MC5 drummer Dennis Thompson dies aged 75 - KSHE 95

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MC5 drummer Dennis Thompson died at the age of 75.

A post posted on MC5’s Instagram on Thursday, May 9, reads: “Drummer Dennis ‘Machine Gun’ Thompson, MC5’s engine room, died of heart failure this morning in Michigan. Take a rest.”

Formed outside of Detroit in 1963, MC5 had a major impact on the emerging punk rock scene. They became best known for their 1969 album Out with the jams and its title track.

News of Thompson’s death comes just three months after the MC5 guitarist’s death Wayne Kramer died in February. Thompson and Kramer were the last two surviving members of the classic Out with the jams align.

MC5 is among the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees with the Musical Excellence Award.