The music world mourns the loss of Wayne Kramer, co-founder and guitarist of the groundbreaking Detroit rock band MC5, who has passed away at the age of 75. Recognized as one of the greatest guitarists in history by Rolling Stone magazine, Kramer’s death was confirmed via his official social media channels on Friday afternoon.
Kramer succumbed to pancreatic cancer at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles, as revealed by Jason Heath, a close friend and executive director of Kramer’s nonprofit organization, Jail Guitar Doors.
MC5’s Impactful Legacy: Co-founding MC5 in the 1960s in Lincoln Park, Michigan, Kramer played a pivotal role in the anti-establishment, counterculture movement. MC5 emerged as one of the most influential American rock and punk groups of its time, with their 1969 debut album, “Kick Out the Jams,” solidifying their status as a protopunk staple.
Musical Journey and Activism: In recent years, Kramer remained active, touring as MC50 alongside prominent musicians like Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron, Faith No More bassist Billy Gould, and Zen Guerilla singer Marcus Durant. The guitarist also announced the formation of “We Are All MC5” in 2022, a touring project aimed at reanimating the groundbreaking band’s spirit.
Apart from his musical pursuits, Kramer served as the executive producer of Jail Guitar Doors, a nonprofit offering musical instruments and mentorship to incarcerated individuals. His openness about his own prison experience, stemming from a drug charge in the 1970s, added a layer of authenticity to his activism.
Influence and Collaborations: Often referred to as “Brother Wayne,” Kramer collaborated with fellow MC5 members even after the group disbanded in the early 1970s. Emotional tributes from musicians flooded social media immediately after news of his passing, with Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello describing him as “the greatest man I’ve ever known.”
Kramer’s eclectic musical palette, sense of humor, and tenacious conviction garnered respect from peers and fans alike. Detroit musician Paul Randolph, who recently collaborated with Kramer on the Alice Cooper album “Detroit Stories,” emphasized Kramer’s profound impact on the music scene.
The legacy of Wayne Kramer, a true pioneer of Detroit rock, will undoubtedly live on, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.
