Wayne Kramer, guitarist of MC5, has announced that the band will return in the spring of 2024 with ‘Heavy Lifting,’ their first album since 1971. This unexpected development came about as a Kramer’s reaction to recent global events. Speaking to Mojo Magazine about the new album, Kramer acknowledged people’s concerns about the new album and its deviation grom the original MC5 sound. He said:
“They’re right. It’s not the same. We are not living in 1968. We’re in the era that we’re in, and one has to address that. In all art, you have to answer the question: so what? Why should I care? Because I made the best music I possibly could.”
Kramer, who claimed to have made the best music he could, expressed that his priority in his music journey is MC5. He continued:
“The MC5 has been the main concourse, the main roadway, for my creativity for just about my entire life. I hope I’m true to the spirit of the band. It’s important from the fans’ perspective, and from my personal perspective, to honour the legacy and my partners when I was a young man… it’s worth celebrating.”
The Album Coming 53 Years Later: ‘Heavy Lifting’
Reuniting for an album for the first time since 1971 record ‘High Time,’ MC5 aims to continue the legacy with ‘Heavy Lifting.’ Accordingly, the album is a reaction to recent global events, including the Trump presidency and the COVID-19 pandemic, which Kramer credited as catalysts for his creative resurgence.
On the album, Kramer is joined by an array of musicians, including Tom Morello, Don Was, Vernon Reid, Slash, and new frontman Brad Brooks. Original drummer Dennis ‘Machine Gun’ Thompson also features on two tracks. In the interview with Mojo Magazine about the album, Kramer said:
“I wanted to kind of pick up where we left off with High Time. Pushing music forward, carrying a message of self-efficacy and empowerment – and just to have fun. It’s all in the MC5. Creativity is the solution for the challenges we face.”
Wayne Kramer is already making plans for another MC5 studio album and anticipates extensive international touring with the band, including members Brad Brooks, bassist Vicki Randle, guitarist Stevie Salas, and drummer Winston Watson Jr.
Kramer Struggled To Write Music For MC5
Returning to MC5’s roots after decades of working on solo projects required Kramer to reconsider and redefine the band’s message. He acknowledged that it was easy to simplify the MC5 ethos as a rebellious attitude, but the band’s legacy was much deeper. In an email conversation with the Rolling Stones earlier this year, he said he found the process both enjoyable and demanding. He stated:
“Of course, I’ve talked about it for 50 years but to actually write music that’s true to the legacy of the band was a different challenge. I mean, it’s easy to say the MC5’s message is, ‘F*ck the man; let’s party!’ but I think there’s more to it than that. The band represents unlimited possibilities for new music.”
You can listen to a live performance of the title track of their new album below.
