NEW YORK — Long before bands like the Clash, Nirvana, or Rage Against the Machine left their mark, the MC5 was making its own impact.
According to Tom Morello, renowned guitarist for Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, “The MC5 was playing punk rock music before it even had a proper name.”
He commended the band for laying the groundwork for the likes of The Stooges, The Ramones, and even Rage Against the Machine themselves.

This year, the MC5, an influential Detroit band whose name stands for Motor City Five, will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
This recognition comes just a few months after the passing of their last original members, drummer Dennis “Machine Gun” Thompson and guitarist Wayne Kramer.
The class of 2024 also features notable artists such as Peter Frampton, Cher, Mary J. Blige, A Tribe Called Quest, and Ozzy Osbourne.
The induction ceremony is slated for Saturday in Cleveland.

Despite releasing only three albums and not achieving significant commercial success, the MC5 is remembered for its powerful sound and its dedication to political activism.
Notably, the band was the sole musical act to perform during the tumultuous atmosphere of the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Morello asserts, “Their worthiness for the Hall of Fame isn’t based on the volume of their catalog, but rather their immense influence. Without them, punk rock as we know it would not exist.”

The band’s most iconic track, “Kick Out the Jams,” features memorable lines like “Put that mic in my hand/And let me kick out the jam.”
Their live album of the same name reached the top 40 in 1969, marking their peak commercial achievement.
Following the release of their studio records—“Back in the USA” and “High Time”—the group disbanded in late 1972.

In recognition of the MC5’s influence, Rage Against the Machine even nicknamed one of their fastest songs “MC5” for a period while recording, a track that eventually became “Sleep Now in the Fire.”
Grammy-winning producer Don Was, a Detroit native, recalled witnessing the MC5 live and described the experience as “a tsunami of sound.”
He asserted, “It felt like they unleashed a power, something that has never truly been captured in recordings—a massive wall of distortion and groove.”

Morello and Was are part of a group of artists collaborating on a new album titled “Heavy Lifting,” which is set to release this month and will showcase tracks featuring the talents of Kramer and Thompson.
Distinguished contributors like Slash, Vernon Reid, and William DuVall of Alice in Chains also took part.
Morello explained the intention behind the album: “Wayne’s vision was to create one last exceptional MC5 record, one that both honors their legacy and reflects where their influence has led.”

Additionally, a new book titled “MC5: An Oral Biography of Rock’s Most Revolutionary Band” has been released by music journalists Brad Tolinski, Jaan Uhelszki, and Ben Edmonds, featuring anecdotes from influential musicians such as Iggy Pop, Janis Joplin, and John Lennon.
Morello, who is on the nominating committee for the Rock Hall, has been advocating for the MC5’s induction for many years, noting that recent changes have allowed more fan-favorite artists to be recognized.

“It’s crucial for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to tell a diverse array of stories, reflecting the expansive world of rock fandom, rather than just curating a specific narrative,” he shared.

Wayne Kramer, who faced significant challenges including time spent in prison, later founded Jail Guitar Doors U.S.A., a nonprofit that provides instruments to inmates and helps facilitate songwriting workshops.
He dedicated efforts to enable recovery for many, offering jobs, music opportunities for at-risk youth, and support for progressive causes.

Regarding Kramer, Was remarked on his evolution from believing in a revolution in the 1960s to understanding the complexities of that era while still striving to improve the lives of others.
“Wayne Kramer was, without a doubt, the best person I’ve known,” Morello remarked, sharing that he would help induct the MC5 on Saturday.
“He embodied an extraordinary blend of deep wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication.”