On Friday, February 2nd, 2024 punk lost one of its founding fathers. MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer died at the age of 75 after a grueling battle with pancreatic cancer. Kramer and the MC5 was a key figure in the port punk movement along with other fellow trailblazers The Stooges who were in turn influenced by East Coast legends The Velvet Underground. Kramer was born in 1948 and was a founding member of the MC5 which formed in Lincoln Park, Michigan in 1964. The original lineup consisted of Kramer, Fred Smith (guitar), Rob Tyner (vocals), Dennis Thompsons on drums, and Michal Davis on bass. Tragically, the band had little to no commercial success during its entail run but the band has had an enduring legacy since then and has influenced contemporary giants Rage Against The Machine and British punk legends The Clash. "Kick Out Of the Jams' the band's signature tune has become an enduring anthem for picking yourself back up when times may seem bleak. Furthermore, the opening wailing cry from Tyner is forever cemented in the brains of music lovers everywhere. "Kick Out the Jams Mother-Fuckers" What a statement for the time period. Kramer's guitar work oozes through every groove of the song. It's loud, in your face, and bare-boned. The man could take a solo as well as he was able to craft tasteful solos while keeping the signature punk sound. A great example of this technique can be showcased in underrated gems like "Motor City is Burning' and "Looking At You."
RATM's Tom Morello took to social media to pay respects to his hero citing Kramer as "The greatest man I've ever known." Fellow contemporary legend Jack White also expressed his condolences and cited "Looking at You" to be the first guitar solo he ever taught himself.
Though Kramer has left us, his legacy has been cemented in the books and his influence has sprawled for decades. He would be happy to know how vocal rock bands are these days. Kick out The jams brother Kramer. Rest easy.
