MC5 Co-Founder Wayne Kramer Dies at 75: A Tribute to the Influential Guitarist
In a heartbreaking announcement, it has been confirmed that Wayne Kramer, the co-founder of MC5, has passed away at the age of 75. The news was shared on his Instagram page, with a simple yet poignant message: “Wayne S Kramer. Peace be with you. April 30 1948 – February 2 2024.” As the world mourns the loss of this influential guitarist, it is important to reflect on the impact he had on the music industry and his unwavering commitment to political activism.
Born and raised in Detroit, Wayne Kramer found his passion for music at a young age. Alongside his teenage friend and fellow guitarist, Fred “Sonic” Smith, Kramer was heavily influenced by free jazz, R&B, and rock’n’roll. Together with frontman Rob Tyner, they formed MC5, a band that would go on to become one of the most powerful and politically engaged groups in US history. In the vibrant music scene of Detroit, MC5 stood out as an incendiary force, sharing stages with iconic bands like Cream and the Stooges.
Signed to Elektra in 1968, MC5 wasted no time in making their mark. Their debut album, “Kick Out the Jams,” was released the following year and was a live recording from Detroit’s Grande Ballroom, where they had already established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. The album showcased their raw energy and revolutionary spirit, with Tyner’s iconic cry of “kick out the jams” becoming a rallying cry for resistance. With their heavy guitar sound, courtesy of Kramer and Smith, MC5 paved the way for the punk rock movement of the 1970s.
However, despite their critical acclaim and loyal following, MC5 faced commercial struggles. Their subsequent albums, “Back in the USA” (1970) and “High Time” (1971), failed to achieve commercial success. Bankrupt and plagued by drug use, the band ultimately disbanded in 1972. Kramer, in particular, faced personal challenges and found himself serving a four-year jail sentence following a drug bust in 1975.
After his release in 1979, Kramer continued his music career, joining funk-rockers Was (Not Was) and immersing himself in the New York City underground music scene. However, he largely remained out of the spotlight throughout the 1980s, working as a carpenter. It wasn’t until the mid-90s that he made a comeback as a solo artist signed to punk label Epitaph Records.
Tragedy struck the MC5 family in the early to mid-1990s when both Tyner and Smith passed away. But in 2001, Kramer formed a supergroup to keep the spirit of MC5 alive. This lineup included Ian Astbury from The Cult and Lemmy from Motorhead. While the lineup changed over the years, MC5 continued to tour and captivate audiences worldwide. In 2018, they embarked on a 50th anniversary tour, reminding fans of their enduring legacy. That same year, Kramer released his memoir, “The Hard Stuff: Dope, Crime, the MC5 and My Life of Impossibilities,” offering a glimpse into his tumultuous journey.
At the time of his passing, Wayne Kramer was preparing for the release of MC5’s long-awaited third studio album. In an interview, he explained his motivation for returning to music: “I think it was time to reignite that spirit of 1968, the spirit of my generation when we were all young people. I think we’re at a very dangerous time in our history. And I think if we don’t all organize, come together, and step up, we could lose it all. Democracy could go away. The forces that we’re up against are not joking. This is not playtime. This is serious.”
Beyond his musical contributions, Kramer also made a significant impact through his involvement in Billy Bragg’s Jail Guitar Doors initiative. This initiative aimed to provide musical instruments for prison inmates, offering them a creative outlet and a chance at rehabilitation.
In the wake of Wayne Kramer’s passing, tributes poured in from fellow musicians and collaborators. Tom Morello, guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, expressed his deep admiration for Kramer, describing him as “the best man I’ve ever known” and praising his wisdom, compassion, empathy, and conviction.
As we say goodbye to Wayne Kramer, we remember him not only as a talented guitarist but also as a passionate advocate for change. His music and activism will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us of the power of art to challenge the status quo and fight for a better world.