MC5 Co-founder Wayne Kramer Has Dies Aged 75

The co-founder of MC5, Wayne Kramer, a guitarist known for his role in one of the most impactful and politically active bands in US history, has passed away at the age of 75. The announcement was made on his Instagram page with the message: “Wayne S Kramer. Peace be with you. April 30, 1948 – February 2, 2024.“ Hailing from Detroit, Kramer, raised in the city, collaborated with his teenage friend, fellow guitarist Fred “Sonic“ Smith. Both were shaped by influences ranging from free jazz to R&B and rock'n'roll. Alongside frontman Rob Tyner, they transformed MC5 into a dynamic presence in Detroit's music scene, standing alongside peers like the Stooges. Abbreviated as Motor City 5 (MC5), the band swiftly established a strong live presence, sharing stages with notable acts like Cream, leading to their signing with Elektra in 1968. Their inaugural album, “Kick Out the Jams,“ was released in the subsequent year, capturing a live performance at Detroit's Grande Ballroom, where the band had gained prominence. Former collaborator Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against the Machine, paid tribute to Kramer after his passing, stating, “Brother Wayne Kramer was the best man I’ve ever known. He possessed a one-of-a-kind mixture of deep wisdom & profound compassion, beautiful empathy, and tenacious conviction.”