Died On This Date (May 9, 2024) Dennis Thompson / Longtime Drummer For MC5
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Dennis Thompson
September 7, 1948 – May 9, 2024
As reported by Brian McCollom in the Detroit Free Press, Dennis Thompson has passed away. Known for his dynamic drumming that propelled the influential Detroit band MC5, died Thursday morning at the age of 75 after battling a series of medical issues.
While in a hospital following a heart attack back in April, Thompson learned that MC5 was finally headed into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to which he reportedly exclaimed, “It’s about fucking time!” and was eagerly anticipating the event.
Thompson was the last surviving member of MC5, preceded in death by his bandmates singer Rob Tyner, guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith, bassist Michael Davis, and guitarist Wayne Kramer.
While still in high school, Thompson’s musical journey began with a teen garage band called the Bounty Hunters, alongside his friend Kramer who in 1965, welcomed him into the MC5 family. Thompson often credited the band’s success to their blue-collar work ethic and relentless practice sessions.
Throughout the band’s turbulent rise and fall in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Thompson remained a stalwart member. From their iconic live album Kick Out the Jams to their defiant performance at the Democratic National Convention in 1968, his powerful drumming defined MC5’s sound and spirit.
Following MC5’s breakup in 1972, Thompson continued to perform locally with various Detroit bands and reunited with Kramer and Davis from time to time.
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