MC5 Announce First New Album In 53 Years 'Heavy Lifting'
Thursday, 06 June 2024
Written by Jon Stickler
Photo: Jim Newberry
MC5 have announced their first new studio album in over five decades.
Titled 'Heavy Lifting', the project will feature both guitar and vocals from late founding member Wayne Kramer (pictured), the last remaining active member of the band, who died back in February following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
The record will boast a number of special guests, including Tom Morello and Slash. Comprising 13 songs, 12 of which were co-written by Kramer and Oakland singer-songwriter Brad Brooks, the LP also features contributions from drummer Dennis "Machine Gun" Thompson, who passed away in May. As a preview, check out the gritty rocker Boys Who Play With Matches below.
The Bob Ezrin-produced album will arrive through earMusic on October 18, following up 'High Time', which was released 53 years ago. Ezrin commented:
"It's very heavy. It has a revolutionary message but also a good sense of humor. There's a little bit of heavy metal. There's quite a bit of funk. But it is a heavy record, and it's a guitar record left, right and center. Just a wall of guitars most of the time, and mostly driven by Wayne and his ethos. It’s a snapshot of a guitar man at the height of his powers. We all feel a responsibility to make sure that his work is heard, and he is celebrated. We poured our hearts into the project."
The day after the LP's release, MC5 will be honoured with the Musical Excellence Award as part of their induction into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
'Heavy Lifting' tracklist:
1. Heavy Lifting (feat. Tom Morello)
2. Barbarians At The Gate
3. Change, No Change
4. The Edge Of The Switchblade (feat. William Duvall & Slash)
5. Black Boots (feat. Tim McIIrath)
6. I Am The Fun (The Phoney)
7. Twenty-Five Miles
8. Because Of Your Car
9. Boys Who Play With Matches
10. Blind Eye (feat. Dennis Thompson)
11. Can’t Be Found (feat. Vernon Reid & Dennis Thompson)
12. Blessed Release
13. Hit It Hard (feat. Joe Berry)
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
