Wayne Kramer (guitarist)
| Wayne Kramer | |
|---|---|
TracyKetcher.jpg)
Wayne Kramer at Road Recovery Benefit, Nokia Times Square Theater, 2009
(Photo Credit: Tracy Ketcher) |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Wayne Kambes |
| Born | April 30, 1948 |
| Genres | Punk rock, hard rock, garage rock, protopunk, blues rock, psychedelic rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, guitarist, composer, producer |
| Instruments | Guitar, bass guitar, vocals |
| Years active | 1964–present |
| Labels |
Epitaph Records Alive Records MuscleTone Diesel Motor |
| Associated acts |
MC5 Gang War Mudhoney Was (not was) Axis of Justice GG Allin The Dumbwaiters |
| Website | www |
Wayne Kramer (born April 30, 1948) is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer and film and television composer.
Kramer came to prominence as a teenager in 1967 as a co-founder of the Detroit rock group MC5 (Motor City 5), a group known for their powerful live performances and radical left-wing political stance. MC5 broke up amid personality conflicts, drug abuse, and personal problems, which, for Kramer, led to several fallow years, as he battled drug addiction before returning to an active recording and performing schedule in the 1990s.
Rolling Stone ranked him number ninety-two on their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of all Time".
MC5 often played at Detroit's famous Grande Ballroom and was managed by John Sinclair, a radical left-wing writer and co-founder of the White Panther Party, until 1970 when Jon Landau took over creative management of the group. After MC5's demise, Kramer spent several years involved in illicit activities due to his ongoing struggle with drug addiction.{{}}
In 1975, he was caught selling cocaine to undercover federal agents and went to prison for over two years at the Lexington Federal Prison in Lexington, Kentucky. While incarcerated he met Red Rodney, the American jazz trumpeter who had played with Charlie Parker's quintet. They played together in the institution's Sunday chapel.
Upon his release from prison, he moved to New York City and briefly teamed up with Johnny Thunders. They formed the band Gang War. He also played with popular 1980 band Fats Deacon and the Dumbwaiters, making appearances on "The Uncle Floyd Show", and appearing at all the major clubs of that era. The Dumbwaiters also included drummer Paul Blaccard and bassist Anthony Lombardo.
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Wikipedia