UPDATE 4/28/24: after 6 nominations, the MC5 have finally been inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame. this is my favorite band. what’s yours? comment below

RIP Wayne. We will always love you! Kick out the jams brother!!❤

I Love How The Title Says It’s A Brief History Of MC5 & Its 2 1/2 Hours

The MC5 are the embodiment of "I guess you guys aren't ready for that yet... but your kids are gonna love it"

skipping graduation to play another is maybe the most epic thing ever

I 'accidentally' saw the MC5 perform live at the London Rock n Roll show August 5th 1972. I was just turned 17 & I had no idea who the MC5 were. I went for the line-up of 1950's Rock n Roll legends who played that day but the effect that the 5 had on me that day was profound. I remember the ENERGY, the ATTITUDE and the way they launched into their blistering form of Rock n Roll. The Teddy Boys hated them & constantly threw cans & other missiles throughout their set & when Wayne "Machine-gunned" the audience, that made them even more possessed with hatred but I just stood there , gawping in awe at this spectacular sight & sound before me. I am so happy & so proud that I got to see the original MC5 before they broke up. I bought all 3 albums within weeks of seeing them & they have been massively important to me ever since. Abby, your work on this video is phenomenal!! I am speechless at the effort, the passion, the knowledge & the love you have put into this work & you have made it SO entertaining!! ( I watched it all over 3 days) One of KZfaq's greatest ever presentations. Just .......incredible! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! .......and oh, "my" favourite band? Well, along with the MC5, it is The Velvet Underground .......and yes, I saw *them* live too! 😲😲 ( well, the reformed VU in 1993 😎)

Punk rock saved my life. I have expanded my palate so far and wide that I preach the virtues of MC5, The Stooges, Velvet Underground, Death, etc to anybody who will listen.

Old man in Iowa laughing at "literally, no one cares about these shirts but me". The history is great - I was just talking to a local audio guy and I mentioned "abigail" and the deep dive, and he of course was already a fan. So two more guys in Iowa, living on the same street, spontaneously finding... Abigail and her vinyl mondays. Well Done.

this is genuinely insane, a feature length movie video. so commendable that you put this thing together. this may well be your finest work yet Abby!

Used to see the 5 all the time, from the Grande to various high schools and dance clubs. Always ran in to John at a local pub. Would talk to Wayne a lot at a bar in Grosse Pointe MI. while he was putting his Gang War band together back in the 70s. Went to pay my respects to Fred Smith at the funeral home where he was. Met Patti. Wayne and Dennis were there. Memories of great music and great times, and a lot of local folks could share similar stories. I really am impressed by your presentation here.Very perceptive, funny and filled with genuine affection. Thank you!

I grew up in Ann Arbor. 1967-1982. Experienced the MC5 while riding my Schwinn Stingray through West Park one day while this LOUD band was playing. We asked someone who was making all the noise. They smiled at the lil kids and said "The FIVE!". Free range parenting was not a term then. It was just how my mom, like most in the mid-west rolled. Home by sunset. She was also a peace activist and we went to the Sinclair White Panther House one day for a meeting about an upcoming protest. Since us kids didn't understand what was being discussed - or care - we wandered. We found a door in the kitchen and went down into the basement and it was dark and smelled of weed and we saw lots of amps and egg cartons on the ceiling. We went back upstairs to hear the droning of the adult peoples. Now in hindsight, we had wandered into the MC5 rehearsal studio.John Sinclair was the manager and that was his castle. As much as you credit this band being from Detroit, like Iggy and the Stooges, they were really from Ann Arbor. I only got to see Fred Smith once at the Second Chance with Sonics Rendezvous Band when I got in with a fake ID. This was when I finally appreciated who he was, and where I was. I love, that you love, the MC5. Todays music is so safe and corporate.

WOW. Just wow. Everything from the costumes, the in depth discussion, the jokes is on point. Your love from MC5 just comes through in every frame. I can't imagine the amount of work that went into all of this

FTR - Born raised on the East Side of Detroit. Grew up in the 60's / 70's where all my babysitters, Aunts/Uncles, Cousins, Neighbors listened to the MC5 on Vinyl (along with other 60's/70's bands). Sooo glad I'm subscribing to Vinyl Monday. Abigail hit a home run (Norm Cash style ;) on this review. This band accomplished sooo much in sooo little of time. Paved the way for Sex Pistols, Black Flag, Bad Religion et al. Bottom line is this band put their money where their mouth was!!! The best example was having the guts to play in Chicago for the 1968 Democratic Party Convention. Think about that this Summer of 2024. All good things must come to an end and the MC5 simply let bad management, bad record deals, and bad drugs do them in. RIP gentleman you were awesome!

The MC5! Great video Abigail. This may be the best I've ever seen on KZfaq! I'm 72 years old, purchased my first album ever in 1969. Found the MC5's Kick Out The Jams, loved the cover so I bought it. Had never even heard of them. I was a freshman in college located in West Texas. Had only one FM radio station to hear new music on, thus I was unfamiliar with the MC5. Took the record to my room and turned up the volume, as I normally did, and put on my headphones. Mind Blown!!!! I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I listened to this record three times , back to back. Shared it with my friends, much to their delight. I was able to gain a few issues of the Berkely Barb. I was hungry to learn more of the White Panthers and the MC5 movement. Long story short, joined the SDS, NORMYL, and became an underground WEATHERMAN. At 72, I'm still an activist, leftist freak. Thanks to the MC5 kick starting my mindset. Proud to say, my life was changed forever. Thanks MC. And a special shout out to Abigal for bringing me even closer to the MC5. BTW, I still have that original album it's well worn, but I treasure it. Also have an original Kick Out The Jams album, signed by John Sinclair. RIP Wayne!

These guys are legend. Not every band can say they were playing gigs with the likes of The Stooges *and* Sun Ra. So much inspiration!! I LOVE THEM.

Outstanding, inspiring work, and a terrific reminder of just how much I love this goddamn band. The whole thing flew by in a flash.

They were my favorite band in high school. I'm 71 and grew up near Detroit and saw the MC5 many times. I still have the 3 albums including the uncensored version of kick out the jams with the liner notes since I bought them when they were first released. I learned a lot from your great video.

Proto-punk is such a cool category. There are so many great bands jammed in there. The New York Dolls, Pink Fairies, Modern Lovers, the Monks, and more. The MC5 might be the most ass kicking one of the lot.

This channel is a hidden gem.❤

MC5 is so great, I feel like they never get the recognition they deserve. Everyone knows other bands from the time, but MC5 tends to get overlooked. At least people who really love music know who they are!

Bought Kick Out The Jams when it came out as a young kid with my paper route money. I still have that record. Well done Abigail, well done.

I didn’t plan to watch this entire video today, but you kept surprising me with how amazing and important the MC5 still are. I was introduced to the MC5 when I went to college in the 80s because of my friend Franklin. He owned a very cool record store in Jonesboro, Arkansas that literally changed the lives of so many people, including me, even though it really wasn’t open that many years. I was one of several Record Exchange nerd boys going to his store at least weekly, and usually for hours at a time absorbing information from “the longhair.” He was a remarkably intelligent man who was not only the biggest record and science fiction collector I’ve ever known, but a prophet of music, a published poet, and fantasy writer. he had the same enthusiasm for the MC5 that you do. You would’ve loved him. Interestingly, he refrained from using profanity except for one particular time. Normally he kept his impressive in-store stereo at levels you could easily talk over. But one day I was shocked to walk in and hear it turned up to window-rattling volume. I asked who it was, and he explained he was playing the uncensored KOTJMF’er, which he yelled with uncharacteristic power. He passed in the early 2000s, and several of us still talk about him to this day. I think I’ve still got just about every album I ever bought from him. Anyway, you have made something special. Thank you.

If the MC5 can't unf*ck your Monday, it's hopeless

I saw the MC5 in 1968. A barn like venue called the Crazy Horse in Kalamazoo MI. Standing in the crowd, I was a 16 yr old, probably only 15 feet from this band, . The roar of the marshall amps, screams and feedback left a lasting impression. Wayne Kramer. Rob Tyner. Wow. Talk about rocking my world. Glad I found this, Abigail. You have a very good presentation. Never thought I would last til the end, but I did. Love intermission. Judging Rob's hair styles. HA ha. Wish I could take you back into the Crazy Horse, so you could experience it too. You are such a fan. Thx for this.

saw MC5 at the Boston Garden October 25, 1969, opening for Johnny Winter and then Zeppelin (who were selling records in the lobby). Transformational. Favorite band and artist changes each decade as I change. Thank you for the reporting, stories and passion.

Funny enough, your original MC5 "Kick Out the Jams" video was how I discovered the channel in the first place! I had just got myself a copy and wondered "Hmmm, this album rocks pretty hard; I wonder if there's anyone on KZfaq doing a sort of deep dive/review of it...." Lo and behold. Fantastic work, as always, Abby! 😃

Met Wayne a few times u wont meet a more down to earth humble guy.

Been waiting for this! Now to watch another excellent Abigail tale! BTW: Your hard work shows in each and every video you make! I’m a big fan! ❤❤❤

If this channel doesn't reach 100k subs, I'll shake my head in disbelief because these episodes are just too great.

I befriended Brother Wayne in his later years in life after a mural he hired my company to paint of him on the Grande for the 50th anniversary show. My hearts been crushed the last few weeks man, I listen to the 5 almost every single day normally! Thanks for taking the time to make this. I'd love to send you an extra piece of my merch gifts from Wayne if you'd like. Cheers dude!

Abby, this is your masterpiece. It's your Godfather II or Raging Bull.

RIP Brother Wayne Kramer. You fought the good fight, finished your course, and kept your faith overall... 🎸🇺🇸

As someone who loves the mc5 it’s so inspiring that I am the same age as they were when they made kick out the jams! Thank you for making this Abby you have outdone yourself!!

Wonderful video!!! RIP Dennis Thompson! Typical MC5 fate that all the members have died just as they get inducted into the Hall of Fame. BTW as someone with "wildman wayne" hair I appreciated all the hair talk

God dammit Abigail, you're officially one of those channels I have to spend the next week binging now.

I've always fallen on the Stooges side of the Detroit line, but Kick Out The Jams broke my brain at 13 and I've never looked back! Thanks for this vid, long live the 5!

Just ONE more tiny little video before bed.

This was great. RIP Wayne. I was there. Met Wayne, John, they were the Soundtrack of my youth. Michigan was best in the 60’s and 70’s. Your great would love to take you back in time. The nuns tried hard to keep us from going to the 5. E= MC5

I remember much of that, I was 9 years old love these vinyl Mondays!

My Mom and Dad were regularly at the Fillmore East and if they liked a band, one of them would buy the current album. My Father loved the MC5 and as a result, all 3 albums (along with stuff like Humble Pie, The Stooges, The Velvets and Black Sabbath) were in the house when I started attacking the collection at 11yo in 1977... My Mom's copy had no fades and MFers as clear as a bell... or siren.... and prepared me for the world of Punk Rock and NYHC in no small way... BTW... My favorite MC5 song is Rama-a-Lama....

Your thumbnail for this video is so great it should be an album cover.

This is more than just a brilliant history of an amazing band, this is an absolute masterpiece that elevates their legacy and will lead to more people getting into their catalog! I sincerely hope that Wayne and Dennis get a chance to see this video!

A “brief” history Almost 3 hours. I’ve rescheduled some appointments and have the entire day free. Let’s do this.

Tyner died shortly after I first got into the MC5 in high school. Wayne died at the beginning of this month. DMGT is all we have left. It's a weird feeling. The 5 made records for people's my parents' age. It's nice to see people my kids' age still keeping the fire burning. The future's here right now.

So cool to see you dissecting MC5! Yes, you have recharged my faith in the human race. ✌️🦋

Vinyl Monday: "It's MC5 time!" Me: " FUCKIN FINALLY SHE'S TALKED ABOUT THEM FOREVER" Abby "NONE OF YOU KNEW I LIKE MC5!"

The MC5's version of Them's " I Can Only Give You Everything" was a life changer for me, a 12 year old Michigan kid. You tell a great story.

Appreciating those 10 months put into this! Birth and Death; Life of the MC5. Best history lessons live on in music of the times. Time travel and hair intermission, plus a new instrument! This was 2:40.32 well enjoyed. You refresh Rock n Roll each week in my world; count it as a tip in your jar towards keeping Rock n Roll alive! P.s nice genes

MC5 was my first. I had seen the Beatles two movies and surely processed their British war babies charm (I even watched the Beatles cartoons on Saturday mornings). I thought the coolest was Ringo, and so I bought a drum set with my paper route money. But when I went to a record store to buy my first album, without knowing anything about, well, anything, I was attracted to the MC5. Just the album cover, I guess. So I learned to drum by banging away to that album. I fell in love with that band. I then learned guitar and bass and became a songwriter. I am still doing it. I have looked forward to this episode! Thank you for it. You did an awesome job. Just perfection.

My intro to the MC5 was in my early 20s after a recommendation from a friend, who lent me a CD of Back in the USA. This was the early 2000s in Australia, with the rave scene and techno being really popular as a counterpoint. The album blew me out of the water, the intense incessant energy just something I hadn’t really experienced before. That album and the MC5 in general have a rhythm that is really unique I think, it’s rock and roll but fast and unceasing. I still love them to this day, if I’m feeling tired or down they never fail to make me feel energised. Thanks for the detailed insight into the band, really enjoyed it.

I was thrilled to find High Time while stationed in Germany. Kind of a hug from home. A plus was that the German records were still the thick heavy vinyl. Sister Ann kicks it!!!

Bravo, Abigail. Incredible research. I fully appreciate what was probably months of research & planning for this video. Well done. I'm telling all my friends about you. :)

I watched this in two sittings. You did a great job. Keep up the killer work.

I'm a recent convert here; only ever heard a few MC5 tracks in my life, (sorry...) So what's keeping me here ? Ab here is !! The entertaining approach, la joie de vivre, cuteness, silly asides, ect., will see me thru to the end of this puppy. And who knows ? I MAY even listen to the MC5 !! Ima havta make the effort, tho- I'm currently into a hard-lock listening phase of: The Doobie Bros. Deep Purple FZ & The Mothers Argent The things go in cycles for me- always have. Keep up the great work there, Miss DeVoe !! 🚬😎👍

Abbey you need a patron page ! I would totally join.

I love this video! I love your enthuiasm and I love that you found the MC5. I read about them when I was in my teens and got really curious. When I first heard Kick out the jams I was blown away, I had never heard anything like it. Now they have been a part of me for the last 30-35 years and their music never cease to amaze me. Love the intermission and the last Kick out the jams with the wild curls! 😊👍🏽

WAIT, uh, you said we would NEVER SEE THAT HAIR! 🤣 I want more! Maybe do it again for a Janis Joplin album.

I personally picked up on the MC5 in 1968 at 8 years old when my cousin played the first LP in its entirety, and I love bootlegs! It's a 70s thing, deal with it! And counter culture was already a real thing in the 1960s!

MC5 one of the greatest rock n roll bands ever! Thanks for this! Great Job! Greetings from Argentina!

15 minutes into this and I'm already cracking up.... I love MC5 - had no clue they started so early... love that opened up for Dave Clark 5... look forward to the rest.... cheers 🤘

I first heard the MC5 in my brother's 63 Galaxie convertible on an 8-track tape. I was blown away. I got to see them in concert in West Palm Beach Florida I forget the year. They played with Steam Bob Seger system and Bloodrock. Damn shame we didn't have cell phone videos back then. They blew the audience away they were unbelievable.

I was in a small club in Detroit around 1990, on the stage was a band called " The vertical pillows". All of a sudden Rob is introduced he gets on stage and they do a rousing "Kick out the jams" and "Gloria" ,it was amazing! Glad I got to experience that before his death. Nice job on this video!!

I found your The Stooges - Fun House video while on Mushrooms today - you grounded the hell out of me while validating my favorite album - AND THEN I STUMBLE ON THIS! Bravo. Absolutely incredible top to bottom

MC5 is like Motorhead, before Motorhead.

Took a couple days to finish but well done. MC5 is in my list of Top 10 bands and "High Time" is my favorite record.

I was a little too young when MC5 was in its heyday. Came to enjoy some of the punk rock groups that were influenced by them. My first exposure to them was their walk-on in Robert Shea/Robert Anton Wilson's Illuminatus! Trilogy. The series made a deal out of Kick Out The Jams as a plot device. Reading it was a hoot! The series was also the inspiration for an English hip-hop group called The Jams. Later I heard BÖC's cover of Kick out the Jams. Then I went back to see what all the fuss was about.

Absolutely brilliant video, thank you. When you got to Denis talking about Rob, you made me cry … thank you.

OH, BOY - I'M SO EXCITED!! The MC5 are one of my favorite bands of all time!! Thanks for making this - I've been having a bad day, and this really cheers me up: almost three hours of somebody talking about The MC5!!! Thanks again!!!

I'm sorry you didn't get to see the MC5, you would have loved the power and glory of that band playing live on stage. Thank you for righteous enthusiasm for the MC5!

What a Fantastic Look and Review at The MC5's Career! Well Done! 🇺🇸🙌🏻🇺🇸

I've never heard about this band but I was watching your Q&A.. I became intrigued. That thumbnail is stunning!!

All I can say it's "Long live rock - be it dead or alive".

Your love for the MC5 is obvious. Thanks for making this wonderful video. I watched the whole thing. Long live the 5!

Incredible job! I love how you made me fall back in love with the MC5 again the music world needs more fans like you. People that genuinely get excited about great music love this video you did a fantastic job trust me

A THREE HOUR LONG VIDEO? Abby you've done it again, constantly raising the bar for us all! Gonna make some popcorn and get ready to watch 🍿

Thank you for all your hard work, it’s very appreciated ✌🏻

absolutely the best band documentary type of video on KZfaq to exist. The energy of your storytelling properly reflects the excited and inspired nature of the MC5's music. Your passion for the 5's music is insanely contagious, now I'll probably listen to them in a more critical and astute manner. The Stooges, Silver Apples, and Hüsker Dü would also make for some great ideas for the future possibly.

Rest In Peace Wayne Kramer 2/2/24.

Whow! MC5 & Velvet Underground playing at the same gig together, now that would of been a gig that I would use one of my 3 wishes on if I ever found a genie in a bottle.

Masterfully done!! Congrats!!

ABBY THAT WAS AWESOME!! somehow you've managed to outdo yourself yet again! i hope you get the recognition you deserve for this- you're an amazing journalist, and somebody i've been able to relate to, and learn from immensely. traversing the music community as a gen z girl isn't easy, but you make it a lot better, so thank you

A monstrously long and awesome video on MC5. Kick Out The Jams is one of my favourite live albums. Well done for making this fantastic video Abby!

Something I was surprised to discover is that "Ramblin' Rose" is a really obscure Jerry Lee Lewis song.

Lovely Lady, I am so glad you have finally been able to complete this labour of obvious love. The band were groundbreaking and set the ball rolling for the punk movement of the mid to late 70s. Could you now move on and make my year complete with a similar deep-dive into the band Fanny? Their Charity Ball album was only the second I bought with my own money (Wildlife by Wings was the first) and I have loved their music ever since.🙃

A magnificent piece of work Abi! Obviously a true fan! Well done! A lot of work has gone into this wonderful!! 😊

What a beautiful tribute. Subscribed!

a legacy is left behind and the flame burns on somewhere else and in someone else. this history was true testimony to that possibility and is especially poignant today.

That was absolutely brilliant. Thank you for putting in such a massive effort to make this video.

Watched it all the way through - had to do it in three sittings due to time constraints. Fantastic! I had the opportunity to watch what was suppsed to be the release of A Testimonial years back, before it was bootlegged, as a friend was married to Michael Davis, Wayne was on a label I was working for at the time, and met Dennis as well. Your DETAIL and ENTHUSIASM , even through the decline of the band, had me in awe, in tears, and in hysterics! Subscirbing!

Wow wow wow. Just discovering your channel today. Goddamn delightful. Doing God's work right here. Long live The MC5 indeed!

I was the only person in my school in the 80s who knew who the MC5 was. Your the best!!!!

Maybe your best review ! Great stories too. Love the gold blouse and vest. Thanks for the deep dive into MC5. Keeping Rock and Roll alive !

I almost forgot. When the MC5 came to play in West Palm beach, the governor of Florida made them post a 10 thousand-dollar bond because they started riots! Rob made sure to mention that before they started playing it made the crowd go nuts.

I love this band, thank you for the time you put into this, awesome job!

Bravo! Fantastic video. The end was emotional. I’m now an MC5 fan. Thanks for introducing me to these guys. I’ve always known OF them but I never really knew ABOUT them. Because of your video I feel like I kind of KNOW them. Planning on purchasing their discography asap. Great way to start the week again with a vinyl Monday! Praise the lord and pass the ammunition P.S. I’m really happy you Mentioned Patti Smith near the end. She’s been one of my favorite artists since forever. My first wife’s name was Patti Smith. Looking forward to a vinyl Monday ft. Patti Smith

Wow! Great presentation of the MC5! Really impressive. Be proud of this! As a Detroiter- Thank you! P.S. Your hair and glasses at 2:40:13 is a great look! I'm now a subscriber.

Super great job with this one Abby. Really appreciate all the effort that went into it. I learned a lot and your presentation is impressive. Since this was like three episodes in one you definitely need a break. The thumbnail is so apropos and spot-on, as usual. Have a nice break.

The ultimate love em or hate em band. When they played shows here in Southern Ontario in 1968, they came on the stage wearing bullet belts and carrying rifles! Cheers.

They had real British Vox AC-100's in America in 1965! Not an easy thing!

I cannot express how much I love and appreciate this video so much! I could gush on and on and on! Wow! Just perfect. Well done. Thank you 1000 times. Rama lama fa fa fa!