by
Rob Jones
MC5 have proven to be one of the most influential bands in alternative rock history. The band formed in 1964 but it was their debut long player five years on that set the underground alight. The colossal Kick out the Jams album was awash with power and politics that set the template for 70’s punk. Half a century on and only guitar guru Wayne Kramer remains from the illustrious quintet but he now spearheads the anniversary laden MC50 with members of Faith No More, Fugazi, Soundgarden and Zen Guerilla.
What chance did I ever think there would be to see Kramer play live in Cardiff? Nil! However, in a support slot to Alice Cooper and The Stranglers the current incarnation of MC50 united and nailed it as the ultimate opening act!
Towering tunes such as: Ramblin’ Rose, Kick out the Jams, Come Together, Rocket Reducer No. 62 (Rama Lama Fa Fa Fa) and Borderline fronted their fresher fare and these TNT loaded torpedoes are still a force. Then there are other gems such as Looking at You and Sister Anne which compliment the package. WOW! Breathtaking and brilliant……
The pace, passion and potency of the fab 5 simply blew everyone away and as a 7pm start it was an almighty ‘Motorpoint is Burning’ experience. There is simply no flab on this material unlike Alice later on who displays all of the stagnant stereotypes that would drag rock music to the grave.
Kramer leads from the front and the substitutes for the original line up do not put a foot wrong and offer an abundance of energy and enthusiasm. The images of the ’69 powerhouse in their prime is You Tube Midas but in its place is an extremely plausible and pleasurable alternative.
Brothers and sisters, I want to see a sea of hands out there
Let me see a sea of hands
I want everyone to kick up some noise
I want to hear some revolution out there brothers
I want to hear a little revolution
Brothers and sisters, the time has come for each and every one of you to decide whether you are going to be the problem or whether you are going to be the solution
(That’s right)
You must choose brothers, you must choose
It takes five seconds, five seconds of decision, five seconds to realize your purpose here on the planet
It takes five seconds to realize that it’s time to move, it’s time to get down with it
Brothers, it’s time to testify and I want to know, are you ready to testify?
Are you ready?
I give you a testimonial, the MC5
