstrating the power of music to inspire change.
With Thompson now being the sole surviving member, Wayne Kramer's passing marks the end of an era for the MC5. However, his indomitable spirit and enduring contributions to the music world will forever be cherished by fans and fellow musicians alike.
Wayne Kramer is survived by his wife, Margaret Saadi, and his son, Francis. His unwavering dedication to his music and his commitment to using it as a force for social change have left an indelible mark on the history of rock and roll. He will be remembered as a true pioneer who fearlessly carved his own path in the world of music.
