Jump to content

List of MC5 band members

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

MC5 performing in 1968, 2005, and 2018

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).

History

[edit]

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.[2]

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.

Members

[edit]
Image Name Years active Instruments Release contributions
Wayne_Kramer_-_Fabrik_Hamburg_2018_04.jpg
Wayne Kramer
  • 1963–1972
  • 1974–1975
  • 1992
  • 2003–2012
  • 2018
  • 2022–2024 (until his death)
  • lead guitar
  • lead and backing vocals
all releases
MC5 1960s (Fred "Sonic" Smith).jpg
Fred "Sonic" Smith
  • 1964–1972
  • 1992 (died 1994)
  • bass guitar (1963–1964)
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing and lead vocals
all releases, except Heavy Lifting (2024)
Billy Vargo 1963–1964 rhythm guitar none
Leo LeDuc drums
Bob Gaspar 1964–1965
MC5 1960s (Rob Tyner).jpg
Rob Tyner
  • 1964
  • 1965–1972 (died 1991)
  • bass guitar (1964)
  • lead vocals (1965–1972)
all releases, except Heavy Lifting (2024)
Patrick Burrows 1964–1965 bass guitar none
Dennis_Machinegun_Thompson.jpg
Dennis Thompson
  • 1965–1972
  • 1992
  • 2003–2012
  • 2022–2024 (died 2024)
drums all releases
Michael_Davis._2008.jpg
Michael Davis
  • 1965–1972
  • 1992
  • 2003–2012 (until his death)
  • bass guitar
  • backing vocals
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
Gilby Clarke 2 2012 (cropped).jpg
Gilby Clarke 2005–2012
  • rhythm guitar
  • backing vocals
Handsome Dick Manitoba at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival.jpg
Richard Manitoba lead vocals
Marcus Durant - Fabrik Hamburg 2018 02.jpg
Marcus Durant 2018 Heavy Lifting (2024) bonus edition
Kim Thayil - Fabrik Hamburg 2018 05.jpg
Kim Thayil rhythm guitar
FUGAZI_8_(19741226841)_(cropped).jpg
Brendan Canty drums
Matt_Cameron_SG_2013.jpg
Matt Cameron
Doug_Pinnick_2009-2.jpg
Doug Pinnick
  • bass guitar
  • backing vocals
Don_Was_-_AMA_Nashville_2010_-_Ron_Baker.JPG
Don Was
Bill_Gould_from_Faith_No_More_-_cropped_2.jpg
Billy Gould
Vicki_Randle_at_Great_American_Music_Hall.jpg
Vicki Randle 2022–2024 Heavy Lifting (2024)
Brad Brooks lead vocals
Stevie_Salas_Stuttgart_Bix.jpg
Stevie Salas rhythm guitar
Jane's Addiction - Stephen Perkins - 3622465999.jpg
Stephen Perkins 2022 drums
Winston Watson 2022–2024

Timeline

[edit]

Line-ups

[edit]
Period Members Releases
1963
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Billy Vargo – rhythm guitar
  • Fred Smith – bass, vocals
  • Leo LeDuc – drums
none – rehearsals only
1964
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Fred Smith – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Rob Tyner – bass
  • Bob Gaspar – drums
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Fred Smith – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Bob Gaspar – drums
  • Patrick Burrows – bass
none – live performances only
Early – December 1965
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Fred Smith – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Bob Gaspar – drums
  • Patrick Burrows – bass
  • Rob Tyner – vocals
December 1965
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Fred Smith – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Bob Gaspar – drums
  • Rob Tyner – vocals
  • Michael Davis – bass, backing vocals
December 1965 – February 1972
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Fred Smith – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Rob Tyner – vocals
  • Michael Davis – bass, backing vocals
  • Dennis Thompson – drums
  • Phun City, UK (recorded 1970, released 1996)
  • Live at the Sturgis Armoury (recorded 1968, released 1998)
  • Are You Ready to Testify?: The Live Bootleg Anthology (2005)
  • Live at the Grande Ballroom 68 (2006)
February – March 1972
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Fred Smith – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Rob Tyner – vocals
  • Dennis Thompson – drums
  • Steve Moorhouse – bass
none – live performances only
March 1972
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Fred Smith – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Rob Tyner – vocals
  • Dennis Thompson – drums
  • Derek Hughes – bass
April – May 1972
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Fred Smith – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Rob Tyner – vocals
  • Dennis Thompson – drums
  • Ray Craig – bass
June – November 1972
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Fred Smith – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Rob Tyner – vocals
  • Dennis Thompson – drums
  • Derek Hughes – bass
November – December 1972
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Fred Smith – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Derek Hughes – bass
  • Ritchie Dharma – drums
Disbanded 1972 to 1974
1974 – 1975
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Mark Manko – rhythm guitar
  • Tim Schafe – bass
  • Frank Lowenberg – drums
  • Bob Schultz – organ
none – live performances only
Disbanded 1975 to 1992
November 1992
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Fred Smith – rhythm guitar, vocals
  • Michael Davis – bass, backing vocals
  • Dennis Thompson – drums
none – one live performance
Disbanded 1992 to 2004
June 2004 – January 2005
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Michael Davis – bass, backing vocals
  • Dennis Thompson – drums
none – live performances only
January 2005 – February 2012
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Michael Davis – bass, backing vocals
  • Dennis Thompson – drums
  • Gilby Clarke – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Handsome Dick Manitoba – vocals
Disbanded 2012 – 2018
May – August 2018 none – live performances only
August – December 2018
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Marcus Durant – vocals
  • Kim Thayil – rhythm guitar
  • Brendan Canty – drums
  • Billy Gould – bass, backing vocals
Hiatus 2018 to 2022
March – April 2022 none – rehearsals only
April 2022 – February 2024
  • Wayne Kramer – lead guitar, vocals
  • Brad Brooks – vocals
  • Stevie Salas – rhythm guitar
  • Vicki Randle – bass, backing vocals
  • Winston Watson – drums
  • Heavy Lifting (2024)

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Strauss, Matthew (February 2, 2024). "MC5's Wayne Kramer Dies at 75". Pitchfork. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "MC5 Concert Dates". makemyday.free.fr. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  3. ^ "MC5 Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  4. ^ Goodwyn, Tom (February 19, 2012). "MC5 bassist Michael Davis dies aged 68". NME. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  5. ^ Fines, Ian (November 1998). "MC5- Rise and Fall". www.furious.com. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  6. ^ Baker, Cary (February 3, 2024). "A tribute to MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer". Goldmine Magazine: Record Collector & Music Memorabilia. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  7. ^ Williams, Alex; Lamb, William (February 3, 2024). "Wayne Kramer, Guitarist With the Incendiary MC5, Is Dead at 75". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  8. ^ "Rob Tyner- Voice of the MC5". www.furious.com. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  9. ^ Pareles, Jon (September 20, 1991). "Rob Tyner, Singer With MC5 Group In 60's, Dies at 46". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  10. ^ Sprague, David (June 16, 2004). "DKT/MC5". Variety. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  11. ^ "GILBY CLARKE Joins MC5". bravewords.com. January 18, 2005. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  12. ^ Cope, Dorian (July 28, 2005). "MC5 2005". headheritage. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  13. ^ Sweeting, Adam (February 19, 2012). "Michael Davis obituary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  14. ^ Lewry, Fraser (May 2, 2018). "MC5 announce UK and European tour dates". louder. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  15. ^ J, Liz (August 15, 2018). "Billy Gould (Faith No More) Joins Super-Group MC50 on Tour". Music Talkers - Latest Music News & Artist Exposure. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  16. ^ Aswad, Jem (March 9, 2022). "Wayne Kramer Unveils 'We Are All MC5' Spring Tour". Variety. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  17. ^ Polack, Lucas (April 5, 2022). "MC5's Wayne Kramer talks punk, politics ahead of new album, tour". Michigan Public. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  18. ^ "Wayne Kramer Unveils 'We Are All MC5' Spring Tour". Yahoo Entertainment. March 9, 2022. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  19. ^ "Wayne Kramer, co-founder of Detroit rock band MC5, dead at 75 from pancreatic cancer". New York Daily News. February 3, 2024. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  20. ^ McCollum, Brian. "Dennis Thompson, MC5 drummer and 'last man standing,' dies at 75". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved August 11, 2024.