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By onioncut.com
Wayne S. Kramer, co-founder of Detroit punk band MC5, died at 75 on February 2, 2024. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Image Credit: @waynekramerofficial
Kramer was a pioneering guitarist and composer who influenced the alternative and punk genres with his gruff and powerful sound.
Image Credit: @waynekramerofficial
MC5’s debut album, “Kick Out the Jams”, recorded live in 1968, was a revolutionary and enthusiastic work that faced censorship but became iconic in rock history.
Image Credit: @waynekramerofficial
He was also a political activist, supported left-wing and radical causes, such as the 2008 Democratic National Convention & Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign.
Image Credit: @waynekramerofficial
Kramer faced legal troubles and served a four-year jail sentence for drug-related charges after MC5’s breakup in 1972.
Image Credit: @waynekramerofficial
In 1979, he started Jail Guitar Doors, a non-profit organization for providing musical instruments for prison rehabilitation, named after a song by The Clash reflecting his personal struggles.
He continued his musical career after prison, collaborating with various artists and forming new bands. He also launched a successful solo profession in 1991.
Image Credit: @waynekramerofficial
In 2001, he and his wife created MuscleTone, a record label that released his solo album “Adult World” in 2002.
Image Credit: @waynekramerofficial
Kramer gained recognition for scoring films and television shows, such as “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” and “Step Brothers”.
Image Credit: @waynekramerofficial
Kramer’s influence and commitment to music and society left a lasting legacy that was praised by fans and peers, such as Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine.
Image Credit: @waynekramerofficial