A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs: Song 179 – “Kick Out the Jams” by the MC5

Release Date: July 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs, host Andrew Hickey delves into the tumultuous and transformative journey of the MC5, focusing on their iconic track “Kick Out the Jams.” Hickey provides a comprehensive exploration of the band’s origins, musical evolution, political entanglements, and enduring legacy, all while navigating the complexities and controversies that surrounded them.

Origins and Early Influences

[00:09] The story of the MC5 begins in Detroit with Wayne Kramer (originally Wayne Cambs), whose troubled childhood—including abandonment by his birth father and abuse by his stepfather—shaped his rebellious spirit. Music became his refuge and weapon against his harsh realities. Influenced by artists like Dwayne Eddy, Chuck Berry, and surf instrumental groups such as The Ventures, Kramer’s passion for rock music was ignited early on.

Andrew Hickey recounts, “Wayne was absolutely in favor of changing his surname as a way to dissociate himself from his hated birth father when he became as big as Elvis or the Beatles.”

Formation of the MC5

** Wayne Kramer** sought to form a band that could channel the raw energy he admired in acts like The Rolling Stones and James Brown. Alongside Fred Smith and Leo Leduc, and later Bob Derminer (who became Rob Tyner), the band coalesced into what would become the MC5. Their early sound was a fusion of British rock influences and American blues, characterized by high-energy performances and a penchant for improvisation.

[10:03] The group's first recordings showcased their early adaptations of covers from British and American blues acts, setting the foundation for their explosive live performances.

Rise to Prominence and Musical Evolution

[15:33] The MC5 quickly became known for their electrifying live shows at Detroit’s Grandy Ballroom, headlining alongside major acts and influencing emerging bands like The Stooges and Ted Nugent. Their setlists often featured extended jam sessions, pushing the boundaries of traditional rock and foreshadowing the punk movement that would emerge a decade later.

Ted Nugent remarked, “Seeing MC5 at the Grande Ballroom opened our eyes. We had to play better, harder than anyone on the scene.”

Political Involvement and the White Panther Party

[27:25] Under the management of John Sinclair and the ideological umbrella of the Trans Love Energies commune, the MC5 became intertwined with radical political movements. The formation of the White Panther Party, advocating for various social freedoms and alignments with the Black Panther Party, marked a significant shift in the band's public persona and political activism.

However, this alliance brought internal tensions, especially regarding the role of women within the commune and the band’s portrayal in the media.

Release of “Kick Out the Jams” and Controversy

[61:51] The release of their seminal album, Kick Out the Jams, encapsulated the MC5’s raw energy and revolutionary ethos. The title track became notorious for its explicit language, leading to censorship issues. While the single rose to number two in Detroit, the album’s unexpurgated version faced backlash from retailers and radio stations, ultimately stalling its commercial success.

Wayne Kramer expressed frustration, “If people believe this shaft that this guy's written and think that's who we really are, it was just too outlandish.”

Decline and Disbanding

[94:47] Internal struggles, exacerbated by substance abuse and managerial conflicts, led to the band’s fragmentation. The rushed production of their second album, Back in the USA, under producer John Landau, diverged sharply from their original sound, aiming for a more commercial and polished approach. This shift alienated core members and diluted their unique appeal.

Substance abuse, particularly heroin use introduced by Mike Davis, further destabilized the group, resulting in missed gigs, poor performances, and eventual blacklisting by promoters. By the early 1970s, the MC5 had disbanded, leaving behind a legacy marked by unfulfilled potential and lasting influence on future rock and punk genres.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Despite their brief commercial success, the MC5 left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their fusion of high-energy rock and political activism paved the way for bands like The Stooges, Alice Cooper, and later punk icons such as The Clash and Motorhead. Lemmy, founder of Motorhead, acknowledged, “Our ambition was to be fast and vicious, just like the MC5.”

The MC5’s commitment to their revolutionary ideals and their uncompromising sound served as a catalyst for the evolution of rock music, influencing countless artists and contributing to the shaping of modern musical landscapes.

Conclusion

Andrew Hickey’s exploration of the MC5 in “Kick Out the Jams” illuminates the band's role as pioneers in the fusion of music and political activism. While their journey was fraught with personal and professional challenges, their legacy endures through the profound impact they had on subsequent generations of musicians and the broader cultural movements they helped inspire.

Hickey concludes, “Let me be who I am and let me kick out the jams,” encapsulating the MC5’s enduring spirit of rebellion and artistic integrity.

Note: This summary is based on the public clean version of the podcast episode transcript and excludes any explicit or sensitive content that was present in the unexpurgated version.