A lot has been written lately about MC5 since their announced induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame including a story here from our own Mike Olszewski (MC5 – A True Testimonial – Cleveland Rock And Roll) but I didn’t think we would be writing about a new album release coming October 18th, one day before they are inducted into the Rock Hall.
The new album is called “Heavy Lifting” and features guitar and vocals by founding MC5 member Wayne Kramer, who also co-wrote 12 of the album’s 13 songs together with Oakland singer/songwriter Brad Brooks. Kramer was the last remaining active member of MC5 and he passed away suddenly in February, followed by the death of drummer Dennis “Machine Gun” Thompson in May. It is Thompson’s final studio recording.
Kramer did an interview with Uncut in November 2023 where he discussed the album saying. “Live long and stay creative. This is my attitude. And this album continues from where ‘High Time’ left off. In that, I think it’s an artist’s responsibility to reflect the times they’re going through. And I think that we made an album that is in sync with where we’re at today and the challenges that we’re facing, and that carries a positive message.”
The album features an all-star lineup including Slash, Tom Morello, William DuVall, Vernon Reid, Don Was and Tim McIlrath.
Catch the first release off the album and see what you think….
