Dennis Thompson, MC5 Drummer and Final Classic Member, Dead at 75

Dennis Thompson, the drummer and final remaining member of MC5, has died at the age of 75.

In accordance to the Detroit Entirely absolutely free Press, Thompson handed away at MediLodge of Taylor, a care facility outdoors of Detroit. The rocker had been rehabilitating there subsequent a coronary heart assault seasoned in April.

In a 2018 place up on his internet web page, Thompson recalled catching “the bug for participating in music” when he was just 13 a number of years preceding. “My dad and mom have been disappointed that I chose the band about faculty but they supported my choice,” the rocker wrote. “Who would know what destiny seasoned in retail retailer for me. If my parents ever viewed as I would wind up on a substantial efficiency appear for and destroy employees as the MC5, I consider my drums could have magically disappeared one particular specific evening.”

Go by means of A lot far more: MC5’s Wayne Kramer Lifeless at 75

Thompson grew to grow to be a member of MC5 in 1965, signing up for the frequent lineup which involved singer Rob Tyner, guitarists Wayne Kramer and Fred “Sonic” Smith and bassist Michael Davis. Thompson was the final surviving member of the group – Tyner and Smith died in the ’90s, Davis handed in 2012, and Kramer and the band’s longtime supervisor John Sinclair died earlier this calendar year.

Thompson’s Style Was Extremely significant to MC5

Specified the nickname “Machine Gun” due to the fact of his intense design and style and style of taking element in, Thompson was pivotal to MC5’s audio. The influential proto-punk group created a pair of studio albums in the ‘70s, every single of which Thompson performed on. He also contributed to their groundbreaking 1969 LP Kick Out the Jams, as properly as lots of even far more are living releases. Thompson also reportedly played on two tracks for MC5’s nevertheless-to-be-unveiled remaining album, Weighty Lifting.

In April, MC5 was announced as inductees for the 2024 Rock & Roll Corridor of Fame course. Thompson, who was recovering in the hospital at the time, was reportedly delighted by the honor and declared “It can be about fucking time!” when the announcement was created.

“Dennis was thrilled with it, so fired up and pleased,” Becky Tyner, widow of MC5 vocalist Rob Tyner, recalled. “He just preferred to get home to his cat, Annie, and was optimistic about recovering.”