Died On This Date (February 17, 2012) Michael Davis / Bassist For The MC5

Michael Davis
June 5, 1943 – February 17, 2012

Michael Davis was the bassist for Detroit garage rock legends, the MC5 who were heavy influences on the punk movement to soon follow.  More than just another loud blues-rock band, the MC5 were endeared by fans for their anti-establishment lyrics.  The band’s use of itself as a political voice inspired future generations to do the same.  Bands like the Clash and Rage Against the Machine have cited them as an influence for doing just that.  Following his departure from the group, Davis played in Destroy All Monsters, an underground band that found a strong cult status among punk fans.  In the mid 2000s, Davis and his wife founded The Music Is Revolution Foundation whose mission is to build public awareness that music education can help students improve their overall grades.  Davis was also a talented visual artist who found his work gracing clothing, skateboard decks and much more.  Michael Davis died of liver failure on February 17, 2012.  He was 68.  MC5 band mates, Rob Tyner and Fred “Sonic” Smith passed away in 1991 and 1994 respectively.

What You Should Own

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Kick Out the Jams - MC5

Died On This Date (November 4, 1994) Fred “Sonic” Smith / The MC5

Fred “Sonic” Smith
September 14, 1949 – November 4, 1994

Fred “Sonic” Smith was the founding guitarist for Detroit proto punk band, the MC5.  Formed in 1964 with Wayne Kramer, Rob Tyner, Michael Davis and Dennis Thompson, the MC5 were one of the architects of garage rock and were a direct influence on punk rock. Their “Kick Out The Jams” remains one of rocks truest anthems to this day.  After MC5 disbanded in 1972, Smith went on to form Sonic’s Rendezvous Band which included Scott Asheton of the Stooges.  In 1976, Smith met punk poetess, Patti Smith while she and her band were in Detroit.  They hit it off and eventually became romantically involved.  They married in 1980 and both settled into a family life in the suburbs of Detroit.  Fred and Patti Smith collaborated on record in the coming years, but were for the most part, retired from the music industry.  Fred “Sonic” Smith was 45 when he died of a heart attack on November 4, 1994.  Patti Smith went on to see some of her most productive and successful years back in the music business.

What You Should Own

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Kick Out the Jams - MC5