WAYNE KRAMER Brings MC5 Back To Life With New Album And Tour

On the heels of the MC5‘s nomination to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, legendary Detroit proto-punk/activist/hard-rock innovator Wayne Kramer has released two new songs and announced “The Heavy Lifting” tour in May — all as a reanimation of his pioneering group dubbed WE ARE ALL MC5.

The tour begins with a special hometown show, celebrating the birthday of Detroit’s El Club.

Joining the pioneering guitarist in the touring band will be singer Brad Brooks, drummer Stephen Perkins (JANE’S ADDICTION), bassist Vicki Randle (Mavis Staples), and guitarist Stevie Salas (David Bowie). Tickets go on sale on Friday, March 11.

Ahead of the tour, the band will release two singles — Kramer‘s first new music as MC5 since 1972 — previewing a full album on earMUSIC scheduled for October 2022. Both songs were produced by the iconic Bob Ezrin (PINK FLOYD, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, KISS).

The fiery guitar-dueling anthem “Heavy Lifting” is the A-side featuring Tom Morello, Don Was, Abe Laboriel Jr., with lead vocals by Brooks.

The B-side, “Edge Of The Switchblade”, reimagines Kramer‘s tribute to the MC5‘s formative years, first heard on his acclaimed 1995 Epitaph solo album “The Hard Stuff”, in a new recording with Laboriel, Was, and special guest William Duvall from ALICE IN CHAINS sharing lead vocal duties with Kramer.

Photo credit: Jim Newberry