Wayne Kramer, founding member of the legendary Detroit hard rock band MC5 and certainly one of rock’s best guitarists, has died. He was 75.
Kramer, born Wayne Kambes, passed away on Friday and news of his death was confirmed on his official Instagram page.
A straightforward black and white photo of the rocker was posted with the caption: “Wayne S. Kramer PEACE BE WITH YOU” 🕊️
April 30, 1948 – February 2, 2024.”
No explanation for death was provided.
As a youngster, Kramer, alongside friend Fred “Sonic” Smith, co-founded the enduring band MC5, which stood for Motor City Five, within the mid-Sixties.
MC5 rose to prominence because the house band at Detroit’s Grande Ballroom in 1967. John Sinclair, a left-wing activist, became the band’s manager, and the group aligned itself with the White Panther Party and adopted a politically charged stance. Their live performances, notably on the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests, solidified their fame as a fierce and influential act.
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In 1969 after the band signed to Elektra, Kramer and company returned to Detroit and its Grande Ballroom in October to record what would turn into their hit album “Kick Out the Jams.”
The Post has reached out to reps of Kramer for comment.