Remembering Wayne Kramer
The "small-time Detroit criminal." lived a prolific life
Wayne Kramer of the MC5, passed away on February 2nd, 2024. After spending much time in the MC5 discography and Wayne’s solo work, it is time we talk about the storied frontman of one of Michigan’s greatest bands.
Wayne Kambes was born in Detroit on April 30, 1948. His parents divorced when he was young, and he was thereafter raised by his mother and stepfather. He was abused by his stepfather, and turned to music as an outlet from the situation, forming a relationship with Fred “Sonic” Smith and forming the MC5 in their teenage years. Wayne adopted the surname of Kramer to distance himself from his abusive past and to form a new identity.
If you don’t have much background on the MC5 (Motor City Five) The MC5 recorded three major label albums including Kick Out The Jams (1969) on Elektra records before moving to Atlantic Records for Back in the USA (1970) and High Time (1971). The MC5 toured the United States extensively and ultimately faced insurmountable challenges both from being banned from the radio and government police agencies for their militant political stance. Unable to tour or sell records and after a last-ditch effort by Ronan O'Rahilly, a London based businessman and promoter, that included a move to London, England, by 1972, the original group disbanded - sadly.
After the breakup of the MC5, Wayne found himself down and out. Turning to a life of crime. In 1975, while working with Detroit soul great Melvin Davis in their new group Radiation, he was convicted of, among other charges, selling drugs to undercover federal agents, and was sentenced to four years in federal prison. While incarcerated at FMC Lexington, he befriended Red Rodney, the American jazz trumpeter who played in the Charlie Parker quintet. They studied music and played together in the prison band Street Sounds. Upon his release from prison in 1979, Kramer began touring as a solo artist leading a succession of working trios, quartets, and larger groups. Wayne Kramer relocated to New York in 1980 and gigged around the east coast until the 2000’s.
Wayne Kramer was also a prolific composer. Highlights from his scoring work can be heard in the Will Ferrell comedies Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby and Step Brothers. He also scored the HBO comedy series Eastbound & Down.
An incredibly influential guitarist, Wayne inspired many six stringed guitar heroes that would use his music with heavy ascendancy. Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, who cited Kramer as a major influence, wrote: "His band the MC5 basically invented punk rock music... Wayne came through personal trials of fire with drugs and jail time and emerged a transformed soul who went on to save countless lives through his tireless acts of service." Vernon Reid of Living Colour also paid tribute to Kramer, who he described as both a "punk rock pioneer" and "guitar badass". Slash posted a tribute stating "My life was forever changed for the better when I met this man." Jack White, of the White Stripes, was also heavily influenced by the work of Wayne Kramer.
I was incredibly fortunate to catch Wayne play a one off gig at a bar in Detroit, I found myself at by happenstance, he played a tight yet sloppy performance, which is right on par with the music of the MC5. Provocative and tinged with flavor.
Selected Listening’s:
Kick Out The Jams, MC5 - 1969
Back in the USA, MC5 - 1970
The Hard Stuff, Wayne Kramer - 1995
Lexington, Wayne Kramer - 2014
Wayne penned one of my favorite, thought provoking lyrics:
Brothers and sisters
The time has come for each and every one of you to decide
Whether you are gonna be the problem
Or whether you are gonna be the solution
- Wayne Kramer, Ramblin’ Rose, MC5.