Wayne Kramer, MC5 legend and guitarist, dead at 75

Kramer was the co-founder of the iconic Detroit band

Musician Wayne Kramer of MC5 performs onstage during the second annual Rock for Recovery benefit concert at The Fonda Theatre on September 16, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images) (Scott Dudelson, 2017 Scott Dudelson)

It’s a sad day for fans of the legendary Detroit band MC5. The band’s co-founder and guitarist, Wayne Kramer, died on Friday, according to a post from his official Instagram.

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The band was formed in Detroit in 1963 and had a huge influence on not only the garage rock scene in Detroit, but rock and roll music in general. Kramer founded the band alongside fellow guitarist and legend Fred “Sonic” Smith, the late husband of punk icon Patti Smith.

The band found success in 1968 with their first album, “Kick Out The Jams,” which was recorded live at Detroit’s Grande Ballroom.

While they were never as successful as their 1960 counterparts like The Rolling Stones and others, their influence on punk and rock music is seen everywhere.

MC5 has never been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, despite being on the nomination ballot countless times.

Kramer was 75. This is an ongoing story, check back for updates.


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Jack is a Digital Content Editor with a degree in creative writing and French from Western Michigan University. He specializes in writing about movies, food and the latest TV shows.

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