The music world mourns the loss of Wayne Kramer, the iconic American guitarist and songwriter who left an indelible mark on rock history with his work in the band MC5. Kramer passed away at the age of 75 in a Los Angeles hospital due to pancreatic cancer, as reported by The Guardian and various international media outlets.
Kramer's journey began in Detroit in 1963 when he co-founded MC5, a band that would become synonymous with high-energy, politically charged rock'n'roll, significantly influencing the punk movement that followed.
Their 1969 live album debut, "Kick Out the Jams," is revered as a classic, featuring the legendary title track co-written by Kramer. This song, among others, has been covered by a wide array of artists, including Rage Against the Machine, Entombed, and Pearl Jam, attesting to its lasting impact on the music industry.
Despite MC5's disbandment in 1972 and subsequent reunions, Kramer continued to make music, releasing solo albums and composing for television and film. His exceptional talent was recognized by Rolling Stone, which included him in its list of the 100 greatest guitarists.
Kramer's legacy was celebrated in recent years with tribute concerts to MC5.
Up until his death, Kramer was working on a solo album, expected to be released later this year, ensuring his influential sound and spirit will live on.
