For both the lifelong and newcomer fans of the MC5, the rockers from Lincoln Park who helped lead the evolution of rock music into the punk era of the 1970s, the celebration of the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this October has already begun. Having epitomized the rock revolution with their rebellious spirit and revolutionary musical styles, the band has merited past nominations to the Hall and is being awarded in 2024 with the “Award for Musical Excellence.”
Sadly, the group’s last remaining members, lead guitarist Wayne Kramer, and drummer Dennis ‘Machine Gun’ Thompson, both passed away earlier this year. Fred ‘Sonic’ Smith, Rob Tyner, and Michael Davis had died in previous years. The band’s longtime manager, John Sinclair, also passed away this year. On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the MC5, along with a slate of other legendary rock honorees, will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland Ohio.
One week prior, on Saturday, October 12th, the community of Lincoln Park will gather at our Memorial Park Bandshell to celebrate this landmark in rock and roll history. With activities set to begin at 3:00 p.m., DJ Soul Deep will kick off the festivities turning out tunes by the group and its influencers and the many bands they came to inspire. The celebration will include friends and families of the band, and the dedication of a tree next to the bandshell, where the MC5 performed in their early years together. A declaration of the special day and presentation by the City of Lincoln Park leads off the official proceedings. The release of “MC5: An Oral Biography of Rock’s Most Revolutionary Band” takes place the same weekend with book sales and signing by co-authors Brad Tolinski and Jaan Uhelszki. The celebrated artwork of photographer Leni Sinclair and poster artists Gary Grimshaw and Carl Lundgren will also be represented and available for purchase. An assortment of food trucks will be on site. Scheduled speakers include musician Tino Gross, who will serve as emcee for the celebration, journalist Peter Werbe, poet M.L. Liebler, and members of the band’s families, giving testimonials in the stage portion of the evening. Live performances by Sugar Tradition and American Ruse will carry the energy through the evening's twilight. At dusk, there will be a showing of rare films of the band. Our deep gratitude to Becky Tyner, Tim Caldwell and Adam Stanfel for their help coordinating this special tribute in Lincoln Park. It is an absolute joy for all of us - and you - to share this milestone here in our own backyard!
More information about our previous exhibition for the 50th anniversary of MC5 can be found HERE.
Our Thanks to Carl Lundgren for the art design with photography by Leni Sinclair and Emil Bacilla.
Here is a link to the recent Destination Downriver podcast that features a segment on the upcoming MC5 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame celebration here in Lincoln Park. Participants include former mayor and current director of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, Tom Karnes; Special Events Director for the City, Stephani Davis; and Museum Curator Jeff Day.
A new book entitled MC5: An Oral Biography of Rock's Most Revolutionary Band, will have its official release at an event to be held Friday October 11th at the DIA. Including interviews and research conducted by writer Ben Edmunds over a two decade period, compiled and edited by co-authors Jaan Uhelszki and Brad Tolinski, the book is being released one week before the MC5 will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The book's release and concurrent Hall of Fame event was a completely serendipitous occurrence.
The new book will also be available for purchase and signing at Lincoln Park's celebration event for the 5 at the Memorial Park bandshell on Saturday, October 12th beginning at 3pm. This is event is free and open to the community.
You can check out the DIA event details by clicking HERE.