A legendary rock band is set to release its first new studio album in over half a century. MC5, renowned for their 1969 live album “Kick Out the Jams,” will unveil “Heavy Lifting” on October 18. This album marks a significant milestone, as it features contributions from founding guitarist Wayne Kramer, who passed away in February, and original drummer Dennis Thompson, who died in May. Kramer co-wrote 12 of the 13 new tracks, and Thompson performs on two of them.
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, “Heavy Lifting” will include special appearances by notable musicians such as Slash from Guns N’ Roses, Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, William DuVall from Alice in Chains, Vernon Reid of Living Colour, Tim McIlrath from Rise Against, and Don Was. The album is produced by Bob Ezrin, known for his work with Aerosmith, Lou Reed, Alice Cooper, KISS, Pink Floyd, and Phish.
Ezrin described the new album as “very heavy,” noting its revolutionary message and sense of humor. “There’s a little bit of heavy metal and quite a bit of funk,” Ezrin told UCR. “But it is a heavy record, and it’s a guitar record left, right, and center. Just a wall of guitars most of the time, and mostly driven by Wayne and his ethos. It’s a snapshot of a guitar man at the height of his powers. We all feel a responsibility to make sure that his work is heard, and he is celebrated. We poured our hearts into the project.”
MC5, which previously released only two studio albums—”Back in the USA” in 1970 and “High Time” in 1971—disbanded in 1972. However, several members have reunited for performances over the years. “Heavy Lifting” will be a posthumous release for the entire original lineup. Kramer and Thompson died earlier this year, while singer Rob Tyner passed away in 1991, guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith in 1994, and bassist Michael Davis in 2012.
MC5 will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October, a day after the album’s release. The album’s debut track, “Boys Who Play with Matches,” is already out, giving fans a taste of what’s to come.
In an interview with UNCUT in November 2023, Kramer discussed the album, saying, “Live long and stay creative. This is my attitude. And this album continues from where ‘High Time’ left off. In that, I think it’s an artist’s responsibility to reflect the times they’re going through. And I think that we made an album that is in sync with where we’re at today and the challenges that we’re facing, and that carries a positive message.”
The album features an all-star lineup of Kramer’s friends and musical colleagues, including Slash, Tom Morello, William DuVall, Vernon Reid, Don Was, and Tim McIlrath. This collaborative effort bridges the gap between generations of musicians inspired by MC5’s fearless approach to music and activism. The breadth of MC5’s impact can be heard through all the album’s players, including Vicki Randle, Stevie Salas, Abe Laboriel Jr., Winston Watson Jr., and Joe Berry. “Heavy Lifting” is more than a nostalgic trip; it’s a resounding affirmation that the spirit of punk endures.
Ezrin emphasized the album’s weight, both musically and thematically. “It’s very heavy,” he said. “It has a revolutionary message but also a good sense of humor. There’s a little bit of heavy metal and quite a bit of funk. But it is a heavy record, and it’s a guitar record left, right, and center. Just a wall of guitars most of the time, and mostly driven by Wayne and his ethos. It’s a snapshot of a guitar man at the height of his powers. We all feel a responsibility to make sure that his work is heard, and he is celebrated. We poured our hearts into the project.”
In addition to the 13-track album, a 2CD/2LP bonus disc will be released, including previously unreleased live recordings from the MC50 tour in 2018, celebrating the 50th anniversary of MC5’s revered 1969 debut album, “Kick Out the Jams.” The live band for the MC50 tour featured Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil, Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty, Faith No More’s bassist Billy Gould, and frontman Marcus Durant, with a special guest appearance by Mark Arm from Mudhoney.
MC5’s influence on rock music is undeniable. From their formation in the mid-60s to their most recent album, “High Time,” released in 1971, they have inspired generations of rockstars, including The Ramones, The Clash, The White Stripes, and two of the special guests on the new album, Slash and Tom Morello.
As the release date approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the new album, which promises to be a fitting tribute to the band’s legacy and the enduring spirit of punk rock.
