MC5 were an American rock band founded in 1963 by guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred Smith.[1] The band's classic line-up included Kramer, Smith, vocalist Rob Tyner, bassist Michael Davis, and drummer Dennis Thompson. At the time of Kramer's death in February 2024, the band consisted of Thompson, vocalist Brad Brooks, rhythm guitarist Stevie Salas, bassist Vicki Randle, and drummer Winston Watson (all since 2022).
In the early 60s both Kramer and Smith led garage rock bands, but later joined as one in 1963 under the name Bounty Hunters. Consisting of Billy Vargo on guitar and Leo LeDuc on drums, with Smith playing bass.[2] By 1964, Vargo and LeDuc were replaced by Smith and Bob Gaspar respectively. Rob Derminer auditioned for the bassist position although later became lead singer, adopting the name Rob Tyner. The bass postioned was filled by Patrick Burrows before Michael Davis and Dennis Thompson filled the bass and drum postions respectively.[3]
This line-up stayed together until 1972, when Davis left.[4] He was replaced by a quick succession of bassists (Steve Moorhouse, Derek Hughes, and Ray Craig) before disbanding in late 1972, after a disastrous New Years Eve show,[5] by which point Ritchie Dharma had replaced Thompson who departed alongside Tyner.
Kramer reformed MC5 in 1974 with Mark Manko on rhythm guitar, Tim Schafe on bass, Bob Schultz on organ, and Frank Lowenberg on drums.[6] This version with Kramer singing lead vocals continued until 1975, when Kramer was incarcerated until 1978.[7]
The classic line-up of MC5 reformed in November 1992,[8] in tribute to Rob Tyner who died on September 18, 1991.[9] This reunion included Kramer, Smith, Davis and Thompson. In 2004, Davis, Kramer and Thompson toured under the name DKT/MC5.[10] By 2005, the trio were joined by singer Handsome Dick Manitoba (ex-The Dictators), and rhythm guitarist Gilby Clarke (ex-Guns and Roses).[11] [12] This version of the band disbanded in February 2012, following the death of Davis.[13]
Kramer reformed the band in May 2018, under the Name MC50. He was joined by Kim Thayil (guitar) and Matt Cameron (drums) of Soundgarden, Brendan Canty (drums) of Fugazi, and Doug Pinnick (bass) of King's X, as well as Marcus Durant (vocals) and Don Was (bass).[14] By August, the line-up included Kramer, Thayil, Canty, Durant and bassist Billy Gould (of Faith No More).[15]
MC5 returned in 2022, now consisting of Kramer, singer Brad Brooks, drummer Stephen Perkins (Jane’s Addiction), bassist Vicki Randle (Mavis Staples), and guitarist Stevie Salas (David Bowie).[16] Perkins was soon replaced by Winston Watson.[17] Kramer also announced a new album, which would feature many guests, including Thompson.[18]
Kramer died in February 2024,[19] no announcement was made on the continuation of the band. Thompson also died in May 2024,[20] which signalled the end of MC5.
| Image | Name | Years active | Instruments | Release contributions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayne Kramer | all releases | |||
| all releases, except Heavy Lifting (2024) | ||||
| Billy Vargo | 1963–1964 | rhythm guitar | none | |
| Leo LeDuc | drums | |||
| Bob Gaspar | 1964–1965 | |||
| all releases, except Heavy Lifting (2024) | ||||
| Patrick Burrows | 1964–1965 | bass guitar | none | |
| drums | all releases | |||
| all releases, except Heavy Lifting (2024) | ||||
| Steve "Annapurna" Moorhouse | 1972 | bass guitar | none | |
| Derek Hughes | ||||
| Ray Craig | ||||
| Ritchie Dharma | drums | |||
| Frank Lowenberg | 1974–1975 | |||
| Bob Schultz | keyboards | |||
| Tim Schafe | bass guitar | |||
| Mark Manko | rhythm guitar | |||
| 2005–2012 | ||||
| Richard Manitoba | 2005–2012 | lead vocals | ||
| 2018 | Heavy Lifting (2024) bonus edition | |||
| Kim Thayil | rhythm guitar | |||
| Brendan Canty | drums | |||
| Matt Cameron | ||||
| Doug Pinnick | ||||
| Billy Gould | ||||
| Vicki Randle | 2022–2024 | Heavy Lifting (2024) | ||
| Brad Brooks | lead vocals | |||
| Stevie Salas | rhythm guitar | |||
| Stephen Perkins | 2022 | drums | ||
| Winston Watson | 2022–2024 |
| Period | Members | Releases | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 |
| none | |
| 1964 |
| ||
| none | ||
| Early – December 1965 |
| ||
| December 1965 |
| ||
| December 1965 – February 1972 |
|
| |
| February – March 1972 |
| none | |
| March 1972 |
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| April – May 1972 |
| ||
| June – November 1972 |
| ||
| November – December 1972 |
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| Disbanded 1972 to 1974 | |||
| 1974 – 1975 |
| none | |
| Disbanded 1975 to 1992 | |||
| November 1992 |
| none | |
| Disbanded 1992 to 2004 | |||
| June 2004 – January 2005 |
| none | |
| January 2005 – February 2012 |
| ||
| Disbanded 2012 – 2018 | |||
| May – August 2018 |
| none | |
| August – December 2018 |
| ||
| Hiatus 2018 to 2022 | |||
| March – April 2022 |
| none | |
| April 2022 – February 2024 |
|
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