Back In The UK and Looking At You!
It's been a weekend for legendary acts and whilst many of the younger audience are unfamiliar with DKT/MC5, it's not out of place to add them to the legendary status list. Back in the late sixties and early seventies MC5 were playing wild electric rock music that was years ahead of its time and when they reformed originally for a one off show at London's 100 Club in 2003, the host of stars from other bands that turned up to play with them spoke volumes about their influence.
Now supplemented by Gilby Clarke of Guns n' Roses fame on guitar, MC5 feature original members Wayne Kramer, Michael Davis and Dennis Thompson. There is a shamefully small crowd (judging by other bands' attendances) in the Snickers Tent but when you consider they are up against Slipknot on the main stage it's to be expected and those that have made the effort are in for a treat.
The scheduling has been strict all weekend so I am disappointed that MC5 are the one band that come on early, causing me to miss the first couple of songs! Their 45 minute slot though is littered with highlights that more than make up for it. Wayne Kramer on guitar looks his age these days but he still cuts an imposing figure dressed all in white and he can still play some mean guitar. Joined on stage by Handsome Dick Manitoba (of Dictators fame) resplendent in blue sequined shirt they go into 'Call Me Animal' during which Clarke and Kramer play some excellent guitar solos (which continue throughout the set!) A great rendition of 'Sister Anne' follows which sees the crowd waving arms aloft as Manitoba plays the kazoo. Dennis Thompson gets his moment to shine with a smart bass solo before Manitoba leaves the stage to be replaced by Lemmy who stays for one song and does a worthy impression of a blues singer.
Highlights of the set come with excellent renditions of 'Looking At You' and of course 'Kick Out The Jams', which sounds as good today as it ever did. During 'Rocket Reducer No.62' Kramer splits the crowd into three to recreate the 'Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa' part of the song and for a moment the crowd do a great job of filling in before the band take it up again. All good fun and highly entertaining. Gilby Clarke fits in well and the band look like they thoroughly enjoy themselves when they're playing together. The musicianship and raw power of MC5 is evident throughout their set and from the reactions I heard on the way out they've won themselves a new generation of fans. DKT/MC5 have proven just why they are so influential but also that they are still relevant in the scene today. Good stuff.