Wayne Kramer, founding member of the legendary Detroit hard rock band MC5 and acclaimed guitarist, has died at the age of 75. Kramer, born Wayne Kambes, died Friday. His official Instagram page confirmed the news.
Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello paid tribute to Kramer on his Instagram, expressing his deepest condolences for the loss of this talented musician. In a thoughtful post, Morello shared his admiration for Kramer and the impact he had on the music industry.
“Brother Wayne Kramer was the best man I ever knew,” Morello wrote. “He possessed a unique blend of profound wisdom and profound compassion, beautiful empathy and tenacious conviction. “His MC5 band basically invented punk rock music.”
Wayne Kramer with Tom Morello in 2016 (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Wayne Kramer formed MC5 as a teenager in the 1960s
During his teenage years, Kramer, along with his friend Fred “Sonic” Smith, founded the legendary band MC5, short for Motor City Five, in the mid-1960s. According to the New York Post, MC5 gained fame as a house band at Detroit’s Grande Ballroom in 1967. Led by leftist activist John Sinclair, the group aligned itself with the White Panther Party and took a politically charged stance. Their reputation as a fierce and influential group was solidified through powerful live performances, including at the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests.
Wayne Kramer with MC5 in the 1970s (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
The band’s provocative style of grunge rock and its support of the Black Panthers’ involvement in the 1967 Detroit riots attracted significant attention and sparked controversy. MC5 embarked on a tour alongside renowned bands such as Cream and The Hold Company, solidifying their influence in the realms of punk and metal. Their album and performances left an indelible mark and continued to shape the musical landscape.
In 1975, Kramer faced legal trouble for selling drugs to an undercover officer. He served a four-year prison sentence. After his release, he formed the band Gang War with Johnny Thunders and established the nonprofit Jail Guitar Doors, named after the Clash song inspired by Kramer’s legal troubles.
Slash and Wayne Kramer in 2008 (Photo by Jason Merritt/FilmMagic)
Wayne Kramer reforms the MC5
In 1994, Kramer signed a contract with Epitaph Records, a renowned punk label. He launched his solo project, The difficult thingsin 1995. Kramer later reunited the surviving members of MC5 and toured with acts such as Rage Against the Machine.
In recent years, Kramer has maintained his political commitment. He shared the stage with Rage Against the Machine at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. Additionally, he has performed concerts in support of Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign.
On February 23, 2003, Kramer married Margaret Saadi. In 2013, they adopted a boy, Francis. In 2018, Kramer published his memoirs. The difficult things and announced the MC50 tour, celebrating the 50th anniversary of “Kick Out the Jams.”
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn