MC5’s Wayne Kramer Dead At 75
It’s with a heavy heart to share that Wayne Kramer, the guitarist of the influential Detroit band MC5, has passed away. He was 75-years old.
No cause of death has been reported, and this is a developing story.
RIP Wayne Kramer
The news was first shared on his Instagram page. You can see the post below.
It’s difficult to discuss Detroit bands without talking about MC5. We’ve got Bob Seger, Kid Rock, Jack White, and MC5. Yes, there are many others. However, the list is never complete without mentioning his name.
Wayne Kramer was born Wayne Kambes. He formed the band MC5 as a teenager, along with his buddy Fred “Sonic” Smith. As we know, the name was short for Motor City 5. The group was known for their powerful live performances. They were never afraid to take a stand.
The band was constantly fighting the power and sticking it to the man. Over the years, they had been banned on the radio and often had trouble with the government over their militant political stance. Rock and roll at it finest.
However, Kramer wasn’t just a big deal here in Detroit. He was known and respected all over the country, and all over the world. Rolling Stone even named him one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” That’s a major accomplishment. Rolling Stone definitely got that right.
At one time, MC5 was the designated “House Band” at the Grande Ballroom in Detroit. From 1969 to 1971, they dropped three records: Kick Out The Jams, Back in the USA, and High Time. After MC5, Kramer continued on a solo career releasing five solo albums.
Wayne Kramer will be missed. He influenced so many people and artists all over the world, and especially here in Detroit. His legacy will not be forgotten. You can check out some of his work below shared on YouTube.
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Jann Wenner Goes Off the Deep End.
In an interview with The New York Times published in September, Rolling Stone/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame co-founder Jann Wenner was pressed on why he didn’t highlight any Black people or any women in his book, The Masters. The book is a collection of interviews Wenner conducted with seven rock subjects. All seven subjects were white men.
Wenner said, in part, “The people had to meet a couple criteria, but it was just kind of my personal interest and love of them. Insofar as the women, just none of them were as articulate enough on this intellectual level.” Wenner went on to namecheck the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield. However, he stuck to his “articulate” reasoning even with these beloved and respected music icons.
After the interview went viral, Wenner was removed from the Board of Directors of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.
Jann S. Wenner, Mick Jagger and Ahmet Ertegun at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 19th Annual Induction Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel March 15, 2004 in New York City.
